26 mn foreign tourists expected in Italy

(ANSA) - Rome, June 17 - Roughly 26 million foreign tourists are expected in Italy over the summer, the national travel and tourism federation Federturismo said Tuesday.
    Foreign tourist expenditure in Italy between June and August could exceed 13 billion euros, Federturismo added.
    "The figures bear witness, with satisfaction, to the continued high level of appreciation by foreign tourists of our country," Federturismo said.
    Italy received over 128 million foreign summer visitors between 2009 and 2013, who spent a total of 58 billion euros.
    Also on Tuesday, consumer association Federconsumatori said this year 'only' 18.6 million Italians, or 31% of the population, would be taking a traditional summer holiday of at least a week as the economic crisis continues to bite. This year fewer people would be travelling abroad for their holidays, Federconsumatori added.
    The only foreign destinations to buck the negative trend would be Greece and Spain due to their competitive prices, the association said.