Italy has long been a popular tourism destination, but it is increasingly more attractive as a wedding destination.
Architecture, art, culture, cuisine and history are just some of the country’s attractions.
That said, Italy is also an attractive location for destination weddings (for couples looking to tie the knot in another country).
The Mediterranean country is also home to some picturesque landscapes and natural attractions that draw visitors from afar.
WEDDING TOURISM IN ITALY
Last year Italy saw an increase in the number of foreigners having their weddings in the European country.
In 2024, more than 15,100 foreign couples chose Italy to celebrate their weddings.
Italy’s Department of Tourism says that over 30 thousand foreigners got married in Italy last year.
This number represents an increase of 11.4% compared with the previous year.
Couples from the United States and the United Kingdom were among the top nationalities for foreign weddings in Italy, during 2024
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BENEFITS OF WEDDING TOURISM
Hosting destination weddings is beneficial for a country’s tourism sector. This is because destination weddings generate significant income for the host country.
Foreign weddings bring with them numerous people from abroad, who spend significant amounts of money in the wedding destination.
They spend money on flights, accommodation, ground transport, venue hire, banqueting and on numerous other things.
This results in increased revenues for airlines, hotels, venues, ground transportation and other service providers.
Destination weddings often last several days so these visitors might also incorporate some tourist activities into their trips. Thus, benefitting the tourism sector.
POPULAR WEDDING SPOTS
Italy’s most popular locations for weddings range from vineyards to beaches and historic villas to villages.
Central Italy and Sicily were particularly favoured by foreigners for weddings in 2024.
“It is a sector that creates jobs and promotes our beautiful regions,” Italy’s Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè said.
This statement was confirmed by data from Destination Wedding Italia, in an analysis conducted by Convention Bureau Italia for weddings.
