Green Easter: Italy leads outdoor tourism in Europe

Outdoor tourism, Italy is the protagonist of spring 2026. 

Indeed, outdoor holidays are confirmed once again this year as one of the most loved options for the Easter period, with Italy consolidating its role as a reference destination in this tourism sector. According to reports from Agipress and the latest data from Pitchup.com, a platform specialized in outdoor stay bookings, reservations for Easter 2026 in Italian open-air facilities show an increase of +96% compared to the same period in 2025. This growth is significantly higher than the global average of the platform, which stands at +35%, highlighting Italy's strong appeal in international outdoor tourism.

Driving this growth is primarily the foreign demand: a remarkable 80% of bookings come from international travelers, while the domestic market is limited to 20%. Among the main countries of origin are Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, which continue to represent key markets for outdoor tourism in Italy. This trend confirms how our country is perceived as an ideal destination for holidays immersed in nature, thanks to the variety of landscapes, mild climate, and a widespread and quality accommodation offer.

Regarding booking habits, travelers tend to organize themselves further in advance compared to the past: for Easter, an average of about 59 days is recorded. The duration of stays is around 3.1 nights, confirming this holiday as a perfect moment for short spring breaks. The average spending is around 45 euros per night, making outdoor tourism an accessible and flexible choice for different types of travelers.

On the accommodation front, “bring your own” solutions prevail, with a strong demand for pitches dedicated to campers and motorhomes. This is a clear signal of the growing spread of itinerant tourism and the desire for freedom and autonomy, increasingly appreciated by those seeking authentic experiences away from the most crowded destinations.

Analyzing the profile of travelers, couples represent the main segment (60%), followed by families (33%). The presence of solo travelers (5%) and groups of friends (2%) is more limited. The phenomenon of pet-friendly tourism continues to grow: about 10% of bookings include pets, demonstrating an increasingly attentive offer to the needs of those traveling with their four-legged friends.

As highlighted by Daniel Yates, Founder & Managing Director of Pitchup, the data confirms Italy's strong appeal in the European outdoor holiday landscape, particularly during spring. The Easter period proves ideal for short stays in contact with nature, increasingly chosen by international travelers seeking sustainable, authentic, and flexible experiences. The recorded growth reinforces the central role of outdoor tourism in the travel sector in Europe.