Italy's inland areas underwent a significant transformation between 2019 and 2023, recording a 6,9% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 1,3% in the rest of the country. This increase is partly due to a positive "Covid effect" that has highlighted areas previously considered less attractive. The average tourist stay in these areas is four nights, compared to three nights in the rest of the country, indicating a growing attraction for these destinations.
Tourism promotion of the Appian Way
In the context of this evolution, Unioncamere and Isnart, in collaboration with the Mirabilia Network Association, have launched a project for the touristic enhancement of the “Via Appia”. This historic road, recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, is at the center of the initiative that aims to promote greater tourism development. The Via Appia crosses four regions: Lazio, Campania, Basilicata and Puglia, offering these internal areas new opportunities for tourist attraction.
Cultural tourism on the rise
The initiative was discussed during the 2023th edition of the Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange, an event that highlights the growing importance of tourism related to cultural heritage. Over the past three years, Italian cultural heritage has risen to first place among tourists' motivations, attracting one in four visitors. Tourism in Italian art cities generated an estimated total spending volume of 40 billion euros in XNUMX, highlighting the significant economic impact of the sector.
The new focus on the Appian Way represents an important step in further strengthening the attractiveness of the country's inland areas, underlining the unexpected but positive evolution of recent tourism trends.
Verified Source
