Lecce tourism grows as international arrivals rise

Tourism in the province of Lecce has shown growth during the first seven months of 2026. Arrivals reached 969,000, a 4.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, while stays approached 3.9 million, up 5 percent.

There is a notable shift in visitor demographics, as international arrivals grew by 10.2 percent while domestic Italian arrivals remained stable. This international growth is contributing to the gradual de-seasonalization of the region, as foreign tourists tend to visit during the shoulder months of spring and autumn, often focusing on cultural attractions in Lecce.

While the concentration of tourism in the peak summer months of June, July, and August has decreased from 71.7 percent in 2019 to 69.6 percent in 2025, the province remains more seasonal than the broader Puglia region.