Outdoor tourism: a shared culture regenerating Italian territories

Outdoor tourism: a shared culture regenerating Italian territories

Outdoor activity in Italy has evolved beyond recreation into a shared cultural practice that combines wellbeing, sustainability and territorial enhancement. Recent figures highlight the sector's growing relevance for local economies and communities.

Key figures:

• Economic impact 2024: about €8.85 billion;
• Recorded stays: 67.7 million;
• Health recommendation: 120 minutes per week of outdoor activity for wellbeing (biofilia concept);
• AllTrails 2025: more than 2.3 million km walked on trails and a 28% increase in hikes versus 2024, with a navigation peak in August 2025.

At the national conference "Destination Outdoor, between present and future" speakers outlined how walks, trekking, Nordic walking and forest bathing can become tools of regenerative tourism. Urban walking was highlighted as a way to reclaim city spaces and turn them into places of discovery and social exchange.

Popular routes identified by the community include the path to the Rocca di Cefalù in Sicily and the stretch toward Lago Sorapis: itineraries that marry scenic value with accessible services and engage families, younger visitors and local communities.

Practical implications:

• Destinations can embrace outdoor lifestyles by offering slow, sustainable visitor services;
• Light infrastructure and clear signage improve trail accessibility and safety;
• Community-led initiatives ensure participatory and regenerative management of places.

The evidence suggests that, with sustainable planning, outdoor tourism can drive health, social cohesion and economic opportunities across Italian regions, providing authentic and lasting experiences.