Despite increasingly fierce competition, Italy remains one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, thanks to its strategic assets, including its landscape, art, history, cuisine, and culture. It is no coincidence that the sector accounts for around 13% of Italy’s GDP and employs over 3 million people. At the same time, the need for continuous investment must be properly acknowledged — both in infrastructure and in the businesses of tourism operators — to meet the expectations of an ever more demanding and qualified clientele (see wellness, sport, culture, nature, family, travellers with disabilities, etc.).

This clearly explains why the funds made available to enterprises to incentivise and support investment in the sector are becoming increasingly substantial. By way of example, the NRRP measures alone allocated more than €1.5 billion over the 2022–2025 period. These resources are complemented by regional programmes which, through the structural funds they manage (see ERDF Regional Operational Programmes 2021–2027), support projects within their territories.

Among the types of investment most commonly supported by these measures are: redevelopment and refurbishment, energy efficiency improvements, innovation or service enhancement, deseasonalisation, sustainability, circular economy initiatives, removal of architectural barriers, and digitalisation.

Forlani Consulting has built significant experience in the tourism sector, assisting accommodation facilities, seaside resorts, entertainment venues, and food & beverage operators. Among the main schemes used are those promoted by the Ministry of Tourism (IFIT 80% Bonus, 65% Tax Credit, FRI Turismo) managed by Invitalia, the ERDF Regional Programmes of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, as well as Local Action Group (LAG) measures, including for example Valmarecchia and Conca.