The Tourism Geography of Italy

Learning objectives

1. Explain the special appeal of Italy as a tourist destination.2. Describe the major physical features of Italy and understand

their importance for tourism.3. Appreciate the nature of the demand for inbound, outbound

and domestic tourism.4. Outline the major features of tourism infrastructure,

especially the differences between North and South Italy.5. Appreciate the public sector organization of tourism in Italy.6. Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts,

business centres and tourist attractions of Italy.

Italy: Introduction

• Long tourism history

• Grand Tour

• Many and diverse products

• Separated from Europe by Alps

• Apennines along spine

• Italian lifestyle, culture and cuisine

Italy: Demand

Domestic• Large market

Outbound• Increasing

Inbound• Fortunes varied

Italy: Supply

Transport• Road• Rail• Sea • Air

Accommodation• 4 million beds

Organisation• National

– Italian State Tourism Office

• Regional– 20 local governments

Italy: Resources

• North– Central Alps

– Western Alps

– Eastern Alps

– Italian Lakes

– North Italian Plain• Venice

• Milan

• Turin

• Verona

• Bologna

• Italian Riviera – Liguria

• Central Italy– Florence

– Pisa

– Rome

Italy: Resources

• South– Calabria

– Campania

• Islands– Sicily

– Sardinia