This summer's trend is the open-air holiday. ENIT, Italy's National Tourism Agency, announced this months ago after conducting a study with Human Company and Istituto Piepoli.
This is no passing fad. Italians' attraction to free-spirited travel in close contact with nature has grown to such an extent that, according to the study, more than 1 in 2 Italians has opted for weekend getaways in the countryside over the past two years, while 1 in 4 leans towards camping.
Those most inclined towards outdoor travel are in the 35 to 54 age bracket, who are also willing to spend more on this type of holiday: based on 2023 summer data, while the average holidaymaker spent 1,575 euros, those on open-air holidays spent 22% more, reaching 1,918 euros.
For outdoor holidays specifically, the spending bracket between 1,001 and 2,000 euros prevails (chosen by 35% of respondents), whereas for other types of accommodation the majority of holidaymakers (39%) spent less than 1,000 euros.
Campervans, caravans, trailers, tents and traditional or luxury bungalows. These were the outdoor tourism accommodation choices made last summer by more than 1 in 5 Italians (22%).
The reason? For 38% of those surveyed, it was the chance to experience a holiday with total freedom, alongside the opportunity to connect with nature, chosen by 22% of respondents.
Confirmation of this growing trend came from the record-breaking 2023 edition of the Salone del Camper (Campervan Show): more than 100,000 visitors, 400 exhibitors and 600 vehicles presented and viewed across 5 pavilions.
In 2024, Italy's leading trade fair in the sector, second in Europe, will return from 14 to 22 September to offer a comprehensive overview of caravans, campervans and other recreational vehicles, as well as the latest in sport, camping and leisure equipment and accessories to best kit out your vehicle and make a free-spirited holiday comfortable and enjoyable.