In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements

On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of Giorgia Meloni government in Italy, the Ministry of Tourism highlights how dynamic and successful the executive has been in promoting and fostering Italy’s tourism sector.

Over the past three years, the executive has invested over 4 billion euros in total to strengthen the sector. The vision has generated €228.5 billion in value added, equivalent to approximately 13% of GDP ; almost €180 billion euros in tourism spending; and 3 million of jobs in total, which is 13% of the total employment.

“And the estimates tell us of an even brighter future, in line with the far-reaching and long-term policies we have begun to implement over these first three years of government,” highlights Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè.

” In 2025, Italy tourism is forecast to reach a value added to GDP of €237.4 billion euros, 185 billion euros in terms of spending, and 3.2 million employees. We have provided vision and strategy to a sector that has been kept off the Italian political agenda for too long, and which has found absolute centrality with the Meloni government. Thanks to the stability of this government, we are also encouraging significant investments that will contribute significantly to strengthening the entire tourism supply chain,” she comments.

Investing in Quality and Competitiveness

Through the Strategic Tourism Plan 2023–2027, Italy has adopted an industrial vision for tourism, focusing on quality and competitiveness through targeted investments. Of particular importance is a €1.38 billion investment from the FRI-Tur fund to upgrade services and facilities, promote digitization, and encourage sustainability.

An additional €800 million from the European Investment Bank for new projects and green transition efforts in tourism.

Italy is also leading Europe in regulating fake reviews, introducing rules to ensure that feedback is authentic and based on verified experiences — protecting both consumers and operators.

Promoting a Diversified and Sustainable Offer

Tourism represents 13% of Italy’s GDP and total employment. The Ministry has launched measures to support a more sustainable, high-quality, and diversified tourism model, promoting year-round travel beyond traditional destinations.

More than €700 million have been allocated to enhance Italy’s mountain regions — particularly the Apennines — UNESCO sites, small tourism-oriented towns, and rest areas. Projects include the creation of 4,316 new parking areas and the renovation of 153 existing ones across 170 municipalities, supporting the growth of open-air tourism, which generates an estimated €8.85 billion in economic impact.

Work, Training, and Skills

To make tourism more attractive as a career path and address labor shortages, Italy has introduced several workforce measures. A 5% flat tax on tips up to €75,000 per year provides workers an average annual benefit of €1,087 (Il Sole 24 Ore).

Other initiatives include €152 million for bonuses on night and holiday shifts, 40,000 new qualified foreign workers, €110 million for development contracts, and €120 million for staff housing. The government has also invested €21 million in training programs and launched the first National Strategic Hub for High-Level Tourism Education, along with the “Italian School of Hospitality” in Egypt under the Mattei Plan for Africa.

Driving Digital Transformation

Italy’s digital tourism revolution continues with Italia.it and the Tourism Digital Hub, now counting over 33,000 participating companies, 45,000 pieces of content, and nearly 7 million visits in the first four months of 2025.

Additional initiatives include:

• €19 million for the Digitour program supporting digitization of travel agencies and tour operators.

• €5 million for free Wi-Fi in public marinas.

• €5 million for the Italy Destination Management System integrating data, hospitality, and promotion.

• €5 million for over 20 innovative tourism startups.

Strengthening “Made in Italy” and Combating Illegality

To boost competitiveness, Italy has lowered the tax-free shopping threshold from €160 to €70, leading to a 97% increase in transactions, a 29% rise in refund turnover, and 21% more retailers offering tax refunds.

Two landmark reforms — the national registry for short-term rentals (BDSR and CIN) and the digital registry of licensed tour guides — are combating illegal operations, improving transparency, and protecting both professionals and consumers.

Accessibility, Resilience, and Global Leadership

The Ministry has allocated €18 million for accessibility certifications and €50 million for inclusive tourism projects. Nearly €80 million have supported businesses hit by adverse weather events.

Italy is also asserting its international leadership by hosting major global events, including the International Tourism Forum (Baveno 2023, Florence 2024), the G7 Tourism Meeting (Florence 2024), and in 2025, the first “Bridging Destinations” Italy–Balkans Forum and the WTTC Global Summit — placing Italian tourism firmly at the center of the world stage.