Business · Companies · 1 day ago
Travel agencies report a weaker but better-than-feared summer
Italian travel agencies say summer 2026 brought lower sales than summer 2025, but the results were not as bad as many had expected.
A survey of 230 agencies found that 67% sold less, while about a third had stable or rising sales.
The agencies faced uncertainty from the war in the Middle East, higher fuel costs and customers booking closer to departure.
Egypt became the most-sold destination for nearly two-thirds of the agencies, despite having been seen as badly affected earlier in the season.
Many agencies also had to rearrange trips after flight cancellations, and 82% said their customers were very satisfied.
The findings suggest that travellers value help from agents when plans change, while last-minute booking has become more common.
For winter 2026–27, bookings are reported to be level with or better than last year, but agencies say it is too early to confirm a trend.
Italian travel agencies reported lower summer 2026 sales than in 2025, although declines were generally limited.
A survey of 230 agencies found that 67% sold less than last year, while about a third reported stable or higher sales.
The results were less severe than many agencies had expected amid geopolitical tensions, high fuel costs and last-minute bookings.
Egypt was the most-sold destination for nearly two-thirds of surveyed agencies by the end of summer.
- Who
- Italian travel agencies surveyed by the Aidit Federturismo Confindustria Observatory.
- What
- Most reported lower summer sales than in 2025, usually with limited declines.
- When
- Summer 2026; the survey was conducted between September and October.
- Where
- Across Italy.
- Why
- Agencies cited geopolitical uncertainty, high fuel costs and a rise in last-minute bookings.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A season of mixed results, with the final outcome less severe than expected.
It is when something goes wrong that you understand what a travel agent is for.
78% of agencies identified North Africa, including Egypt, among the areas most affected by the crisis.
The Aidit Federturismo Confindustria Observatory surveyed 230 member agencies.
Egypt was the top-selling destination for nearly two-thirds of agencies.
- Survey sample
- 230 member agencies
- Sales lower than 2025
- 67% of agencies
- Stable or rising sales
- About one-third of agencies
- Most-sold destination
- Egypt, for nearly two-thirds of agencies
- Last-minute bookings
- 70% of agencies said clients booked closer to departure
Sources
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