Cruise tourism to Italy continues to rise

Italy derives the greatest economic benefits from the cruise industry in Europe at 30 percent of total spending in 2008, according to new reports.

According to the fourth edition of the "European Cruise Contribution" prepared by the European Cruise Council (ECC) in Rome, there is increase in direct expenditure by cruise companies, shipyards and passengers of 14.2 billion Euros in 2008, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. 4.3 billion euros came from Italy at a 9 percent gain over 2007.

The report adds that Italian ports are the busiest in Europe with 1.7 million departing passengers and the country remains Europe's favorite cruise destination with 23 percent of transit passenger movements, followed by Greece, 20 percent, Spain 17 percent and France at 8 percent. Costa Cruises has once again confirmed its position as the number one cruise line in Europe, with an overall investment worth almost 2.4 billion Euros.

According to the survey results of the Milan Polytechnic School of Management, the Costa Cruises brand produced a total business output in Italy worth at least 1.1 billion Euros. Initial estimates suggest that the regions benefiting most from the activity of allied industries last year were Liguria, Lombardy, Latium and Sicily.

The tourism sector in the country is "on the up" and has witnessed some "impressive growth" in recent years. This was largely attributed to efforts by the government as it offers extra funding for its tourist industry, something that could benefit those investing in holiday rental property. Authorities have recently pumped money into new buildings, leisure facilities and infrastructure upgrades in order to make Italy more appealing to holidaymakers.