Cultural tourism under strain: businesses call for measures against

Cultural tourism under strain: businesses call for measures against high fuel costs

Operators organizing cultural travel across Italy report growing pressure from rising fuel costs and exchange-rate volatility. Associations say these factors directly affect air and ground transport expenses, increasing the final price of cultural travel packages and jeopardizing the viability of tours, guided visits and participation in events and festivals.

Industry representatives warn that without targeted action demand could contract, affecting access to cultural heritage and the network of professionals who promote it.

• Ongoing monitoring of jet fuel prices and currency movements;
• Temporary compensation tools for tour operators and travel agencies (credit lines, liquidity support);
• Measures to encourage energy-efficient and lower-impact transport links;
• Structured dialogue between institutions, cultural operators and tourism businesses to establish clear rules and support programs.

The sector stresses that cultural tourism is a key driver for local economies and heritage preservation: a stable framework is needed to keep cultural experiences accessible and high-quality without shifting the entire burden onto consumers.