The number of guests from Austria will also grow slightly once more this summer, by 0.5 percent, compared to 2023. However, Austrians’ holidays in the neighboring country are burdened by rising prices for travel, accommodation, beach resorts and restaurants. Travelers have to dig deeper into their pockets for their visit to Italy than before.
According to a survey by the tourism association “Assoturismo Confesercenti”, 1.3 million arrivals and 5.3 million overnight stays by Austrian tourists are expected in Italy. Each Austrian spends an average of 124 euros per day in Italy. But this amount may no longer be sufficient in many seaside and lake resorts. The research center “Centro Studi Conflavoro” complains in its latest report that accommodation costs are up to 23 percent higher than in 2023 compared to the previous year. Overnight prices vary considerably depending on the region.
TV analysis with OÖN economics chief Dietmar Mascher:
Most expensive week of the season in August
An analysis by the consumer protection association “Assoutenti” shows that in the week from 12 to 18 August, the most expensive of the season, the lowest cost of a hotel in a seaside resort is still 19.6 percent higher than in 2023. For a family with two children, for example, the cost ranges from a minimum of 872 euros for a stay in Bibione to a maximum of 3,500 euros for Porto Cervo in Sardinia, one of the most exclusive summer destinations.
There has also been a sharp increase in transport costs, especially in the prices of ferries to the islands. The average price increase is 6.3 percent compared to the previous year. The only exception is the route from Civitavecchia near Rome to Olbia in Sardinia, where prices have fallen by 7.4 percent, according to the “Assoutenti” study.
Beach services also became more expensive
Even the usual leisure activities, such as spending time on the beach, are affected by the price increase. According to the study, beach services have become 11 percent more expensive than last year. A deck chair and parasol can cost between 20 and 80 euros per day, depending on the quality of the bathing establishment and the holiday resort. Sports fans also have to pay more than usual for their pleasure: those who want to do yoga and Pilates on the beach must expect a price increase of up to 25 percent, yoga and Pilates courses now cost 15 instead of 12 euros.
The gastronomy sector also puts a strain on holidaymakers’ wallets. In Rome, every “gelateria” has become an exclusive establishment thanks to an endless variety of ice cream flavors, complained consumer protection associations. The result: a small ice cream in an ice cream parlor with a view of the Trevi Fountain cannot be had for less than 5 euros. A visit to a pizzeria is also no longer as cheap as it used to be. Only in less touristy places can you get a pizza Margherita for under 10 euros.
While tolls and petrol prices have remained stable compared to summer 2023, consumer protection associations are complaining regarding rising prices in motorway service stations. You have to pay up to eight euros for a sandwich (70 percent more than in a normal Italian bar), but cappuccinos also cost 12 and 26 percent more, respectively, according to a study by the consumer protection association Altroconsumo.
