Styria records 36.2 percent rise in Italian visitors

Styria recorded 36.2 percent more visitors from Italy this summer following a targeted advertising campaign in northern Italy, ORF reported. The campaign included posters, advertising spots and a promotional “Styria village” in Jesolo.

Michael Feiertag, head of Styria Tourism, said the increase amounted to more than one-third compared with previous years, but added that there was still room for further growth.

The campaign costs nearly 250,000 euros a year and is being treated as an investment in the future, with effects expected over the medium term. The Koralmbahn rail line and Styria’s culinary offerings are also seen as factors influencing visitors’ decisions.

“Italians are people who enjoy good food,” Feiertag said, adding that visitors often praised the region’s food, wine and beer.

Feiertag was also optimistic about the coming autumn and winter seasons. The approaching Advent period is viewed as an important opportunity to attract more Italian visitors to Styria.