Italy sees rise in domestic staycations and culinary tourism

Italy is experiencing shifting patterns in tourism, characterized by a rise in local staycations and a strong interest in culinary products among international visitors.

Recent data indicates that nearly 50% of Italians are open to the staycation trend, opting to spend holidays within their own regions to reduce travel stress, manage costs, and lower their carbon footprint. This movement emphasizes rediscovering local museums, parks, and regional attractions.

Simultaneously, international tourism remains a major economic driver. According to a survey by the Ministry of Tourism and Nexi, food is a primary attraction for foreign travelers. Beyond dining in restaurants, which accounted for over 26% of total foreign traveler spending with more than €5.5 billion spent electronically in 2024, tourists frequently use supermarkets to purchase authentic souvenirs. Popular items sought after by visitors include artisanal pasta, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar from Modena, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, and Prosciutto di Parma.