Italy’s tourism sector posted its strongest year on record in 2025, with total tourist arrivals reaching 185 million, according to data from the Interior Ministry’s Alloggiati Web platform.
The figure represents a 7.1% increase compared with 2024, when arrivals stood at 173million, confirming the continued recovery and expansion of one of Italy’s most important economic sectors.
Growth Across All Accommodation Types
The rise was driven by growth in both hotels and alternative accommodation. Hotel arrivals increased by 3%, from 101.6 million in 2024 to just over 104.6 million in 2025. Non-hotel accommodation, including holiday rentals, guesthouses and agriturismi, recorded much stronger growth, rising by 13% from 71.4 million to more than 80.6 million arrivals.
The data reflects long-term changes in tourist behaviour, with increasing demand for short-term rentals and more flexible forms of accommodation, particularly in major cities and coastal areas.
Foreign Tourism Leads the Recovery
Foreign visitors remained the main driver of growth. International arrivals rose by 8.7%, from 95.7 million in 2024 to more than 104 million in 2025. Tourism officials said the figures confirm Italy’s renewed global appeal, supported by strong demand from North America, northern Europe and Asia, as well as the return of long-haul travel.
Italian domestic tourism also increased, with arrivals up 5.1% from 77.3 million to 81.2 million.
Economic Impact
Tourism is one of Italy’s largest industries, accounting for around 13% of GDP, including indirect effects.
The strong performance in 2025 is expected to have generated tens of billions of euros in additional revenue, benefiting transport, hospitality, retail and cultural sectors.
Major destinations such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples all reported near-capacity levels during peak seasons, while lesser-known regions also recorded increased visitor numbers.
Pressure on Infrastructure
Despite the positive figures, the surge in tourism has intensified concerns over overcrowding and sustainability.
Several cities have introduced or expanded visitor management measures, including limits on short-term rentals, tourist taxes, and access restrictions to historic centres.
The government has said future tourism policy will focus not only on growth, but also on distributing visitors more evenly across regions and seasons, and protecting Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage.
