Like most European countries, Italy experienced a substantial decline in tourism during the global recession. Between 2008 and 2009, the travel industry reported a loss of four billion pounds. But unlike most European countries, Italy actually welcomed more guests during this period. That's right! The number of tourists actually increased during the recession.
So, how did they lose money? In short, tourists are spending far less than they have in the past. They stay at more affordable hotels, they eat at cheaper restaurants, and they cut their vacations short when their budgets run low. As a result, most restaurants and hotels in Italy have been forced to lower their prices in order to attract these new thrifty travellers.
Even in the most visited city in Italy, Rome, hotels have had to cut their rates by up to ten percent. These adjustments helped the city attract its customary three million plus visitors even in the darkest days of the recession. How can you Live like a local when visiting?
The easiest and most reliable way to save money on a trip to the Eternal City is to book a holiday rental. If you have never stayed in one, a holiday rental is really just a furnished apartment that is rented out on a nightly or weekly basis. On average, a guest can save up to twenty percent on a rental over a hotel.
And because a holiday rental is an apartment, it also has a kitchen. This gives guests the option of eating in when their food budget starts to run low. After all, eating every meal out in Rome can be extremely expensive.