The indicator analyses the average CO₂ emissions per air passenger, providing a measure of the environmental impact of air transport within the tourism sector. It is based on the division of total CO₂ emissions from passenger flights by the number of passengers transported. In 2023, the emission value decreases to 77 kg CO₂ per passenger, confirming an improvement in the energy efficiency of the Italian aviation sector. However, despite this progress, Italy remains above the levels of some more virtuous European countries, indicating the need for additional strategies for the decarbonisation of the sector.

The indicator monitors the spread of agritourism, a form of tourism integrated into the local territory that helps reduce the impact of infrastructure on biodiversity and the landscape. Between 2003 and 2023, the sector recorded a 101% increase, growing from 13,000 to over 26,000 agritourism businesses. Facilities offering accommodation rose by 97%. Furthermore, "green" activities—especially nature observation—experienced significant growth.

The indicator quantifies the pressure of tourism on the urban waste management system in Italy. It currently represents a recognized proxy for the monitoring of Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda (SDG 12.b.1). Since 2023, the methodology has been enriched by including not only the official overnight stays in accommodation establishments, but also stays in non-commercial lodgings (second homes, homes of friends or relatives) and same-day visits without overnight stay. The inclusion of these components allows for a more realistic and complete estimate of the equivalent tourist population and, therefore, of the amount of waste generated per equivalent inhabitant.

In 2023, the indicator reached 15.7 kg per equivalent inhabitant according to the new methodology, marking an increase of 53% compared to the value estimated with the traditional method (10.1 kg per equivalent inhabitant).

Tourism continues to be strategic for the Italian economy, yet its attractiveness depends on a healthy environment. The indicator quantifies the atmospheric emissions generated by road-based tourist travel in Italy. In 2023 the automobile remains the main source of every pollutant considered: 93.7 % of CO, 96.1 % of VOCs, 90.2 % of NOx, 86.2 % of PM₂.₅ and 93.4 % of CO₂. “Recreational” vehicles—motorhomes, caravans and vans—have their greatest impact on PM₂.₅ (11.9 %) and NOx (8.1 %). After the post-pandemic peak of 2022, total emissions fell in 2023 by roughly 11–18 % (depending on the pollutant) and remain below the pre-pandemic 2019 levels; however, this comparison may have been influenced by a methodological improvement.

During the pandemic years, 2020 and 2021, the Italian tourism sector experienced a drastic reduction in economic activity due to travel restrictions and virus containment measures. This contraction led to a significant decrease in the value added generated by the sector. However, CO₂ equivalent emissions did not decrease proportionally, as some sources of emissions—such as the maintenance of tourism infrastructure and indirect emissions related to the sector—remained relatively constant. As a result, emission intensity, measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per million euros, increased during those years, as the same or similar quantities of emissions were associated with lower economic output.
In 2022, with the recovery of tourism activities and the increase in value added, emission intensity decreased significantly, falling below pandemic-period levels. This result reflects greater efficiency in the sector, where economic growth outpaced the increase in emissions. Nevertheless, Italy still ranks above the European average, indicating room for improvement in the environmental sustainability of tourism.

In 2023, tourist flows at the borders continue to grow, with a total of 85.7 million foreign visitors, marking an increase of 14.7% compared to 2022. Transit across road borders is confirmed as the most used mode (49.4%), followed by airport transit (47.0%). Italians continue to prefer the car as the main means of transport for their journeys (69.5%), with a slight decrease compared to the previous year. However, train use remains marginal (11.2%), indicating a limited transition to more sustainable means of transport.