This work analyses the pattern of foreign tourists’ expenditure in Italy (exports of tourism services) and of Italy's market share, providing a comparison with the other main euro-area countries. Based on data from the Bank of Italy's Survey on International Tourism, the study also presents a structural analysis of international tourists' flows and of the dynamics of foreign tourists' expenditure in Italy and in its macro-areas, considering the evolution of “potential” demand for tourism services.
Between 2010 and 2017 Italy's exports of tourism services increased at a higher rate than in the pre-crisis period; they showed a pattern similar to that of Germany and France but less dynamic than that of Spain. Since 2010 Italy's exports of tourism services have risen almost in line with potential demand, albeit with different patterns across macro-areas: stronger in the South and the Islands – the only area where receipts have grown more than potential demand - and in the North-West and relatively weaker in the Centre and in the North-East.
