Italian ports await foreign guests
For example, the Association of Tourist Ports of Italy Assomarinas unites 83 ports. In total, 22,000 various boats, yachts, and motorboats can be accommodated and receive quality service simultaneously. According to Travel.ru, dozens more ports with a total capacity of 17,000 berths are under construction. When all currently existing projects are completed, Italy will boast 50,000 "parking spaces" for tourist vessels.
The most popular regions among Russian seafarers are Sicily and Sardinia. In Venice, tourists who charter a yacht in Croatia and cruise the Adriatic Sea invariably stop. Every year, about a thousand yachts belonging only to Russian citizens moor in Italian ports.
If a tourist does not have their own yacht, they can rent one by contacting any company that organizes sea charters. Experts advise renting a yacht in Croatia for traveling the seas around Italy, as there is a greater selection and lower prices.
The cost of berthing depends on the length of the vessel. The average price for vessels up to 20 meters long is 50 euros per day. The price usually includes the use of electricity and water. Also, each port has a representative of customs and border services who will handle all formalities related to the entry of foreign citizens into an Italian port.
Tourism market experts also predict growth in "land" tourist flow to Italy. For example, to Sicily alone this year, the volume of trips could increase by 20-30%, which corresponds to pre-crisis demand. However, according to Turinfo, there will be fewer "expensive" tourists than two years earlier.
Traditionally, the "high" season for Sicily in May this year has slightly "sagged" due to the Icelandic volcano. But overall, holidays in Sicily are in quite active demand, largely facilitated by the increased activity of local tour operators. The consequences of the crisis have made Sicilian hoteliers more loyal and accommodating – the number of their special offers, promotions, and bonuses pleasantly surprises travelers. For example, recently, club hotels in Sicily have for the first time begun offering free accommodation for children under 12.
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