by InTrieste
Tourism in this port city has risen sharply, surpassing two million overnight stays last year, an increase of 11.3 percent compared with 2024, according to regional officials. The growth, described as “exponential,” is prompting calls for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to managing visitor flows.
Speaking at a conference on Monday titled “Tourism in Trieste: Growth, Challenges, Opportunities,” the regional councillor for productive activities and tourism, Sergio Emidio Bini, emphasized the need for a long-term strategy that brings together public institutions, businesses and local communities.
“To govern this phenomenon effectively, all stakeholders must work together,” Mr. Bini said, advocating what he described as a shared “industrial plan” for tourism. The goal, he added, is to move beyond fragmented local approaches and present visitors with an integrated offering that balances well-known attractions with less-visited areas.
Officials also stressed the importance of maintaining equilibrium between tourism development and residents’ quality of life. “Residents play a decisive role in preserving the authenticity and appeal of the city,” Mr. Bini noted.
Among the sectors identified for further growth are the Karst plateau and nautical tourism. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region, he said, has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for the nautical industry, including targeted support for both production chains and recreational boating.
Cruise tourism, a significant component of the local economy, is undergoing a shift. While the number of cruise ship calls is expected to decline slightly — from 131 last year to 125 this year — the composition of arrivals is changing. “We are seeing fewer ships but more luxury cruises, with visitors who have higher spending capacity,” Mr. Bini said, describing the trend as an opportunity for the region.
This shift, he added, aligns with evolving traveler preferences, which increasingly favor high-quality, locally sourced and authentic products. Regional policies, including a new commercial code, aim to support small businesses, neighborhood shops and historic establishments that contribute to this offering.
Accommodation capacity remains another key focus. In 2025, the regional government launched a funding program for four-star hotels with an initial budget of €10 million. Recent funding allocations include a major private-sector project in Trieste, seen by officials as evidence of tourism’s broader economic impact.
Looking ahead, Mr. Bini predicted continued growth. “Tourism in the city will keep expanding,” he said, adding that preparation will require improved services, better-trained personnel and increased lodging capacity, alongside a more interconnected and diversified tourism model.
