The Covid-19 pandemic is rapidly getting worse in Italy. The restrictions are tightening, and the country will continue in this mode until April 6. During the Easter holiday bars and restaurants will be closed, travel limited, meetings prohibited. Tourism has been essentially frozen and there are only very few opportunities to travel across the globe. Naturally, the travel behavior of Italians has been changing significantly.
Generally, it is expected that Italian tourists and their travel habits will follow similar trends as in 2020. This was confirmed in recent research conducted by Trip Advisor, according to which 21 % of Italians plan to stay close to home during their next holiday.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date
Local Tourism and Slow Tourism
16 % want to travel to destinations that are not more than 90 minutes from their residence, while 33 % would travel to destinations just over 90 minutes from home. It must also be noted that shorter holidays and in uncrowded places will be preferred.
Among the favorite places are mountain destinations, preferably close to the most populated areas. Meanwhile, just like last year, small villages and towns are gaining popularity. Tourism linked to tradition is also on the rise and the same can be said about the so-called slow tourism, linked to experiences, even better if sustainable and ecological.
In this sense, searches on excursions, nature and relaxation have increased in the past months. This is a clear indication that Italians have a desire to spend their free time in the open air, especially in little-known and unexplored destinations, by bicycle, by foot or even by horse.
Staycation and Food and Wine Tourism
Thus, it can be said that this year the phenomenon of a staycation, i.e., tourism practiced near home, in one’s own region or country, is the winner of the year. A trend that in 2020 has made it possible to save, albeit in part, the season of many accommodation facilities and destinations that have not been able to benefit from the foreign inflow.
Another trend that will continue with respect to Italian travel behavior is that of food and wine tourism. Scheduled trips to wine and oil roads, to the districts of DOP products and to small wineries to taste local specialties will continue to be popular among Italians.
Workation a Growing Trend
Another habit that is growing is the concept of workation. In short, the word workation stands for working while on vacation, without moving much from the home area.
