The bed & breakfast market - Italy (2023)

1.1 Introduction

The bed and breakfast market is a tourist hospitality sector characterized by the provision of accommodation managed by individuals or small businesses, which provide rooms in private homes or independent structures. Bed and breakfasts are regulated by local laws and regulations, as well as specific tax and health regulations.

The bed and breakfast market in Italy offers a variety of accommodation options, which may include single, double or family rooms. Bed and breakfasts may be located in private homes, villas, renovated farms, or other distinctive structures. In addition to lodging, facilities offer breakfast included and, often, other amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, common areas, and light dining services.

The term "Bed & Breakfast" has its origins in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where the first facilities called Bed & Breakfasts emerged in the 1920s. This formula has since spread internationally. Over time, the services offered by Bed & Breakfasts have increased, prices have changed, and various promotion channels have been introduced. Nevertheless, the essence of Bed & Breakfast remains that of opening one's home to guests.[TMSCB&B]

It is estimated that there are 30,000 Bed and Breakfasts in Italy, 70 percent of which are non-entrepreneurial and the remaining 30 percent entrepreneurial. The total annual turnover of Italian B&Bs is about 350 million euros.[Habitante]

This study will focus specifically on the economic and structural aspects of the Bed & Breakfast market in Italy; for more general information on the Italian Ho.Re.Ca. sector, please refer to the other specific studies available in the Businesscoot catalog.