Italy experienced robust growth in ferry traffic during the summer of 2023, according to official data from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The ferry sector witnessed a noteworthy surge in the number of passengers transported, as revealed by the statistics for the July-August 2023 period.
Comparing this two-month interval with the same period in 2022, there was a remarkable 7% increase in ferry passengers. The growth becomes even more apparent when juxtaposed with the figures from July-August 2019, with a substantial 22% rise. Looking at the broader picture, the January-August 2023 period showcased a 25% surge in ferry passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2019.
This positive trend in 2023 follows a challenging period in 2020, marked by a 29% drop in ferry passenger numbers. The sector showed signs of recovery in 2021, narrowing the gap to -10%, and continued the upward trajectory in 2022 with a notable 15% increase.
The buoyant growth in ferry traffic during the summer of 2023 not only signifies a rebound from the setbacks of 2020 but also demonstrates the resilience and vitality of Italy’s maritime transportation sector. The significant year-over-year and pre-pandemic comparisons underscore the sector’s ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.