
It seems strange today to have to talk about recovery of flows in the city symbol of overtourism but Venice is experiencing moments of great difficulty: the pandemic has not spared it either and Venetian hoteliers, as well as all companies linked to the tourism sector, have been in deep crisis for months. As a city of art with a high rate of foreign tourism, Venice is between destinations who suffered most during the pandemic and especially in recent months, due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the city was deserted.
The organization of the Carnival, therefore, was the only hope for Venetian hoteliers to see tourists back in the city: we are talking not only about the crowds in the streets but also about the numerous theatrical and entertainment events, palace parties, masked balls and of an immense impact which, in this particular historical moment, could mean the salvation of many realities.
The organization of the Carnival of Venice 2022, therefore, symbolically marks the city's tourist restart: it will certainly be a different event from the pre-pandemic one (for example large mass events will be avoided) but it will give a strong message of recovery.

Searches towards Venice have been increasing since January
There was no doubt that organizing the event would stimulate tourist demand: the health situation is improving, all countries are gradually reducing travel restrictions and, above all, people want to travel. But how many are really planning to leave? How much did this event really impact tourist demand?
According to data from the city's booking engines, searches for the Carnival period began as early as early January. from January 15st to today (February 5,4th), searches for beds are increasing with an average daily rate of +7%. What triggered the users was precisely the publication of the calendar of events by the media: searches recorded a peak on the days of 8 and XNUMX February, both by Italians and foreigners.
Unlike the others destinations Italian tourists, who see Easter as the first period of interest for tourist demand, Venice has its peak of interest precisely during the Carnival period: the demand for beds for Easter Sunday, in fact, is 38% lower than on February 18th, the start day of the Venetian Water Festival. Among the most popular check-in dates are also February 11th and 12th for the opening ceremony and for the last weekend of the event (February 25th and 26th).
Among tourists who are looking for overnight stays in Venice there are many Italians but the greatest interest is for foreigners: they represent 59,4% of the total and, unlike nationals, they look for many overnight stays even on weekdays. Among the most active markets we find in first place the French and in second place United States; followed by UK, Germany e Spain. Italians, who represent the remaining 40,6%, seek stays mainly for couples and have an average stay of 2,1 nights. Even for the French and Americans, couples are the prevalent segment but they differ in the average stay: 3,2 and 2,5 nights respectively.
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