Current heatwaves in Italy are no deterrent to Aussies seeking a post-pandemic Northern Hemisphere summer under the Tuscan sun, according to the Italian National Tourist Board.
While domestic and European visitors helped drive Italy’s tourism recovery in 2022, this year Australians and other mid- and long-haul travellers have returned, many for their first European summer break since pre-pandemic.
After record numbers of Australian travellers visited Italy last year, this summer season expects to exceed pre-pandemic visitor levels.
According to ABS data, Italy has seen a five-fold increase in Aussies visiting Italy year-on-year between April 2022 to April 2023.
Italian National Tourist Board Country Manager for Australia & New Zealand Emanuele Attanasio said 2023 is a bumper year for Italy.
“Travel, and Italy, is well and truly back on the radar,” he said.
“With confidence and airlift now resembling pre-pandemic travel conditions, Italy is currently experiencing one of the best summer seasons we have seen in years in terms of visitor numbers and forward bookings.”
Heatwaves been fakin’ me out…
Europe is currently experiencing intense and prolonged heatwaves with record-breaking temps in Italy along with wildfires in Greece, Calabria and Sicily.
The hot weather has forced the closure of attractions and monuments and caused evacuations of areas affected by wildfires.
ABC News reports extreme high temperatures of up to 48 degrees Celsius forecast for southern Italy and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia before regular summer levels return mid-week.