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.