Italian beach fiasco: prices explode and tourists stay away!

Italian beach fiasco: prices explode and tourists stay away!

The summer months in Italy have traditionally high season for tourism, but this year a drastic price increase causes excitement. Especially on the popular beaches of the country, vacationers have to dig deep into their pockets, which causes resentment among many guests and operators. According to vienna.at costs a day in the luxurious "twiga" club in Tuscany up to 1500 euros in the "ruler tent", Eating and drinks are not included. These exorbitant prices are reflected in many of the over 7000 private beaches that have also raised their fees.

The Italian Tourism Association Assobalneari Italia reports of a dramatic decline in the number of guests by 25 to 30 percent this season. The beaches are only well attended on Sundays. Against the background, the prices for beach rents rise, which last year at over 30 euros for one day with two loungers and a parasol. The “La Perla del Tirreno” lido in Santa Marinella is currently asking for 60 euros, so that families often have to spend more than 100 euros for a beach day.

price attacks and outrage

Although discussions about high prices on Italy's beaches are not new, there is a significantly larger wave of outrage this year. Summer weddings with temperatures around 35 degrees and the upcoming holiday Ferragosto on August 15 nevertheless hopes for a revival of the number of visitors. Prominent voices like actors Alessandro Gassmann call the operators of beach baths to reduce prices, contrary to the general price trends.

The Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanché sees the reports of a crisis as "alarm" and "misleading". Nevertheless, Assobalneari President Fabrizio Licordari admits that inflation and increased living costs contribute significantly to the current situation. In contrast, vacationers can find cheaper alternatives in less frequented regions such as Porto Empedocle, where there are only 20 euros.

popularity of free beaches

In order to escape the high rental costs, many tourists switch to freely accessible coastal sections. The beach of Capocotta south of Rome is becoming increasingly popular, since there are no beach baths or rental costs. This is particularly attracted to younger vacationers who cannot afford the impressive prices of the beach baths.

according to The press Almost 30 million Italians plan a beach vacation, supplemented by foreign tourists, especially from Austria. Inflation has dramatically increased the prices for beach rents, a basic set of two loungers and a parasol cost less than 10 euros in front of the pandemic and is now between 30 and 100 euros. A survey shows that the prices vary particularly in the front rows, whereby Alassio on the Riviera Liguria is the most expensive destination with an average price of 340 euros.

challenges and opportunities for tourism

The price increases are not only a financial problem for vacationers, but also an indicator of the challenges with which the Italian tourism sector is confronted. The petition of Altroconsumo requires a reform of the beach concession system to ensure fair access to beaches and transparent tenders for new concessions create.

The tourism sector in Italy has the potential to recover despite the current challenges. The country remains a sought -after destination, known for its cultural treasures and picturesque landscapes. According to Triplo.de Italy 2019 is 94 million foreign tourists and is one of the most visited countries in the world. The longing for Italian hospitality and the famous beaches seem to be great despite the price problem.