There will be 5,3 million Italians who will celebrate Valentine's Day in one of the more than 130.000 restaurants in the country.
Growing numbers compared to 2022 that bring them back to the levels of the pre-pandemic period. These are some of the data released by Fipe, the Italian Federation of Public Establishments, from which it emerges that dinner at a restaurant to celebrate Valentine's Day is still the most popular option among Italian couples.
According to forecasts, in fact, a total expenditure of around 270 million euros is expected. The restaurateurs were ready in view of the large influx of customers. A predictable trend, especially after the tragic events of recent years that have made us particularly appreciate the opportunities for conviviality and leisure.
More than half of the restaurants, specifically about 60%, have in fact planned for next Tuesday not only various special promotions, but also dedicated menus, ad hoc dishes that with their names and appearance recall the theme of love.
The menu will mostly be 'packaged', for an average cost of around 50 euros. Other special initiatives include the offer of themed beverages including aperitifs and cocktails (present in 14% of cases) and freebies and gadgets for customers (14%).
In addition, 7% of restaurants provide musical entertainment (mainly background music) to let their customers experience the typical Valentine's Day atmosphere.
Although most couples decided to spend Valentine's evening at a restaurant, a short 'getaway for two', to be spent over the weekend, also proved to be a particularly popular option for many lovers.
According to estimates drawn up by Confcommercio-Swg, the expected expenditure is on average 350 euros per person for a "honeymoon" which in 3 cases out of 4 is of two nights maximum. The destinations that Italians consider most suitable for the occasion are the mountains or small villages, as indicated by 4 couples out of 10, for an overall turnover - tourism and related services - of 2,2 billion euros.
But who said that Valentine's Day is only the holiday of happy and loving couples? According to the latest Istat data, in Italy the number of single-person families exceeded that of couples with children in 2021, reaching 33,2%. But don't worry.
The restaurant and bar world is ready to dedicate several initiatives to the 8,5 million Italians, both women and men, who will not be forced to wait until the following day, San Faustino, to spend time together.
From the 'anti-kiss' menu to the vigils followed by dinner in some Italian cities, there are many proposals developed by Italian public establishments, happy to welcome you even if you are not accompanied.
Article published on 10 February 2023 - 11:43
