Challenges Facing Carinthia’s Neighboring Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the Summer Season

Inflation and bad weather are bringing Carinthia’s neighboring Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia a summer season that leaves a lot to be desired. The media speak of a mediocre season in Lignano. And not only by the sea, but also in the mountains it is no different. According to the Friulian daily “Messaggero Veneto”, fewer pilgrims even make the pilgrimage to the holy mountain, the Lussari.

“We already noticed in mid-July that bookings had fallen sharply. But there was no storm in sight at that time. So it was definitely about inflation. I’m talking about those in everyday life that affect us all, but also from those in the catering industry. Many restaurateurs have taken out loans and have to service the sometimes more expensive rates. That is also added to the price,” says Paola Schneider, President of the Friulian accommodation association “Federalberghi”. She herself runs the “Riglarhaus” hotel. in Sauris.

Locals are missing too

At the moment, in addition to the international guests, regional guests are also missing in Friuli. “Many Friulians, who would otherwise spend a weekend in the mountains or at the sea, are now taking cheap flights to Albania, where everything costs less and where you may not have been before,” said Schneider. Since at the end of midsummer the prices in the accommodation establishments drop again, Schneider, as an industry spokeswoman, hopes “that at the end of August or beginning of September more holidaymakers will book again”.

Not only in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is this season not so record-breaking. According to “Il Gazzettino”, German guests are missing in the holiday resort of Jesolo. They may not have come because of the financial crisis. And those who come save on their groceries and their second or third drink in the evening, reports say. Jesolo is currently around five percent below the expectations of summer tourists.