Italy's tourism surplus reaches €1.9 billion in April

Italy's tourism balance of payments recorded a surplus of €1.9 billion in April 2026, an increase compared to the same month last year. Foreign traveler spending in Italy rose, while Italian spending abroad declined.

April's robust tourism figures

Italy's tourism balance of payments achieved a robust surplus of €1.9 billion in April 2026, representing a notable increase compared to the same month in 2025.

This positive trend was primarily driven by a 2.1 percent rise in spending by foreign travelers within Italy, reaching €4.5 billion.

In contrast, spending by Italian travelers abroad experienced a 1.6 percent decrease, totaling €2.7 billion for the month.

These figures underscore a strengthening inbound tourism sector.

For the three-month period ending in April 2026, inbound tourism expenditure also increased by 4.4 percent year-on-year, while outbound expenditure recorded a slight decline of 0.4 percent.

The Banca d'Italia has conducted its international tourism survey since 1996 to collect data for Italy's balance of payments, following IMF guidelines.

The survey combines interviews and counts at Italian borders (road, rail, ports, airports) with administrative data and, since late 2020, mobile phone data, ensuring comprehensive statistical coverage.

Regional spending patterns emerge

A detailed geographical analysis of tourism expenditure reveals distinct patterns.

The increase in spending by travelers from European Union countries in Italy was significantly stronger, rising by 7.9 percent, compared to a more modest 0.9 percent growth from non-EU countries.

This suggests a stronger recovery or preference for Italy among EU tourists.

Conversely, for Italian travelers venturing abroad, expenditure increased by 1.9 percent within EU countries, but notably declined by 2.1 percent in non-EU destinations.

These granular insights are crucial for understanding regional tourism dynamics.

Beyond balance of payments requirements, the survey serves as a valuable database for operators in the tourism sector and researchers, providing a wide array of analytical data available both in aggregate form and as microdata, facilitating in-depth studies and strategic planning within the industry.

Data confirms tourism's vital role

These latest figures from the Banca d'Italia unequivocally confirm the vital and growing contribution of international tourism to Italy's economy.

The strong inbound spending, particularly from EU partners, highlights the sector's resilience and attractiveness despite global uncertainties.

While the data is purely statistical, it implicitly signals a robust recovery trajectory that policymakers and industry stakeholders can leverage for future growth strategies.