Sicily protagonist of Italian tourism
The Island, despite Covid-19 restrictions, has recorded important numbers concerning tourism.
According to Giusy Belfiore, president of the Etna tour guides, Sicily has been elected undisputed queen of the summer 2021. Compared to a 2020 hit by pandemic closures, which nevertheless did not disappoint expectations, this year recorded a +39% on the tourism sector. Merit of a Region that through its beauty attracts visitors from Northern and Eastern Europe as well as Italy.
The positive data of tourism in Sicily
This year the statistics speak of a sharp recovery from the pre-Covid period. In fact, record numbers of arrivals and stays in our territory were recorded in 2019. The pandemic has certainly not helped the economy, but that should not diminish expectations for the future.
Already in this 2021, a breakthrough year after a negative period, the results are more than encouraging. Suffice it to say that they were well 500 thousand visitors arrived on the island during the peak season.
Testifying to this are the percentage figures. Compared with last year, attendance in June increased by 97 percent, with a further 107 percent increase in July.
As for thevery high season, a survey conducted by Assoturismo Confesercenti in collaboration with the Florence-based Center for Tourism Studies, reports an “almost sold out” for the period between August 13 and 16 with 96.6 percent of rooms occupied. (Source: Meridionews)
Assaeroporti confirms the veracity of the percentages listed so far, reporting the number of movements and passengers at Italian airports. Between March and September 2021, Fontanarossa Airport recorded an impressive 6548 air flights, 842,728 passengers, and a decrease of only 12.3 percent compared to 2019. Palermo’s airport comes close to the numbers for the province of Etna, recording a decline of only 2.6 percent.
Counting also land travel, the Island hosted 2.3 million tourists in hotels and non-hotel facilities this year.
Who chooses Sicily as their vacation destination?
While 2020 saw a decline in foreign vacationers, this year’s Germans, French, Spanish and even Iranians have chosen Sicily for their vacation. There is an increase in young people taking solo trips, but the results on families do not disappoint either.
Regarding the Italians, there is very good news. Many preferred not to cross the border, choosing Trinacria. Definitely influenced by fear of cancellations following state closures, Growing Italian turnout by 6 percent compared to July 2019. Important data that also confirm the prompt response of Sicilian facilities, welcoming increasingly digital tourists.
Why do tourists choose Sicily?
A desirable destination because of its culture and food and wine. Those who come to Sicily are hosted by a land that has the right requirements to make a vacation unforgettable. Who of the slow tourism made their travel philosophy will find incredible places and original activities. Some of these can be found in the “What to do” section of our website, where there are Sicilian realities that we have selected for the quality of their services and with which we share the values of authenticity of slow tourism.
La Valley of the Temples, Scala dei Turchi, l’Roman Amphitheater and theEar of Dionysus in Syracuse, the village of Marzamemi or cities such as Catania e Palermo are places that tourists absolutely do not want to miss.
Moreover, it is the gastronomy that makes it more authentic. There are numerous tastings of local wines and products, with smells and tastes representing Trinacria.
Luca Russo