Italy's internal towns generate €1.6 billion tourism value, study finds

A Confturismo study commissioned by Confcommercio and Isfort presented at the “Turismo è Territorio” conference in Rome revealed that Italy’s 2,137 municipalities in interior regions have a tourism vocation, but only about 350 (16%) currently realise their potential. These active communes account for more than 128 million overnight stays a year and generate €25 billion in tourist spending.

The remaining 1,787 municipalities, representing over 80% of the total, produce roughly 33 million overnight stays and €6 billion in revenue. Researchers estimate that a sustainable boost in visitor flows could add €1.6 billion to Italy’s GDP and create around 14,000 jobs within five years. The report highlights structural challenges: 84% of the communes are classified as peripheral and 91% as ultra‑peripheral, facing poor access to essential services and transport links. It calls for targeted investment in infrastructure, digital transition and stronger collaboration between businesses, institutions and local communities. Successful models cited include tourist systems in Trentino’s Val di Fassa and the inter‑regional governance of Lake Garda.