The data was released during the ATM (Arabian Travel Market) fair in Dubai, where the Minister of Tourism of Italy – Daniela Santanchè – inaugurated the Italian pavilion and highlighted that the presence of Italy in the place was a strategic opportunity to achieve new synergies with leading markets.
On the occasion they announced that in 2022, travelers from the Middle East to Italy increased by 164% compared to the previous year and 47.7% in 2019. The majority of tourists arrived from the United Arab Emirates (34.1% in 2019, that is, almost 200 thousand) and from Saudi Arabia (65% more in 2019, that is, around 100 thousand). While general spending grew 127% more in 2022, according to the ENIT Study Office on UNWTO and Banca d’Italia data. 38.6% of total revenue is attributable to Emirati tourists, mainly supported by travelers from Dubai (90.3%).
Always in terms of spending, tourists travel to Italy, especially for reasons related to the personal sphere (82.3% of the total compared to 17.7% for work) in which vacations affect approximately 64%. Among other personal reasons, income stands out for visiting family (17.1%) and friends (4.2%), to study or follow courses (7.7%), to make purchases (3.2%) and for a honeymoon (2.8% only from Dubai). The choice of accommodation falls mainly on hotels and tourist towns, which together account for 67.2% of the total expenditure. The stay is followed by family and friends (15.3% of spending), in rented houses (9.1%) and in own homes (5.5%).
“It has been a fundamental international meeting, especially in reference to the Gulf and the projection to the Indian and Southeast Asian markets, to create new synergies and partnerships with a high potential market, shift operators, travel agencies and international investors interested in developing projects in Italy, reasons why the presence of ENIT was particularly significant” highlighted the Minister of Tourism of Italy Daniela Santanchè.
“These are precious moments to define strategies for opening up new areas of great interest for the growth of the sector and, specifically, for the luxury segment, which generates important economic benefits for companies and territories, and which sees Italy as a very coveted. This also means investing in quality,” concluded the minister.
For her part, Alessandra Priant – president of ENIT Spa – said that “the presence of Italy at the Dubai Fair was a strategic opportunity to consolidate its position as a prestigious tourist destination worldwide. It is essential to strengthen our visibility here, with a vision projected for the future and with a solid approach to innovation and digital transformation, which is the ATM theme this year.
Colosseum, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
It should be noted that one of the outstanding attractions of Italy is the Roman Coliseum, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World since 2007, considered one of the most visited tourist places in the country.
The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater is an amphitheater from the time of the Roman Empire, built in the 1st century. It is located in the east of the Roman Forum, and was the largest of those built in the Roman Empire. In ancient times it had a capacity for about 65,000 spectators, with 80 rows of stands. Those closest to the arena were the Emperor, his family and the senators, and as one ascended, the lower strata of society were placed.
Gladiator fights and public spectacles took place in the Colosseum. The works began between 70 AD. and were completed in 80 AD.