In August 2026, Italy surpassed Spain and France in hotel occupancy. The rate stood at 58,5%, compared to 54% in Spain and just 41% in France. This marked gap is confirmed by data from the Ministry of Tourism. In July, overnight stays had already grown by 4,4%, with a 6% jump among foreign tourists. Arrivals from abroad rose by 8,3% between July and August. In absolute terms, this represents over four million more overnight stays than in 2025. The peak comes on mid-August. Italy reaches 65,4% occupancy, compared to 59,8% in Spain and 46,4% in France. This represents a nineteen-point advantage over France, a staggering gap for a single European country.
Not just the sea: success is widespread
The data shows a widespread success, not concentrated in a single destination. Mountains recorded 78,4% occupancy for Ferragosto. The seaside follows with 74,3%, followed by lakes with 71,9%. The growth in art cities is surprising, rising to 56%, almost fourteen points higher than in 2025. Even the less predictable regions are shining. Sardinia, Veneto, and Sicily lead the rankings for Ferragosto, all above 63%. Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche follow. Even small municipalities are growing, with arrivals up 5,3% in the first half of the year.
A country that convinces with its beauty and safety
Tourism Minister Mazzi spoke of results that "make us proud," the fruit of teamwork with regions and operators. He emphasized a fact that carries as much weight as the numbers: Italy is perceived as the safest European destination. This is no small detail. Those choosing where to go on vacation consider views, food, and prices. But they are increasingly also considering the peace of mind they can feel when walking down the street in the evening. On this front, Italy seems to have earned a rare level of trust.
A pride that starts from the villages
Behind these numbers are over twenty thousand village festivals, generating more than two billion euros in revenue each year. There are families who open their homes to rent a room. There are restaurateurs, guides, artisans, and tour bus drivers. They are the true driving force behind this record. Not a single monument, not a single beach, but an entire welcoming country. A country made up of small villages and large cities, capable of making anyone arriving from far away feel at home. This is the true Italian record: not only beating Spain and France in numbers, but remaining, every summer, the place everyone longs to return to.
