Italian cuisine is not only a symbol of culture and tradition, it is also one of the most powerful drivers of Italy’s tourism economy. Its recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage reinforces this value and opens concrete opportunities for regions, businesses, and property owners.
More tourism drawn by authentic experiences
When a living tradition like cuisine enters the UNESCO heritage list, the effect goes beyond cultural prestige. It activates a virtuous cycle involving travel, hospitality, local production, and, indirectly, the real estate market.
Estimates indicate a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the years following the recognition, with strong initial growth stabilizing over the medium term. In practical terms, this translates into millions of additional visitors, attracted not only by art and history but by the chance to experience Italy through its cuisine.
This is a tourism seeking authentic experiences: local markets, traditional trattorias, cooking classes, wine tastings. Visitors tend to stay longer and choose accommodations that allow them to “live like a local,” directly impacting the demand for rental properties.
The economic ripple effect
The increase in visitors affects the entire ecosystem: hotels, restaurants, cultural activities, and local producers. But also real estate linked to tourism.
In recent years, international visitors have spent over twelve billion euros in Italian bars and restaurants, with continued growth expected. Food and wine tourism alone generates billions in direct spending.
For homeowners — particularly in regions like Tuscany, Umbria, or Piedmont — this creates real opportunities: demand focused on quality and authenticity, capable of enhancing properties well embedded in the territory.
Homes, territories, and new forms of appeal
UNESCO recognition also boosts the attractiveness of villages and rural areas, where the connection between property, territory, and cuisine is strongest. A fully equipped kitchen, proximity to local producers, and access to culinary experiences become key selling points.
Owners increasingly enrich stays with food-related experiences, while investors target properties that can capture this growing demand: apartments, farmhouses, and villas offering a lifestyle, not just lodging.
Value beyond the short term. UNESCO recognition acts as a multiplier for Italy’s image and international competitiveness, strengthening its positioning as a high-quality destination and enhancing the overall tourism ecosystem. For real estate, this translates into stability and long-term potential, a tangible and enduring asset.
Simone Casani’s Perspective
The recognition of Italian cuisine as UNESCO heritage is more than cultural prestige: it has tangible effects on tourism and, consequently, the real estate market. For those who own or invest in property in Italy, it means greater appeal, new opportunities for short-term rentals, and the chance to enhance the territory through authentic culinary experiences. The message is clear: investing in Italian real estate today is investing in the future of hospitality and the local economy.
