Easter Weekend: drop in hotels, surge for restaurants and farm stays

Easter Weekend: drop in hotels, surge for restaurants and farm stays

The Easter break revealed a mixed picture for Italian tourism: hotel occupancy fell by around 10% compared with Easter 2025, while restaurants and agritourisms reported strong demand, highlighting the role of short-haul domestic travel.

Federalberghi Marche notes the decline was largely due to fewer organized groups, with establishments serving mainly individual travellers. Emiliano Pigliapoco, regional councillor for Federalberghi, also points to rising energy and fuel costs as a key concern for operators, increasing running expenses for accommodation facilities.

Agritourisms fared better: Giuliana Giacinti, president of Terranostra Coldiretti Macerata, reports that snow in the hills and pleasant weather boosted outdoor activities like hikes and bike trips, supporting visits to rural accommodations.

• -10% approx. in hotel arrivals compared with Easter 2025.
• High occupancy in restaurants and agritourisms, confirming the short-distance/domestic tourism trend.
• Key factors: fewer organized groups and increases in energy and fuel costs.
• Strong local results: Ancona and the Riviera del Conero performed well, benefiting from the city's cultural profile towards 2028.

The overall outlook points to a promising start to spring for outdoor destinations and rural hospitality, tempered by operator concerns about energy costs ahead of the summer season.