ROME, Saturday, April 18, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has hailed Italy’s tourism sector as a “strategic pillar of national identity and economic strength,” as she addressed the 76th National Assembly of Federalberghi, the Italian federation of hoteliers.

Speaking before industry leaders, government officials and tourism stakeholders, Meloni praised the country’s hospitality sector for acting as “extraordinary ambassadors of Made in Italy,” stressing that Italy’s global appeal is rooted not only in its heritage, but in the work of businesses and workers across the tourism supply chain.

Meloni described tourism as far more than an economic sector, calling it “a part of our identity” that tells the story of Italy to the world.

“Those who come to Italy do not simply visit it — they experience a way of life,” she said, adding that the country offers an experience that blends beauty, history, culture and everyday life in a way that cannot be reduced to itineraries or photographs.

She credited Italian hoteliers for their role in shaping that experience, describing them as a vital bridge between visitors and local communities, combining tradition with innovation.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, the Prime Minister praised the tourism sector’s resilience, recalling its contribution during the emergency phase, including the provision of facilities for quarantine needs.

She said the sector had demonstrated not only economic importance but also its role as “a fundamental part of the national community,” capable of recovering strongly after one of its most difficult periods.

Meloni stressed that the government’s role is not to create wealth directly, but to enable businesses to generate it.

“Economic value is created by enterprises and workers,” she said, adding that the state must ensure the conditions for competitiveness.

She highlighted a series of measures introduced by her government, including: tax relief on tips in the tourism sector, incentives for youth employment and permanent contracts, support for night and holiday work, funding for staff accommodation facilities for tourism workers, access to credit guarantees for SMEs, and a €1.4 billion fund to support tourism modernisation, sustainability and energy efficiency.

She also pointed to the use of EU recovery funds to upgrade tourism infrastructure, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Meloni underlined Italy’s strong performance in global tourism, noting that the country has become the second most visited in Europe, overtaking France and closing the gap with Spain.

She also highlighted Italy’s leading position in average visitor stay, at around 3.6 nights, ahead of major European competitors.

Tourism revenues, she added, have reached record levels, with a growing surplus in the tourism balance of payments and a nearly 5% increase in international spending in 2024.

“Tourism in Italy is strong, solid and in good health,” she said.

The Prime Minister also addressed the wider geopolitical context, warning that instability has become a structural condition of the international system.

She referred to tensions in the Middle East and developments around the Strait of Hormuz, describing the situation as rapidly evolving and critical for global energy, food security and supply chains.

Meloni said Italy is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with European and international partners to safeguard freedom of navigation and stabilise key global routes.

She also referenced recent visits to Algeria and Gulf countries, and upcoming engagements in Azerbaijan, as part of Italy’s strategy to secure energy supplies and reduce structural vulnerabilities.

On energy policy, Meloni reiterated that Italy continues to face higher energy costs compared to its European peers, impacting competitiveness.

She outlined government efforts to stabilise prices and reform EU-level mechanisms, including emissions trading (ETS) rules, arguing that current systems risk distorting energy costs.

“We are fighting this battle in Europe,” she said, noting progress in EU Council conclusions supporting Italy’s proposals.

Meloni also addressed regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying bureaucracy and improving efficiency in the tourism sector.

She pointed to measures against illegal accommodation practices, the underground economy, and the regulation of fake online reviews, which she described as harmful to both tourists and businesses.

She also referred to ongoing policy debates on short-term rentals, linking them to broader concerns over housing availability and rising rental costs for families.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of diversifying Italy’s tourism offer beyond traditional destinations, promoting year-round tourism across regions.

She highlighted cultural and natural assets including pilgrimage routes, food and wine tourism, wellness travel, and rural destinations.

Major events such as the Jubilee and the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics were cited as examples of successful large-scale tourism drivers with long-term economic impact.

Meloni concluded by stressing the need to unlock Italy’s untapped tourism potential, particularly in small towns, inland areas and rural communities facing depopulation.

“These territories preserve the deepest identity of our nation,” she said, adding that they represent an opportunity for sustainable and authentic tourism development.

She also pointed to the success of Italy’s Special Economic Zones in the South, which have already generated over €1.2 billion in investments and thousands of jobs in the tourism sector.

Closing her address, Meloni called for unity between government, businesses and workers, describing Italy’s tourism system as a model of cooperation.

“When the system is united, Italy can make the difference,” she said.

“This country can still surprise — and it is already doing so. If we work together, we can go even further.”

She thanked Federalberghi and Italy’s tourism operators for their contribution, calling them “essential ambassadors of Italian excellence.”