International tourism is growing thanks to an increasingly varied offer for the tourist destination that was presented at the BIT on Monday 10 February.
The Gulf of the Island (Bergeggi, Noli, Spotorno, Vezzi Portio) is thus confirmed among the leading tourist destinations in Liguria, recording in period January-October 2024 important results, especially with regard to the foreign market. These demonstrate the attractiveness of the territory and its ability to intercept new trends in global tourism.
Analyzing the data (January – October 2024) in aggregate formRegional tourism observatory relating to the municipalities that make up the Gulf of the Island, the most notable element is the significant growth of foreign presences: +8,89% in arrivals and +4,32% in presences compared to the same period in 2023. An even more significant figure if we consider that, compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic year, the increase in foreign presences rises to an exceptional +26%, significantly higher than the provincial average of +14,8%.
This positive trend positions the Gulf of the Island as one of the most popular destinations for international tourists in Liguria. The data from the Regional Tourist Observatory show, at the same time, a generalized decline in the presence of Italian tourists which, however, appears to be in line with the trend recorded at the provincial level and, in many cases, national level. An element that deserves to be explored and analyzed. If it is true that a slight decline in total presences emerges, it is equally true that this data is influenced by various factors, including the growing popularity of extra-hotel hospitality solutions: the entire destination in fact has 91 residences for short-term rentals (AAUT), with an increase estimated at 200.000 presences compared to the data recorded by the Regional Observatory.
We must not forget the impact of weather conditions, as demonstrated by the contractions recorded in the months of April, June and July. This last aspect pushes towards a tourist offer that is less and less tied to seasonality and increasingly diversified, such as that presented at the BIT (International Tourism Exchange of Milan) on 10 February. On this occasion, the following spoke: Marco Olcese (destination manager), Paolo Cappucciati (professional diver, international record of 24h diving with simple recreational equipment), Andrew Rose by TriO Events and Golfo dell'Isola Trail (Golden Trail Series, Trail delle Streghe and Swimtheisland) and Barbara Noah (Environmental hiking guide).
“The Gulf of the Island - commented Mattia Fiorini, Mayor of Spotorno and President of the Gulf of the Island – looks to the future with optimism, focusing on a development strategy that confirms it as one of the most dynamic and attractive tourist destinations in Liguria. The data confirm that the great work of targeted promotion is bearing fruit: the growth in foreign presences, both in terms of arrivals and stay, shows that we have been able to intercept the new trends in international tourism, positioning our territory among the most requested destinations in the region. This result not only consolidates our appeal, but translates into a concrete benefit for local operators and for the entire economic fabric of the Gulf. The challenge now is to continue on this path, further strengthening the tourist offer and the ability to attract visitors through innovative, sustainable programming that is increasingly oriented towards deseasonalization".
Successful events such as the Golden Trail World Final in October 2023 with an economic impact of 350.000 euros, and the numerous initiatives proposed during the Christmas holidays further demonstrate the potential of a diversified and deseasonalized tourist offer. A proposal that will be further strengthened by the 2025 events calendar, among which, in May, the hosting of a stage of the Golden Trail 2025.
