Tourism, the summer of 2026 establishes Italy as the queen of Europe: Spain and France beat

Italy confirms itself as the European queen of tourism also for the summer of 2026, recording a saturation rate Ota (51.2%) higher than competitors such as Spain (42,8%) e France (32.9%) and an average rate (153 euros) lower than in Spain (170) e Greece (195). This is what emerges from the calculations of the Statistics Office of Ministry of Tourism.

In particular, the highest saturation rates are observed in Veneto (57,5%), in Emilia-Romagna (56.7%), in the autonomous province of Trento (55.7%) and in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (54.9%). To follow, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (53,7%), Sicily (53,3%) e Tuscany (52.5%) all show values ​​higher than the national average. Furthermore, the national saturation level for June and July recorded an increase over the same period of 2025, by +13.4% and +10% respectively. Not just the sea: the areas close to lakes are those with the highest degree of saturation (54%), followed by localities spas and seaside resorts (both 51%).

The boom in air travel and emerging markets

The strong expansionary dynamics of international demand towards Italy is demonstrated by the increase in aerial searches by 26% compared to last year. The growth of some emerging or strengthening European markets, such as Poland (+76%), Germania (+66%) and Spain (+48%). In support of this trend, there is a contextual strengthening of air capacitywith a +14% of the offer of seats on direct scheduled flights, more marked than in Spain (+8%), Greece (+7%) and France (+2%).

It also grows Mid-August: flight searches for the period 14-16 August show a +17%, relating to both the domestic and foreign components, compared to the same holiday in 2025.

The comment by minister Gianmarco Mazzi

“The summer of 2026 confirms itself as a success for tourism in Italy, with an Ota saturation rate of 51.2%, higher than competitors such as Spain and France. The increase in aerial searches of 26% compared to last year, combined with an increase in aerial capacity, demonstrates a strong international interest in our country. Italy maintains its primacy as a privileged destination for visitors from all over the world. A result that is the result of constant teamwork between Governmentbusinesses and operators in the sector. We are proud of it and look to the future with optimism”, comments the Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi.