CT Insight Report: What’s new in Italy?

Italy ranks among the top three outbound destinations for GCC travellers, in the 2026 Connecting Travel Insight Report, with by findings from travel analytics firms RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group. Travel to the Mediterranean destination is supported by growing regional air links, including new seasonal flights by Saudi budget carrier, Flynas, to Milan starting 24 June 2026. 

Italy’s own flag carrier, ITA Airways, recently joined global aviation network Star Alliance. The collaboration enhances connections to and from Italy, with added frequent flyer benefits across several partner airlines. 

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After welcoming a record 185 million tourists in 2025, up 7.1% YoY, Italy is expected to see further growth in 2026, with international arrivals projected to rise 2% to 108 million. The country’s luxury hotel pipeline is thriving, with around 117 new five‐star properties adding  more than 9,400 rooms by 2027.

This year brings several high‐profile additions, including The Baccarat, Corinthia, Rosewood and Mandarin Oriental in Rome, the Orient Express in Milan and new Lake Como resorts: a Radisson Collection and The Edition, which features a floating pool overlooking Bellagio.

Adding to Italy’s appeal, Rome’s Mausoleum of Augustus will reopen after two decades, while Piedmont’s La Rei Natura restaurant has earned three Michelin stars for its dishes inspired by the Langhe forests.