Italy’s Tourism Industry is Growing and Expects to Generate 3.7 Million Jobs

Italy’s tourism industry has proven to be a driving force for economic and social growth, as shown by recent data presented by ENIT at the 2025 TTG Travel Experience fair. This event, which brings together key players, institutions, international buyers, and media, highlights the important role that tourism plays in Italy and serves as a strategic crossroads for the industry.

According to ENIT, the tourism sector is expected to generate 3.2 million jobs by the end of this year, which will increase to 3.7 million within the next decade. Additionally, the industry is projected to contribute 237.4 billion euros to the country’s GDP by the end of 2025, with further growth expected to reach 282.6 billion euros by 2035. This growth also has a positive impact on the national economy, with tourism generating significant socio-economic benefits and attracting investments to various regions in Italy. By the end of this year, it is estimated that the total tourist spending will reach 185 billion euros, with 124.6 billion coming from domestic tourists and 60.4 billion from international visitors.

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Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT, comments on the industry’s growth, stating that tourism is driving the development of the country. The industry has a significant impact on the GDP, providing over 3 million jobs and generating a total tourist spending of 185 billion euros.

Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, also emphasizes the importance of the tourism sector, stating that it is one of the fundamental pillars of the country’s economy. She highlights the recent WTTC Global Summit, which brought in 8 billion euros in investments, as a significant event that supports the growth of the industry and sets ambitious goals for the future. The Minister also emphasizes the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and investment in tourism infrastructure and supporting workers in the industry. She believes that investing in tourism means investing in the future of local communities and the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

In the first seven months of this year, Italy welcomed 268.4 million tourists, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This includes 151.8 million international visitors, with a growth rate of 10.4%, and 116.6 million domestic tourists, making Italy the second most popular destination in Europe. The country also has a positive balance in terms of tourist spending, with international visitors spending 24.9 billion euros in Italy and Italians spending 15.7 billion euros abroad, resulting in a total balance of 9.2 billion euros.

The numbers are solid, on paper. However, only time will tell how these figures translate into real-world success and stability in the long run. As we continue to monitor the progress and impact of these statistics on our overall performance, it becomes increasingly important to remain vigilant and adaptable. Interpreting the data accurately while considering external factors will ultimately shape our understanding of the true potential behind these promising numbers.

Further reading:
ENIT- Italy Board of Tourism