Slowing down of tourism due to costly living and adverse weather conditions
Liguria, the picturesque region on Italy's northwestern coast, has seen a summer of varied fortunes in its hospitality sector.
The much-anticipated Boat Show in Spezia is expected to contribute to the occupancy rate in the area, offering a promising outlook for the coming weeks. This optimism is backed by the stable arrivals from the European region, including countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.
However, the story is different for some other countries. Year after year, arrivals from Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria continue to increase, with a preference for the Riviera di Levante. Yet, there has been a slight decline in American guests, between 2 and 3%.
Intriguingly, Russian clients, living between London and the United Arab Emirates, are seeing a resurgence in Liguria. This trend is expected to continue, with a slight increase in presences anticipated in September and October, around 2 to 3%, in the Spezia area and in Genoa and surroundings.
The hospitality industry in Spezia and its surroundings is expected to see a slight increase in presences in the autumn months, offering some relief from the drop in presences experienced in August. This drop has wiped out the good results achieved in June and is part of a difficult economic cycle with a decrease in consumption and shorter average stays.
The share of Italian guests in the hospitality industry of Liguria has decreased significantly, from 27% in 2024 to 20%. This decline is a concern for entrepreneurs in the sector, who feel competition from extra-hotel hospitality.
Despite the challenges, the summer of 2025 has not been a complete loss. In fact, it has been compared by industry insider Aldo Werdin to the summer of 2024. Ferragosto saw near-full occupancy in Liguria, and the barometer of presences for the next few weeks in Imperia and Savona shows stability.
The average price of a vacation for a family of two adults with two children in a three-star hotel in Lerici, in the Spezia area, is around 2,130 euros, and in Santa Margherita Ligure, it is 3,600 euros. These prices reflect the region's appeal as a premium tourist destination.
One notable exception to the summer's trend is the Via dell'Amore in the Cinque Terre, where the number of visitors on Ferragosto was lower than that of 2012. This decrease could be attributed to various factors, including the region's unique charm attracting repeat visitors, or the impact of the economic cycle on travel decisions.
As the Boat Show approaches in Spezia, the hospitality industry in the region is hopeful for a boost in occupancy rates, signalling a positive end to the summer season.
Read also:
- Leg Vein Clot Treatment, Post-treatment Care, and Preventive Measures
- Kentucky joins nationwide 'Drive Sober' campaign spanning August 13 to September 1, ahead of Labor Day holiday.
- AI Actively combating Corruption within Government Institutions
- New CEO at Safe Harbor emphasizes expansion plans: "Growth is the goal"
