Alongside the extreme heatwaves, Italy is also approaching the height of its summer: Ferragosto. According to CNA Turismo e Commercio's estimates, between 1 and 23 August a total of 17.4 million tourists will be travelling in Italy, including 8.4 million Italians and nine million visitors from abroad.
Average stays will be around 4.5 nights and direct tourist spending will exceed €9 billion.
Taking into account the effects on other sectors, including accommodation, food services, retail, crafts, as well as culture and services, the overall economic impact over the coming month could surpass €15 billion.
These estimates form part of a summer which, according to forecasts, could top 224 million overnight stays in total in the July-September quarter, generating spending of around €27 billion.
August, and particularly the week of Ferragosto, thus confirms itself as one of the most promising periods for tourism, but data from an EMG survey show that travellers' habits are changing. Less than 40% of those going on holiday will depart in August, choosing instead to travel in June, July or September.
