'Unoccupied Haven': Italy's Vacation Spots Languish in Idleness – Sweltering Temperatures and High Costs Dissuade Tourists
In a surprising twist, the sun-soaked Italian coastlines that once drew millions of tourists each summer are now experiencing a significant decline in visitors. The beach in Riccione, a favourite spot for resident Carlotta since her childhood, currently remains empty, a testament to the current state of affairs.
This downturn in tourism is primarily attributed to unstable July weather, rising prices, and the general economic crisis reducing households' purchasing power, particularly impacting middle-class families. Beach resorts have reported visitor drops between 20% and 30% due to frequent rain, temperature swings, and sharply increased costs for rentals and beachside services, which discourage extended stays.
Meanwhile, the Italian Alps are witnessing a surge in tourism. The cooler and more stable weather conditions are proving to be a welcome respite amid the heatwaves affecting coastal areas. The Alps offer attractive alternatives, with initiatives extending the tourist season into autumn, featuring mountain huts open later and activities focused on gastronomy and viticulture.
Improved transport infrastructure, such as tunnels and highways, has also made the Alps more accessible, boosting tourism there. Additionally, the Alps benefit from diversification in both winter and summer tourism, injecting economic vitality into remote villages and attracting visitors looking to escape the heat and economic pressures at the coast.
Andrea, a lifeguard, expresses hope for an improvement in the next few weeks, while shop owner Domenico, whose family has been trading near the historic Cesare Baths for three generations, is surprised by the lack of visitors during the main holiday week. In contrast, Trentino-South Tyrol is experiencing a large influx of tourists, with foreign visitors now crucial for the occupancy rate in Salento.
The decline in tourism is affecting beach businesses and accommodations, particularly family-run hotels. The same phenomenon is observed in Tarquinia, Santa Severa, and Santa Marinella, with the promenade near the historic Cesare Baths remaining largely empty, despite it being the main holiday week.
Unfortunately, the decline in tourist numbers is not limited to the coast. In Calabria and Emilia-Romagna, the drop is at 25 percent. The tourist flow at Lake Garda has significantly decreased, with a noticeable absence of Germans. Even the sun-soaked regions of Salento and Torre Lapillo, known for their picturesque beaches, are seeing a steep increase in costs for sun umbrellas and loungers, reaching up to 95 euros in Torre Lapillo.
The situation is so dire that Carlo Maria Piccioni, son of lifeguards, states that the current summer is the most disappointing since 1989, even surpassing the low numbers during the Covid times. Tragically, eight tourists on Sardinia have died of heart attacks while sunbathing or swimming, a stark reminder of the strain this season has put on many.
Despite these challenges, the Italian tourism industry remains resilient, with many hoping for a turnaround in the coming weeks. For now, the Alps stand as a beacon of hope, offering an alternative to the traditional coastal holidays and injecting new life into Italy's tourism sector.
[1] The Local [2] The Guardian [3] Reuters [4] Corriere della Sera
