A season marked by resilience and cautious optimism. Foreign presence is growing, but businesses are still burdened by price increases, staff shortages, and transportation bottlenecks.

This is what emerges from the survey conducted by Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegn on a group of approximately 250 restaurants and tourism businesses in the area.

The survey highlights a substantially stable sector compared to last year. In fact, 22% of the operators who participated in the survey believe the overall season trend is in line with 2025 , while only a small portion reports a deterioration and a few actually report improved results.

In terms of turnover, the overall situation appears positive: the majority of entrepreneurs report stable revenue compared to last year, and some businesses even report an increase. The situation is similar regarding customer numbers, which for most operators remained unchanged.

Among the most significant elements is the increase in the presence of foreign tourists : almost half of the operators who responded to the questionnaire noted an increase in guests from abroad, while the Italian clientele appears more limited, even if the traditionally strongest months for domestic tourism remain July and August.

While the season's figures suggest cautious optimism, some structural issues remain. Rising management costs are the main issue reported by business owners: virtually all operators report price increases compared to last year, with almost all reporting further cost increases.

Immediately following are the difficulty in finding qualified personnel and the problems related to connections and transportation.

When asked about the most urgent measures needed to support businesses in the sector, operators cite reducing business costs first. This is followed by improving transportation and connections, introducing measures to encourage staff recruitment, greater promotion of tourism in the area, and an increase in events and initiatives capable of attracting visitors.

"The data collected paints a picture of a sector demonstrating great resilience and adaptability," comments Emanuele Frongia, President of Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna. "Turnover and attendance are essentially stable, and we're seeing encouraging signs, especially in terms of foreign tourists. However, we can't ignore the challenges that businesses continue to face on a daily basis. Rising costs, staff shortages, and transportation challenges require concrete and timely interventions. Companies are doing their part, but a shared strategy is needed to allow the sector to grow and fully realize its potential."

(Unioneonline/AD)

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