Italy tourism and maritime sectors report strong 2026 seasonal performance

Italy's tourism and maritime sectors report significant activity for the 2026 season. In Calabria, tourism is projected to reach 2.3 million arrivals and 9.8 million presences by 2026, with tourist spending estimated at 3.1 billion euros, representing 7.6% of the regional GDP. The destination of Tropea has also seen strong growth, with August spending up 18% compared to 2025, driven by a balanced mix of domestic and international visitors, particularly from the DACH region and Eastern Europe.

The short-term car rental market in Italy is also experiencing a positive trend. Companies like Hertz have seen growth due to increased long-haul flights to secondary Italian destinations such as Naples, Bari, Catania, Palermo, and Olbia, which has boosted demand for premium vehicle fleets.

Regarding maritime safety, the Coast Guard concluded its ‘Mare e Laghi Sicuri 2026’ operation. Across Italy, the campaign involved over 296,000 controls and assisted 1,370 people. Specifically in the Marche region, the operation conducted over 9,000 checks, resulting in 280 administrative offenses and the rescue of 51 people.