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Between 2021 and 2024, extra virgin olive oil tourism climbed by 37.1%, with 7 out of 10 Italians viewing it as a sign of the country's cultural and landscape legacy. This trend is part of the global rise of culinary tourism, with many tourists planning trips to Italy for food and wine experiences in the future years. This is per the Second Report on Olive Oil Tourism. Interest is increasing in both the domestic market, where 70% of Italians are interested in tastings with food pairings, and in significant foreign markets, including the United States, Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Italy has a distinct heritage: over 619,000 olive oil producers, a reflection of biodiversity and age-old traditions. In addition to tastings, trips to olive oil mills, and on-site sales, there is an increasing demand for immersive experiences such as itineraries among centuries-old olive trees, dinners in olive orchards (selected by 71%), cultural tours, and visits to ancient olive oil mills. Tuscany (29%) and Puglia (28%) are the most popular regions, followed by Sicily (20%), Umbria (18%), and Liguria (15%), with an increasing interest in lesser-known but high-quality production areas.
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