Travel and Tourism ✈️ 🛩️
As of 2018, there were approximately 63 million tourists in Italy per year, making Italy the fifth most visited country in the world. Tourism is one of Italy's fastest-growing and most profitable industries, bringing in an estimated revenue of around $190 billion.
The Italians embrace the foreigners, as it boosts their economy and stimulates local businesses. It is also an honor to have so many people appreciate the rich culture, cuisine, history, fashion and art, beautiful beaches and coastlines, and priceless architecture.
Popular Attractions
The Colosseum, Rome
The Pantheon, Rome
La Fontana di Trevi, Rome
Duomo di Milano, Milan
The City of Venice
The Amalfi Coast
Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Tourism and Covid-19 😢 😥
The entire world is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but for Italy, a country dependent on the tourism industry for nearly 13% of its total GDP, this nightmare could cause lasting economic damage. Hotels are closed, restaurants are operating at low capacity, famous monuments are not receiving the flocks of tourists, and overall, people are just not visiting Italy.
Italy Without Tourists 🚫 💲
Before Covid-19, six million US travelers visit Italy every year
- 90% of hotels remain closed in Rome, an economic loss of ~ $115 mil per month
- Revenue shortfall predicted to top 3 billion euros- Families dependent on tourism should expect 50% of their incomes slashed
- 20-30,000 people in the hotel/accommodation sector will not be rehired
- Before Covid-19, six million US travelers visited Italy every year
Italian Vacations 🏖️ 🌊
Italians work extremely hard during the year, so the summer is the one time when they can drop everything, take a break, and go on holiday to enjoy themselves. August is the busiest vacation month, and many people take beach vacations, where they can sunbathe, lie in the sand, and relax in the warm water.
To satisfy these wants, these are the "ideal" vacation spots Italians choose: 🏄🏽 ⛱️
- Italy: the Amalfi Coast, Liguria, Calabria, Puglia, Tuscany
- International: the Maldives, Greece, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia
For a more "artsy," touring trip, Italians choose: 🚶🏾 🗿
- Italy: Rome, Milan, Florence, Siena, Palermo, Venice, Bologna
- International: Spain, Portugal, France, USA
Strive for Five Vocab 🔑🔑
- Il giorno festivo - holiday
- Il periodo di riposo - break/time off
- La vacanza lampo - quick vacation
- L'alta/bassa stagione - high/low season
- La località di villeggiatura - holiday/vacation spot
- Il pacchetto vacanza - vacation package
- Scendere in spiaggia - to head down to the beach
- Andare a sciare - to go skiing
- Trascorrere le ferie a - to spend vacation at
- La meta - destination
- La vacanza balneare - beach vacation
- Organizzarsi in anticipo - to organize oneself/plan ahead
Key Terms to Review (13)
Andare a sciare: Andare a sciare means 'to go skiing' in Italian and is a popular winter activity enjoyed in various regions, particularly in the mountains. This term embodies not just the sport itself, but also the experience of traveling to ski resorts, which are often located in picturesque alpine settings. Skiing can be a significant part of the tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world, which in turn influences the local job market and economy.
Bassa Stagione: Bassa Stagione refers to the low season in tourism, characterized by a decrease in visitors to destinations, resulting in lower prices and reduced activity. This period usually falls outside of peak travel times, allowing for a more tranquil experience at tourist sites, often attracting budget-conscious travelers and those looking to avoid crowds.
Colosseo: The Colosseo, also known as the Colosseum, is an iconic ancient amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Built during the Flavian dynasty, it served as a venue for public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests and theatrical performances. This architectural marvel not only showcases the ingenuity of Roman engineering but also embodies ideals of beauty through its grand design and historical significance.
Duomo di Milano: The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Milan, Italy. Known for its intricate architecture and towering spires, it is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and serves as a symbol of the city's cultural and historical significance. The Duomo attracts millions of tourists each year, making it a central point of interest in Milan's vibrant tourism landscape.
Fontana di Trevi: The Fontana di Trevi is a monumental baroque fountain located in Rome, Italy, known for its stunning architecture and artistic details. It serves as a major tourist attraction, where visitors toss coins into the water as part of a popular tradition that symbolizes the desire to return to Rome, reflecting the fountain's cultural significance and its role in tourism.
Giorno festivo: Giorno festivo refers to a public holiday in Italy, when people generally take a break from work and engage in various celebrations and traditions. These holidays are significant as they reflect the cultural, religious, and historical values of Italian society, often leading to a rise in tourism due to various festivities and events that attract visitors both locally and internationally.
Meta: Meta refers to the overall goal or destination that tourists aim to reach during their travels. It encompasses not only the physical location but also the experiences, cultural interactions, and personal growth that individuals seek while exploring new places. Understanding the concept of meta helps in analyzing how tourism impacts both visitors and destinations, as it highlights the deeper motivations behind travel beyond just visiting landmarks.
Pantheon: The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, in Rome, dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It is renowned for its impressive architectural features, including a massive domed roof with a central opening (oculus) that serves as the building's main light source. The Pantheon's preservation and its architectural innovations have made it a significant landmark and tourist attraction, reflecting both ancient Roman engineering and religious history.
Periodo di riposo: Il periodo di riposo si riferisce a un intervallo di tempo durante il quale i turisti si dedicano al relax e al recupero, spesso scegliendo destinazioni specifiche che offrono tranquillità e comfort. Questo concetto è cruciale per il turismo, poiché soddisfa la crescente domanda di esperienze rigeneranti che consentono ai visitatori di staccare dalla routine quotidiana. Le caratteristiche del periodo di riposo possono includere spa, ritiri benessere e soggiorni in natura, tutti volti a promuovere il benessere fisico e mentale.
Santa Maria del Fiore: Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, is a prominent Gothic cathedral located in Florence, Italy. Renowned for its stunning architecture and distinctive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, it stands as a symbol of Renaissance art and culture, drawing millions of tourists annually who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.
Scendere in spiaggia: Scendere in spiaggia means 'to go down to the beach,' a popular activity for both locals and tourists in coastal areas. This phrase encapsulates the essence of leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment that comes with beach culture, especially during vacations. It signifies not just the act of reaching the shore but also connects to tourism, where beautiful beaches attract visitors from around the world seeking sun, sand, and sea.
Trascorrere le ferie a: Trascorrere le ferie a refers to the act of spending one's vacation or holidays in a specific place, often emphasizing leisure, relaxation, and exploration. This concept is closely tied to how individuals choose destinations based on various factors such as personal interests, economic conditions, and cultural experiences. Understanding this term highlights its significance in travel planning, the economy of tourism, and the opportunities it provides for both visitors and local communities.
Vacanza balneare: Vacanza balneare refers to a beach vacation, specifically in regions known for their beautiful coastlines and tourist-friendly beach resorts. This concept is closely linked to leisure travel, often involving relaxation, sunbathing, and various water activities. It plays a significant role in the tourism industry, particularly in areas where coastal beauty attracts visitors seeking a seaside escape.