They consider the increases in the tourism sector unacceptable Italy consumer associations. For example, prices in the catering sector in July increased by 4.3% year-on-year and by 4.5% compared to June this year. While, those who chose to vacation within national borders found that the appreciations, in total, reached 19% compared to 2023.

The general finding is that, after the rise in prices, linked to the energy crisis, many Italian traders “forgot” to lower them, despite the fact that the emergency period, in terms of raw materials and fuels , has passed. It is not clear, for example, why ferry connections (mainly mainland Italy to the island of Sardinia) last year increased by 11.4%.

A place without… sun

The Association of Consumers Assoutenti, underlines that in the organized beaches, from 2020 until today, the prices showed a continuous rise. First, because of the coronavirus and then because of the cost of electricity and natural gas.

This year, the average cost for two sunbeds and an umbrella is 35 euros. In famous beaches of Apulia, however, in the south-east of Italy, the price for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds reaches 90 euros, and in resorts of Sardinia, even 120 euros. As reported by the newspaper La Stampa, the fact that the cover, in restaurants in the coastal areas, reached three euros, is another proof of the prevailing situation.

They now prefer abroad

It is confirmed that for a family of four, this year’s vacation cost 20% more than last year. At a time when salary increases are negligible. It is no coincidence that more and more Italians are choosing to vacation abroad and some not at all. Because – as many commentators point out – in the rest of the Mediterranean, the rise in prices remains, clearly, at more limited levels.