Prices are rising faster than expected, and vacationers are facing a slew of price hikes. From hotels to restaurants, from domestic flights to ferries and resorts.
Istat raised its July inflation estimate from 2.8% to 2.9% and reported even steeper price increases of 3.4% for accommodation and food services. Compared to June, when inflation was 3%, there was a mini-slump due to a temporary slowdown in fuel prices. In the second half of the month, inflation resumed with the escalation of the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
Gasoline prices have increased by 8% compared to last year, while diesel prices have increased by 18.8%. These figures are alarming consumer associations. The UNC estimates that compared to last summer, a couple with two children spends €252 more on transportation annually and €115 more on restaurants and accommodations. With just one child, the increase in expenses is €234 for travel and €92 for food and accommodation . The total increase in the cost of living reaches €1,020 for a family of four and €946 for a family of three.
According to Codacons, there's also "bad news" on the vacation front: domestic flight tickets are 6.2% more expensive in July than last year, ferry tickets are 2.5% more expensive, and rental cars are 3.4% . Those who chose holidays abroad are saving a bit, with international flight prices dropping 7.6%. Those who opted for Italian holidays are finding themselves with hotels 3% more expensive than they would be in 2025, and holiday villages 2.9%.
According to a survey by Facile.it, these price increases have discouraged many people from traveling. According to a survey commissioned by the portal from the research institute EMG, more than 4.4 million Italians will not go on vacation for economic reasons. Of these, one in two stated that rising prices had influenced their decision not to go. Inflation is hitting those who haven't gone on vacation hard, with hefty bills.
"In July," Codacons states, "when household electricity consumption is at its highest, electricity prices on the regulated market rise by 9.7% (4.5% over June), while on the free market the increase is 13.9% (4% over June), exacerbating the cost of air conditioners and home climate control systems."
Returning to ISTAT data, a small positive surprise comes from the shopping cart. Prices of food, household, and personal care products rose by 1% in July, lower than the 1.3% indicated in preliminary data and well below the overall inflation rate. Fruit prices are lower than both last year (-0.7%) and June (-4.8%). Core inflation, excluding the most volatile components such as energy and fresh food, remains stable at +1.6%. The assumed inflation rate for 2026—the theoretical rate that would occur in the event of zero changes for the rest of the year—is 2.7% for the general index and +1.8% for the core component.
(Unioneonline)
