In 2024, Italians have confirmed their love for travel, exploring both the wonders of the national territory and foreign destinations. While seaside resorts in Italy, such as Vieste, continue to attract the majority of tourists, European capitals, such as Paris, Madrid and London, remain popular destinations for those seeking cultural holidays abroad.
Vieste and Puglia: A Destination of Excellence for the Sea and Nature
Vieste, located in the heart of the Gargano, confirms itself as one of the most popular seaside destinations in Italy. In 2023, Vieste recorded a total of over 2 million official tourist presences, confirming its role as the queen of tourism in Puglia. Its delightful village, its pristine beaches, together with the spectacular sea caves and the nearby Umbra Forest, make it an ideal choice for those seeking a holiday dedicated to nature and relaxation.
La Puglia, with around 5,4 million arrivals and 18,4 million tourist presences in 2023, continues to be one of the most popular regions for summer holidays. The sea remains the main attraction for 80,7% of holidaymakers, who choose this region for its crystal clear waters and its suggestive coasts.
In 2024, for the fourth year in a row, Puglia stands out as the region with the cleanest sea in Italy. This is confirmed by the monitoring data conducted by the National System for Environmental Protection, which analyzed the quality of bathing water throughout the country. Puglia ranked first, followed by Friuli-Venezia Giulia with 99%, Sardinia with 98,4% and Tuscany with 98,2%.
Cultural Holidays for Lovers of European Cities
Parallel to the love for the sea and nature, a significant portion of Italians choose to spend their holidays abroad, with 10,2% of holidaymakers opting for international destinations. Among these, the large European capitals, such as London, are confirmed as among the most sought after. Most Italians who travel abroad choose to visit cities like London, attracted by the incredible cultural and historical offer that the British capital offers.
London is an irresistible destination for those seeking a more dynamic and cultural holiday experience. Between its free museums, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery, and historic monuments such as Big Ben and the Tower of London, the city offers a perfect mix for those who want to immerse themselves in history and art. Even for budget-conscious travellers, London is accessible thanks to cheap holiday packages in London, which allow you to discover the city without giving up comfort.
Different Types of Holiday: Sea, Culture and City
In 2024, Italians' preferences have been distributed between different types of holidays. If 80,7% of holidaymakers opted for the sea, there is a significant part of the population who has chosen to explore other options. 13,1% preferred mountain destinations, lakes or spa resorts, while 3,3% decided to spend their holidays in places of art and culture, often choosing European cities such as London, Paris or Berlin.
This diversification reflects the growing interest in experiences that go beyond simple relaxation. Many Italians take advantage of their holidays to enrich their cultural and historical knowledge, combining visits to museums and monuments with the exploration of cosmopolitan cities.
THEinvestigation by Tecnè for Federalberghi highlights how in 2024, 36 million Italians decided to travel, with the majority choosing Italy as their destination, while 10,2% preferred foreign destinations. Of these, a good portion have split their holidays into multiple segments throughout the year, opting for short but frequent trips, a trend that continues to grow.
In Italy, Puglia remains one of the most visited regions, thanks to destinations such as Vieste which offer a perfect combination of nature, sea and culture. For those who want more cosmopolitan and cultural experiences, London represents an ideal choice, accessible thanks to holiday packages designed for every type of traveller.
Whether exploring Italy's coasts or discovering Europe's great capitals, 2024 has seen Italians continue to travel with enthusiasm, making the most of the opportunities offered by a wide range of destinations.
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