The Italian tourism sector shows signs of further expansion in 2026, at least according to estimates released by Demoskopika and reported by ANSA.
The forecasts for 2026 outline a positive scenario, with 141.2 million arrivals and 478.6 million expected presences, increasing by 2.1% and 0.4% respectively compared to the previous year.
According to estimates from Demoskopika published in advance, domestic demand is also picking up: nearly 64.8 million Italians will generate over 213 million overnight stays, marking a turnaround after a two-year period that was weaker for the domestic component. On the international front, over 76 million foreign tourists are expected in Italian locations, confirming the growing importance of incoming tourism, which would represent more than 55% of total presences.
From an economic perspective, tourism spending could reach 132.7 billion euros, with an increase of 4.0% compared to 2025. The estimates also take into account inflationary pressures, with an acquired inflation rate for 2026 at 2.4% and an increase in prices of unregulated energy products at 7.9%, factors that could affect mobility and vacation costs.
Finally, a gradual extension of the tourist season is emerging. The “StagioMetro”, an index that measures the seasonality of tourism, would stand at 106.0: the share of summer presences would drop to 56.9%, while the so-called “shoulder seasons” (March–May and October–November) would rise to 29.4%.
Overall, as reported by ANSA citing Demoskopika, the Italian tourism sector would show capacity for growth and adaptation, with a more balanced distribution of flows throughout the year and greater stability for businesses even in traditionally less intense months.
