Italy’s open-air tourism sector continues to show positive signs of growth. According to data released by FAITA-Federcamping and analysed by the CISET Research Centre at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice – based on a sample of over 200 businesses – expectations for the 2025 summer season point to steady, albeit moderate, growth for campsites and holiday villages.
Based on bookings and occupancy rates recorded up to mid-May, operators anticipate an average year-on-year increase of 1.3% in arrivals and 1.4% in overnight stays compared to summer 2024. Revenue growth is forecast at a slightly lower 1.2%, despite a 2.4% rise in average rates.
Heading towards 73 million overnight stays
The 2024 season closed with around 11 million arrivals across Italy’s 2,600 open-air establishments, totalling more than 72 million overnight stays. International guests made up 52% of the total, with an average stay of 6.5 nights per person. Should current trends continue, the sector could exceed the 73 million overnight stay mark in 2025.
According to CISET, summer 2025 is expected to bring a nearly 2% increase in visitor flows along the Italian coast, with turnover up by 1%, despite a projected 2% rise in prices. In lake destinations, the outlook is more stable: a modest 0.5% rise in arrivals is expected, although overnight stays may drop slightly (-0.7%). Revenue in this segment should grow by 1.4%, driven by rate increases that outpace the national average – particularly in the North-West, which accounts for over half of Italy’s open-air accommodation supply.
Mountain destinations are also performing well, with predicted increases of 0.7% in arrivals and 1.3% in overnight stays. The average length of stay is on the rise, and turnover is expected to grow by 1.5%. Prices in these areas remain in line with the national average (+2.4%).
Rising interest in the shoulder season
As of late May, booking data shows strong occupancy levels for the peak summer months, with July at 55% and August at 66%. There is also growing interest in the late season, with September already showing 31% average occupancy and October at 12%. Lakeside locations, in particular, are showing strong potential for extending the tourist season, with 43% occupancy forecast for September and 20% for October.
Regionally, North-East Italy continues to lead in terms of booking trends and occupancy rates. Encouraging signs are also emerging from Central and Southern Italy, where businesses expect to close the 2025 season on a more positive note than the previous year. In an increasingly quality-focused, sustainable and seasonally-balanced market, Italy’s open-air sector continues to prove its resilience and adaptability to evolving tourism demands.
A European benchmark
“Today’s nature-based holidays combine all the comforts and values of a new kind of luxury – defined by environmental sustainability, accessibility and service quality,” commented Alberto Granzotto, President of FAITA-Federcamping. “The success of Italy’s open-air tourism businesses, which now serve as a benchmark at the European level, is built on these very foundations”.
Among the most noteworthy trends this season is a growing tendency among Italian holidaymakers to book earlier than their international counterparts. Germans, Dutch, Swiss and French tourists follow in that order. However, operators are quick to note that weather remains a crucial variable – often heavily influencing travel decisions right up until the last minute.
Photo by Shana und Marino
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