Italy has been able to show a substantial growth of its tourist industry
tourist industry in 2007. Foreign visitors have spent 1.7% more in 2007 than the previous year. The number of arrivals has also increased by 4.7%. The forecasts for 2008 indicate a further increase of tourism in Italy and a season of stability, with peaks for the Garda Lake and the other Northern lakes, which are now on an equal level with the Venetian coast.
French tourist numbers in Italy have increased by 5%. The demand for country destinations prevails - farm holidays and luxury lodges in Tuscany, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna.
Substantial increase is signaled from the Iberian Peninsula where the increase of the sales averages 10%, with increased demand for fine cuisine and wine tourism, while they emerge as tourism transactions.
USA visitors are flowing to Florence, with projected increases of 10% for 2008. For the winter-Christmas period, the destinations of Center and South Italy will be privileged, with Rome, Florence, Naples and the Amalfi Coast in pole position.
Russian visitors' numbers have increased by 20%, especially with tour operators packages. Cultural tourism in great art cities, followed by alpine ski and thermal tourism are Russians' favorites.
The demands for information on Italy have increased also in Japan. The tour operators' catalogues show Italy as an established destination. Italy increases also on the Hungarian market: the Hungarians on tour will focus on cities of art, Sicily, Naples and outskirts.
Increase is also expected from the Czech Republic, with increments of around to 15-20%. An increase of travel services to Europe, around 25%, has taken place on the Chinese market in the course of 2007, but the important innovation in 2008 will be the fact that Italy will more often be a single destination, and Sicily as an often preferred option.
The Korean market, that is among the most dynamic in the world, records increases in outgoing tourism.
Travel agents and hundreds of tour operators, including companies from countries like China and India or the countries of the Persian Gulf, grant a great deal of interest to Italy, as they setup fairs and workshops that promote Italy on the foreign markets. Tourism in Italy is set to assert its great quality for all visitors and its role as a primary source of job supply, well-being and progress in Italy.
A La Carte Italy Tours offers private luxury tours in Italy. Their website contains rich information about Italy's cultural heritage and gourmet food and wine.