Data from a sample analysis compiled by Federalberghi Confcommercio Nord Sardegna for the period May-September 2026 confirms the growth in tourist numbers and the increase in management efficiency of accommodation facilities, while highlighting differing dynamics across the various regional areas.
Over the period under review, the average room occupancy rate recorded a significant leap, rising from 78.94% in 2025 to 81.82% in 2026. The average bed occupancy rate also rose from 73.14% to 74.86%. This growth is primarily due to international clientele. Alghero remains the main driving force of the hotel sector in terms of absolute volumes: the average room occupancy rate reached 86.06% (a strong increase from 81.08% in 2025 and well above the 77.40% pre-pandemic 2019) and the average bed occupancy rate rose to 79.63% from 75.66% in 2025.
The Asinara Gulf and Sassari area has stabilized at 75.59%, while Castelsardo has performed very well even during unconventional periods: the average room occupancy rate has risen to 84.28%, compared to 81.42% last year. The increased attractiveness in May has also been a key factor.
Ultimately, the historical comparison (2015-2026) demonstrates that Northwest Sardinia has consistently surpassed the critical post-pandemic thresholds. The winning strategy lies in its international polarization (over 72% on average) and the ability to maintain high occupancy rates not only in August (which remains around 85-88%), but especially in the shoulder months (May, June, and September), validating the effectiveness of joint investments in territorial promotion and programming, along with varying weather and climate conditions that favor the growth of the seaside segment even in these months, with particular reference to tourist flows from Central and Northern Europe.
