Between the long weekend of April 25th and May 1st, Italians can have 10 days of vacation at their disposal and exceptionally experience a real “spring break” as per Anglo-Saxon tradition. The data from BWH Hotels Italia & Malta also speak of an increase in 2023, in particular in the network travel by couples (+14%) and by families and small groups (+27%) is growing, the length of stays and the distribution on different destinations.
Among the most requested destinations, in addition to the main destinations of tourism international and cities of art, there is great appreciation for Sicily, Veneto and the Ligurian Riviera: “The desire to visit new places emerges in addition to the most well-known and popular destinations” says Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels Italia & Malta
In a 2024 which sees holidays such as June 2nd and December 8th absorbed by weekends, the wait for the so-called “mega-bridge” of April 25th it’s a lot. In fact, Liberation Day falls on a Thursday this year and several companies intend to close on Friday. Whereas a few days later it will be Wednesday 1st MayLabor Day, the possibility of putting together 10 days of vacation is definitely tempting. In Anglo-Saxon culture the spring holiday week is called “spring break” and has academic origins to allow students to take a break from studies and recharge their batteries.
In France the ski week in mid-March is more famous for having fun on the slopes, while in Japan the spring festival falls between the end of March and the beginning of April when the school year ends. In Italy this tradition does not exist, but the proximity between Liberation Day and Labor Day often offers the opportunity for a local spring break.
Self last year 17 million Italians left between 25 April and 1 May, in recent weeks there are more and more travelers who have already booked, while others are waiting to have some more news from the meteorological information after an Easter which, at least in half of the Peninsula, offered an autumnal atmosphere . The intention to take advantage of the holidays, however, is already clear, at least according to data from BWH Hotels Italy and Maltathe hotel group with 170 branded hotels WorldHotels, The best western AndSure, stay: compared to 2023, in fact, with a higher booking advance than in the past, the numbers confirm widespread growth from today: ”
Above all, requests for accommodation by couples are increasing with +14% compared to the previous year and by families and small groups with a growth of +27% – explains Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels Italia & Malta – A growth that takes on even more value if we consider that spring long weekends are a period that always presents a strong demand. The duration of the average stay is also significant, settling at 3 and 4 nights, even for destinations with normally shorter stays, thanks to the more holidays available”.
The majority of travelers will remain in Italy and, as per traditionamong the most requested destinations are the cities of art. Obviously inevitable Rome, Venice and Florencewhile there is also strong interest in Siena. The South likes them Naples and Leccewhile among the regions those of the sea stand out such as Sicily, Liguria and Romagna Riviera.
However, an important trend that is increasingly developing should not be underestimated, namely the desire to avoid the phenomenon of overtourism and then retreat to places that are perhaps less known and not under attack, which, however, hide small treasures to be discovered. An example is right in Sicily with cities such as Acireale, Ragusa, Marsala. Those, however, hoping to find some fresh air look to the lakes and Alto Adige. “Already during the year, travellers’ desire to discover new destinations has emerged – continues Sara Digiesi – Sicily, for example, allows truly unique itineraries among its beauties and is able to attract both sea lovers and those who prefer cultural tourism”.
So here, according to data from BWH Hotels Italy and MaltaTHE 10 most requested destinations for the upcoming mega-bridge:
- Rome: the Capital could not be missed, one of the most visited cities in the world will also attract a large number of tourists on the occasion of the 25th April long weekend. A spring visit might be ideal before the scorching summer heat arrives.
- Venice: the charm of a gondola ride never fades, the canals of the Serenissima are preparing to host tourists from all over the world. For accommodation there is a division between those who want to stay in the center and those who, instead, choose nearby Mestre.
- Sicily: not only the capital Palermo, the desire for Sicily brings tourists to the east and south of the island. In Ragusa, immersed in an area very rich in natural and architectural beauty, in Trapani with its splendid coastline and its islands and in Acireale, a small gem in the province of Catania, known as the city of a hundred bell towers. Even further south there is Lampedusa with its enchanting beaches.
- Ligurian Riviera: Piazza della Vittoria, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the splendid Boccadasse beach and obviously the Aquarium. Genoa has a lot to offer tourists, but those who prefer sea and sun have opted for destinations such as Rapallo, Sanremo, Spotorno, Santo Stefano al Mare and Santa Margherita Ligure.
- Florence and the Tuscan cities, Siena, Arezzo, Lucca, with the awakening of spring, show themselves in all their beauty. A walk along the Arno in Florence can be a panacea for body and mind. The monuments and views of the entire region are always appreciated.
- Lecce: the beating heart of Salento, Lecce enchants tourists with its baroque historic centre, ancient churches and Roman remains. Don’t miss the Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Croce and a tour through ancient history by visiting the Roman theater and amphitheatre.
- Naples, the Coast, Cilento a lemon-scented bridge on the delightful Campania coast which in spring offers the wonderful colors of the citrus groves and gardens.
- Bolzano: a meeting place and cultural exchange, Bolzano is not just Christmas markets. A green city rich in traditions and local craftsmanship. Giotto’s painting coexists with the Gothic school and the Talvera stream marks the contrast between ancient and modern.
- Romagna Riviera: a destination more desired than ever by young people ready to have fun in the clubs and discos of the Riviera. Lots of nightlife and relaxing days, on the equipped seafront and long cycle paths from Rimini and Milano Marittima are also ready for this spring weekend.
- Verona and Lake Garda: not only Germans and Dutch on Lake Garda, but also many Italians. Among the unmissable views that the area offers is Torri del Benaco on the Veronese shore with the Scaliger castle now a museum and the pretty little port.