Despite Opening of Italy’s Tourism Sector, Hoteliers Apprehensive About Future Business
Giving employment to nearly 4.2 million people, Italy’s tourism sector constitutes for nearly 13 percent of the country’s output. Weeks of lockdown due to the covid-19 had severely impacted the lives of hoteliers in the country. Even though the government has eased lockdown restrictions and permitted the opening of cafes, restaurants and hotels, owners of various B&Bs and accommodation providers are hesitant about resuming operations.
As reported by the Federalberghi Italian hoteliers’ association, only 40% of hotels and accommodation businesses are open in the country. Hoteliers claim that the reasons for not reopening are not restricted to insufficient bookings. Some are not resuming operations because they are concerned if they will be able to enforce the strict new rules that necessitate adherence to social distancing. Others do not feel safe to welcome visitors. Speaking to The Local, the owner of a lakeview holiday apartment on Lake Como — Anna Maria Gilardoni said, “The majority of my guests are Americans therefore this summer will definitely be a no-go for me. I have blocked availability dates until the end of June, as I don’t feel comfortable about having guests in the property at the moment.”
Many owners of holiday apartments have cancelled all bookings for the summer season claiming that they are taking a break with an aim to come back stronger in the summer of 2021.
Since international travel to all countries is still not permitted, Italy’s tourism sector will witness a severe drop this summer season. Sources claim that the country might open borders to non-EU citizens later this summer. There is still some dilemma if travellers from the US, Russia or Brazil will be kept in quarantine as they are severely hit by the pandemic.
As of now, crossing by land into Italy will be prohibited for a long time, this is another blow to Italy’s tourism sector. This will affect the revenue generated via country’s historic sites like the Tower of Pisa, Pantheon or Pompeii which welcome tens of thousands of visitors every year.
As Austria and Switzerland open borders for all except Italy on June 15, travellers coming back from Italy will be strictly monitored.
Reports from Italy’s National Tourism Agency (ENIT) reveal that the Italians who would traditionally travel abroad for holidays might have to vacation at home. Within Italy, regions like Sardinia and Puglia have changed the rules for travelling. In Sardinia, the travellers’ have to submit their contact details directly to the regional authorities via a designated form available online. This is to protect regions that have recorded low cases so far.
In a move which is seen as a way to boost Italy’s tourism sector, Puglia is not forcing travellers to go into quarantine upon arrival. Even after such government initiatives, hoteliers believe it will take a long time to regain customer confidence.
