ROME, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Some 38 million Italians will get on the road this summer, spending an average of 1,500 euros (1,800 U.S. dollars) on their holidays, Federturismo tourism association said in a statement Wednesday.
The average vacation is 10-14 days, the association said. This compares to an average of 8-10 overnight stays last summer, according to national statistics bureau Istat.
At least 68 percent of Italian holidaymakers have chosen seaside locations, with the most bookings made in the regions of Emilia Romagna, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily.
This year also saw a 3 percent rise in nautical tourism, with boating and sailing enthusiasts flocking to the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, the Gulf of Naples and Sicily.
Italians spending their summer holidays abroad have favored Spain, Greece, and their respective islands, while those traveling further afield preferred Japan, Thailand, Namibia, and the Indian Ocean, according to Federturismo.
Another preferred long-range destination for Italians this summer is the United States, followed by the islands of the Caribbean.
Italy will also see a 3 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals this summer compared to the same period last year, with Germans in the lead, followed by North Americans, the French, and Spaniards.
All of Italy's 20 regions have "confirmed positive numbers for mountain tourism," Federturismo said, noting a "significant presence of foreign tourists, attracted not only by the beauty of unique landscapes but also by the numerous investments made in facilities, bicycle paths, and food and wine offerings."
Federturismo represents businesses that cater to tourists, including hotel chains, travel agents, amusement parks, spas, bed and breakfasts, tour operators, and more.
Italy had a population of 60.5 million as of Jan. 1 this year, according to Istat.?
