2024 was a record year for tourism in Calabria, with regional airports seeing air traffic exceed 3.6 million passengers. Lamezia Terme airport confirmed its poll position, while the airports of Reggio Calabria and Crotone recorded positive trends, especially in the last months of the year. Results that consolidate Calabria as an increasingly accessible destination. The forecasts for 2025 remain optimistic, with the strengthening of infrastructure and new agreements with international airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

We talk to Cosimo Carmelo Caridi, Director of the Department of Tourism, Territorial Marketing, Local Public Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Calabria Region: “Our forecasts are favourable, thanks to the investments made and the new air routes connecting Calabria to the main international markets. This growth scenario is part of a strategy that aims to consolidate international tourism and diversify the offering to attract visitors from all over the world."

Alongside these developments, the Region is also investing in the renovation of accommodation facilities. The Family Hotel programme, which foresees an investment of 16 million euro, is just one of the interventions underway. With 47 million euro, the Destinazione Calabria call for proposals also aims to promote the region through digital marketing, increasing the visibility of Calabria in Italy and abroad. “Through digital marketing, we want to make Calabria known as a quality tourist destination and we are also working to qualify the accommodation facilities, with a focus on second homes transformed into certified accommodations,” adds Caridi.

Another key objective is deseasonalisation, aiming to achieve more stable visitor figures throughout the year. The Region is promoting events that attract visitors outside the summer season: “One significant example is the RAI New Year's Eve which, in the last two years, has brought thousands of tourists to Reggio Calabria and Crotone, transforming the region into a winter destination as well. The increase in air routes has further facilitated access to the region even in the colder months.”

Calabria is also working on projects that boost religious tourism, cycle tourism and historic villages. In 2025, for the celebration of the Jubilee of the Calabrians, roots tourism aims to attract Calabrians living abroad, with pilgrimages and cultural activities. The Paths of Calabria and cycle tourism are other key initiatives launched to encourage tourism during the low season, helping to support the economy of small villages. Another rapidly growing sector is Wedding Tourism, which sees Calabria emerge as a destination for exclusive weddings, thanks to its unique locations and excellent food and wine.

“Calabria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international weddings and ceremonies. The beauty of the villages, beaches and estates, combined with the quality of its typical products, makes the region ideal for couples looking for a unique experience,” explains Caridi.

For the Calabria Region, its participation in BIT 2025, at fieramilano – Rho from Sunday 9 to Tuesday 11 February next, will be an important showcase for looking to the future: “BIT is an opportunity to strengthen our presence in international markets, particularly in Germany, the UK, the United States and Canada, but also to explore new markets with high potential,” concludes Cosimo Carmelo Caridi. “The meetings with tour operators and travel agencies will be an opportunity to develop new partnerships and promote Calabria as a competitive destination”.

The new proposals from Calabria will be one of the flagships of the Italy area which, like every year, presents a comprehensive overview of our country. If you are a professional, register now, or if you are a traveller buy your ticket now, to explore all the latest Made in Italy news.