Tourists Statistics in Milan
Milan, a global hub of fashion, design, and culture offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. It is one of the top 40 most visited cities in the world, ranking fifth in Europe and sixteenth globally. This article delves into the statistics surrounding Milan's thriving tourism sector, exploring visitors volume, demographics and spending, popular attractions, economic impact of tourism and emerging trends.
Tourist Arrivals in Milan
Milan welcomed a record-breaking 8.5 million tourists in 2023, marking a significant recovery from the pandemic-induced slump of 2020. This figure represents a 34% increase from 2022 and surpasses pre-pandemic levels by 14%. In 2023, the Milan Metropolitan Area, encompassing the surrounding cities and rural areas, recorded 17.6 million visitors, a 4.4% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Tourist Arrivals in Milan (2012-2023)
| Year | Arrivals |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5.3 |
| 2013 | 5.3 |
| 2014 | 5.7 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 6.1 |
| 2017 | 6.4 |
| 2018 | 6.6 |
| 2019 | 6.5 |
| 2020 | 3.5 |
| 2021 | 4.4 |
| 2022 | 6.3 |
| 2023 | 8.5 |
Source: Municipality of Milan
Length of Stay
The average length of stay for tourists in Milan (domestic and international) is approximately 2 to 3 nights. Foreign tourists tend to stay longer, with 77% staying for an average of 2-5 nights.
Visitor Nationalities
In 2021, Milan's tourism was almost evenly split between domestic and foreign visitors, with domestic tourists accounting for 50.5% and foreign tourists making up 49.5%. Among the foreign visitors, the largest groups came from France (13%), Germany (10.8%), and the United States (8.9%), followed by tourists from Switzerland & Liechtenstein (8%), Spain (6.2%), and the Netherlands (4.5%).
Tourist Nationalities in Milan (2021)
| Nationality | Percentage of Total Visitors |
|---|---|
| Italian | 50.5% |
| France | 13% |
| Germany | 10.8% |
| United States | 8.9% |
| Switzerland & Liechtenstein | 8% |
| Spain | 6.2% |
| Netherlands | 4.5% |
Tourist Demographics
More men (56%) than women (44%) visited Milan in 2023, although the percentage of female tourists is increasing, with women making up 42.4% of travelers in 2022. In terms of age, the largest group of tourists falls within the 31-45 age bracket (29.8%), followed by those aged 46-60 (27.3%) and 19-30 (24.4%). Visitors aged 19 and under represent the smallest share of tourists to the city,
Tourist Age Group Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 31-45 years old | 29.8% |
| 46-60 years old | 27.3% |
| 19-30 years old | 24.4% |
| Over 60 years old | 10.9% |
| Under 19 years old | 7.7% |
Source: Municipality of Milan Website
Tourists Spending
Tourism spending contributs 17% to the total spending in the city. International tourists, particularly millennials and high-skilled tourists, tend to have a higher average expenditure. In summer 2024, high-spending visitors spent an average of 158 euros per day on accommodation and 215 euros on restaurants, shopping, museums, and local transport.
Economic Impact of Tourism on Milan
Tourism plays a crucial role in Milan's economy. In 2019, international tourism revenue reached €8.9 billion, but this figure plummeted by 87% to €2.19 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the sector has shown strong signs of recovery since then. In 2022, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Milan's GDP was an estimated 7.5 billion euros, with predictions for continued growth.
The revenue generated by business tourism, including meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), amounts to €2.5 billion annually and supports over 80,000 jobs. At the end of 2023, Milan recorded a 16% growth in overall spending compared to the previous year, driven by shopping and tourism, which represent 34% and 17% of total spending, respectively.
Public Transportation
Milan is a key transportation hub in Italy and Southern Europe, facilitating easy access for tourists. Its central railway station, Milano Centrale, is the second busiest in Italy and the eighth busiest in Europe. Additionally, the city's extensive metro and tram systems provide an efficient and reliable way for visitors to navigate the city. The metro, with its five lines, and the tram network, which operates over 17 routes, make traveling through Milan's vibrant neighborhoods and attractions convenient and quick. This efficient public transportation network plays a crucial role in supporting the city's tourism sector. Every day, approximately 400,000 passengers pass through Milano Centrale, using around 500 trains. This translates to an annual total of around 145 million passengers.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Milan boasts a wealth of attractions, drawing visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Milan include:
- Piazza Duomo: Considered the most famous square in Milan, Piazza Duomo serves as an ideal starting point for any tourist itinerary. Dominated by the iconic Duomo, this bustling square offers a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural heart.
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): A Gothic masterpiece and the symbol of Milan, the Duomo is a must-visit attraction. Its intricate architecture and stunning stained-glass windows captivate visitors from around the globe.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, home to high-end boutiques and elegant restaurants. The Galleria's stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular destination for both shopping and leisurely strolls.
- The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci: A renowned mural located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, this masterpiece draws art enthusiasts from around the world.
- Pinacoteca di Brera: A famous art museum housing a vast collection of Italian paintings, including masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio.
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): A historic castle that houses several museums and art collections, offering a glimpse into Milan's rich past.
- La Scala Theater: A world-renowned opera house known for its performances and stunning architecture, La Scala is a cultural gem.
- San Siro Stadium: Home to two of Italy's most famous football clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, this stadium is a must-visit for sports fans.
- Vertical Forest: A unique architectural attraction, the Vertical Forest consists of two residential towers that integrate trees and vegetation into their design, creating a striking visual impact.
Recent Trends
Recent trends in Milan's tourism sector include:
- Recovery from the Pandemic: The city has experienced a strong rebound in tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitor numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- Rise of Luxury Tourism: Milan is witnessing an increase in high-spending visitors, with 32% of tourists spending over 120 euros per day in the Lombardy region.
- Focus on Sustainability: The city is actively promoting sustainable tourism practices, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing the visitor experience. One such effort is Area C, a congestion charge zone in the city center designed to limit traffic, reduce pollution, and encourage the use of public transport and eco-friendly alternatives.
- Development of New Attractions: Milan is developing new areas of tourist interest, such as CityLife, a modern skyscraper complex with high-end shops, restaurants, and accommodation. Within CityLife, the "Library of Trees" area provides a green oasis amidst the urban landscape.
- The 2026 Winter Olympics: Milan, along with Cortina d'Ampezzo, will be co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. This major international event is expected to further boost tourism in the city and the surrounding region.
As Milan continues to evolve, its tourism landscape remains dynamic and diverse, reflecting both the city’s rich cultural history and its forward-looking embrace of modernity. The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics promises to inject even more energy into the city's tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the globe.