Six in 10 Italians will spend the mid-August Ferragosto holiday away from home, the Coldiretti farm group said Tuesday.
    In Italy, it said, Friday's Ferragosto will be spent away from home for nearly six in ten people (57%), at the seaside, in the countryside, or in the mountains, or with relatives and friends.
    A Coldiretti/Ixe' survey found that the most popular choice is a convivial getaway with family or friends.
    Trips to the seaside, the countryside, or the mountains follow, while only a small minority will participate in events.
    For 27% of citizens, Ferragosto will be a day like any other, "often," commented the agricultural representatives, "spent at work, especially in the service and restaurant sectors, while 16% will spend it at home relaxing." According to Coldiretti/Ixé, among those who will eat out, the main option remains a picnic, chosen by 7.5 million Italians, while the rest will choose restaurants, agritourism establishments, festivals, bars, and takeaways.
    Agritourism, according to Campagna Amica, continues to show signs of growth: during the week of Ferragosto, approximately 650,000 tourists, both from Italy and abroad, are expected to visit the more than 26,000 agritourism establishments nationwide, including overnight stays and meals.
    Growth in the sector is primarily driven by tourism linked to food and wine experiences.
    The Coldiretti/Ixè survey reveals that nearly four in 10 Italians (39%) will participate in activities such as tastings, visits to wineries, oil mills, dairies, or breweries, as well as cooking classes.
    Ferragosto, Coldiretti concludes, remains the highlight of Italian holidays, with 18.6 million tourists choosing to concentrate their holidays in August this year despite concerns about the difficult international situation, including conflicts and trade wars.

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