With the tourism industry accounting for 13 per cent of Italy’s GDP, the Italian economy – already battered by the coronavirus pandemic – is expected to suffer significant losses without American tourists, who are the biggest spenders.
Since the country began reopening its borders on June 3, European travellers were the first to return and then starting last week, those from a number of non-EU nations on a “safe” list followed.
However, American tourists – the second largest group of visitors to Italy after the Germans – are still banned from entering the country.
Expensive hotels popular with Americans such as in the Amalfi Coast area are bracing themselves for big losses this summer.
Some have partially reopened, while others remain completely closed.
In villages such as Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi is world famous, the normally bustling streets are practically empty.
The Italian government says 5.6 million Americans visit Italy every year, with July being their preferred month of travel.
Agricultural union Coldiretti estimated that their absence will cost the Italian economy €1.8 billion this summer.
Meanwhile, an estimated 15 million Americans visit Europe each year, many of them during the warmer months.
Their absence is a huge blow since they account for 10 per cent of Europe’s overall economy.
The EU’s decision to exclude travellers from certain nations, including the US, is based on infection rates.
Other major countries whose tourists are barred include Brazil and Russia.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea are allowed entry.
