Italy tops Europe in summer 2026 tourism

Italy tourism summer 2026 occupancy 51.2% European competition flight capacity

Italy has confirmed its position as the leading European tourism destination for the summer of 2026. Official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism show an online travel agency (OTA) occupancy rate of 51.2%, well above Spain’s 42.8% and France’s 32.9%. The average nightly price of €153 is lower than Spain (€170) and Greece (€195).

The strongest regional performance comes from Veneto (57.5% occupancy), Emilia‑Romagna (56.7%), Trento (55.7%) and Bolzano (54.9%). National occupancy rose by 13.4% in June and 10% in July compared with the same period in 2025. International demand grew, with a 26% rise in flight searches, especially from Poland (+76%), Germany (+66%) and Spain (+48%). Airline capacity on direct routes to Italy increased by 14%.

Government officials praised the results. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted “the beauty of our nation” and the sector’s contribution to the economy, while Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi called the summer a “success” driven by teamwork between government, businesses and operators. Regional tourism leader Luca Profili noted that the Tuscia area can also benefit from the surge, emphasizing its lakes, thermal sites and cultural heritage.