Rome has once again emerged as the preferred Easter destination for European travelers, according to recently released data from the travel search engine Jetcost.
Interest in the Italian capital experienced a 5% year-on-year increase in flight searches and an 8% rise in hotel searches, signaling a robust recovery in inbound tourism and strong continental interest in Italy’s cultural heartland.
This uptick further consolidates Rome’s longstanding appeal, owing to its blend of historical gravitas, artistic heritage, culinary prestige, and timeless architecture.
Key Country Highlights
European tourists continue to demonstrate a strong preference for Rome, with the city ranking among the top five most searched international destinations in multiple countries. The data reveals the following:
- France: Rome was the #1 searched destination by French travelers during Easter.
- Spain: Spanish tourists also ranked Rome first, confirming the city’s magnetic pull across Mediterranean markets.
- Portugal: Once again, Rome came out on top, beating out traditional competitors like Paris and Barcelona.
- Netherlands: Dutch travelers placed Rome at the top of their Easter holiday wish list, ahead of cities like London and Berlin.
- Germany: Germans showed strong interest, with Rome securing the first position, particularly among city-break enthusiasts.
However, there was a notable divergence from the United Kingdom, where:
- United Kingdom: British tourists preferred Milan over Rome this Easter, suggesting a shift in preferences possibly influenced by fashion tourism, business travel, or Milan’s strong event calendar during the spring season.
Rome’s continued dominance in the European travel market underscores both its intrinsic strengths and the effectiveness of Italian tourism promotion strategies. While many cities vie for attention during peak holiday periods, few manage to maintain the kind of sustained visibility Rome enjoys.
Tourism stakeholders in the Lazio region would do well to leverage this momentum through further investment in hospitality services, urban mobility enhancements, and the preservation of cultural landmarks. With such broad international appeal, Rome remains a cornerstone of Italy’s soft power and a reliable economic driver during holiday cycles.
Source: ANSA