Bookings resumed in June, with the average drop stabilizing at 5% — after a spring period heavily impacted by the crisis in the Middle East. The "last minute" grows. The Observatory of the association of tour operators Astoi Confindustria Viaggi portrays a market for the summer of 2026 which, after a very positive start to the year and a sharp slowdown between March and May, is showing concrete signs of recovery.
A moderate drop in bookings: Geopolitical tensions, fears about jet fuel shortages, and economic uncertainty had significantly hampered tourism demand in the spring, causing double-digit slowdowns. Data gathered from tour operators affiliated with Astoi now indicates a much more moderate average drop in bookings — around 5% compared to the same period in 2025 — thanks to the recovery in demand observed since June. These figures confirm that the 2026 summer season does not reflect a structural crisis, but rather a change in the schedule and decision-making criteria. Italians continue to consider holidays a priority, but they are waiting longer before confirming, evaluating destinations and travel conditions more carefully and favouring options that guarantee flexibility, reliability, safety and security.
The redistribution of demand: As for destinations, the Astoi Observatory highlights a redistribution of demand, rather than a radical change in preferences. In the midst of a complex international landscape, Italians are turning their attention to destinations perceived as safer, easier to access and operationally reliable. Italy continues to show very positive trends, with a growth of approximately 3% compared to the previous year (...) In the Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands, Greece and Tunisia remain among the most sought-after destinations, along with Cape Verde, while the Red Sea shows signs of gradual recovery. Northern Europe is also attracting great interest.
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As for summer bookings, the decision-making process has undergone the most significant change, according to Astoi: although a substantial volume of sales was secured through advance booking offers before the crisis intensified in the Middle East, there is an increasing trend in bookings made in the weeks immediately prior to departure. Travellers are more aware of the destinations, travel conditions, flexibility and guarantees offered by package travel companies..."
