Ryanair Announces Major Expansion in Calabria Following Tax Abolition

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 13, 2024 00:05 AMNews
Share:
Calabria coastline with clear blue waters and beaches
Ryanair's expansion set to boost tourism. Source: unsplash

On July 11th, Ryanair unveiled a significant expansion plan for the Calabrian region, prompted by President Roberto Occhiuto’s decision to eliminate the Italian State’s Municipal/Tourist Tax. This initiative will bring two additional Boeing B737-800 aircraft to Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme, along with 15 new routes across the three Calabrian airports: Lamezia Terme, Crotone, and Reggio Calabria.

Ryanair’s investment, totaling $200 million, aims to transform Calabria into a major travel destination by reducing access costs and enhancing connectivity. The airline plans to support over 1,200 jobs in the region and anticipates a 50% increase in passenger numbers, reaching one million annually.

The abolition of the municipal tax is part of a broader trend in Italy, with regions like Friuli Venezia-Giulia also scrapping this levy to attract more tourists. This move is expected to not only boost local tourism but also set a precedent for other regions considering similar measures to enhance their appeal and competitiveness in the travel market.

For the upcoming winter season, Ryanair will introduce 11 new routes, including flights from Reggio Calabria to London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, and Paris Beauvais. Additionally, four more routes from Lamezia Terme to Trieste, Madrid, Wroclaw, and Bucharest will commence in summer 2025.

Ryanair's CEO, Eddie Wilson, highlighted the Calabrian government's decision as a pivotal move for boosting tourism and economic growth. He urged other Italian regions, particularly Sicily and Sardinia, to consider abolishing the municipal tax to stimulate similar growth.

Marco Franchini, CEO of SACAL Airport, noted that the abolition of the municipal surcharge from August 1st will allow Calabria’s airports to offer more competitive rates. This, combined with infrastructural improvements, is expected to make Calabria’s airport system a significant contributor to the region’s economic development.

These strategic investments and enhancements are set to boost tourism and economic activity in Calabria, promising a period of substantial growth for the region.

Top Articles
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM
Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM

The Best Travel Luggage: Choosing Guide and Top Brand Reviews

Jan 21, 2025 19:00 PM
More News
A luxury resort in Thailand with a tropical pool, wooden villas, and lush greenery in the background

The Impact of 'The White Lotus' on Tourism in Thailand

Feb 16, 2025 21:47 PM
AirAsia airplane wingtip with logo against a blue sky

AirAsia’s Fare Shake-Up: How Travelers Can Benefit in 2025

Feb 16, 2025 19:21 PM

New SAS Lounge at Arlanda: Easier, More Comfortable Travel for Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 19:32 PM

Universal Studios Singapore Expands with Minion Land, Offering New Experiences for Visitors

Feb 15, 2025 14:26 PM
A view of an easyJet airplane wing above the clouds during sunset, with a gradient sky in shades of pink and purple

EasyJet Expands Flights for Half-Term

Feb 15, 2025 11:49 AM
A high-speed train passing through a station near a tunnel, captured in motion

Rail Travel in Bressanone Disrupted After WWII Bomb Was Found

Feb 15, 2025 08:33 AM
ANA aircraft parked at an international airport terminal during sunset

ANA Expands Meal Selection for International Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 05:25 AM
Snow-covered canal-side street with parked cars and historic buildings in winter

Snow and Ice May Disrupt Travel Plans in Northern England

Feb 15, 2025 02:48 AM
Interior of an AirAsia airplane with red and black seats, viewed from the aisle

AirAsia Announces Free* Seats Promotion for 2025 Travel

Feb 15, 2025 00:31 AM

Brighton Main Line: Travel Disruptions and Passenger Impact

Feb 14, 2025 20:32 PM

Michelin-Starred Dining: The New Spots for Travelers in the UK

Feb 14, 2025 17:46 PM
Aer Lingus aircraft in flight against a blue sky with scattered clouds

Aer Lingus Expands Reward Travel with Avios-Only Route

Feb 14, 2025 14:29 PM
A young woman wearing glasses, using a smartphone while working on a laptop at a creative workspace with art supplies

Expedia Introduces Flight Deals to Improve Travel Savings

Feb 14, 2025 11:33 AM
A solo traveler sitting by an airplane window with a backpack on their lap, gazing outside

Solo Travel on the Rise: How the Trend is Reshaping Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 08:45 AM
Frost-covered leaves lying on the ground

Prolonged Chill May Influence UK Travel Plans

Feb 14, 2025 05:28 AM

Wizz Air Expands Summer Travel Options with New Route

Feb 14, 2025 02:31 AM

Rail Disruptions Pose Challenges for Travelers Amid RMT Strike

Feb 13, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off against a cloudy sky

Emirates Introduces Exclusive Valentine's Day Travel Experience

Feb 13, 2025 21:41 PM
Person tapping a card at a train station gate

Southeastern’s Silent Cuts: How Ticket Office Closures Are Reshaping Travel

Feb 13, 2025 19:29 PM
A commercial airplane parked on a busy Manchester airport tarmac

Escape the Cold: Top Winter Getaways in High Demand

Feb 13, 2025 17:33 PM
A cozy hotel room with sunlight filtering through sheer curtains, overlooking a cityscape

Hilton Expands Affordable Stays: More Budget-Friendly Hotels for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy skies

Emirates Elevates Inflight Dining with Gourmet Cuisine

Feb 12, 2025 21:42 PM

Amsterdam's Infrastructure Overhaul: What It Means for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 19:38 PM

Lufthansa Expands Premium Cabin Offering

Feb 12, 2025 17:21 PM
Woman with a backpack looking at cherry blossoms in front of a European-style building

Spring Travel Outlook 2025: Key Trends and Opportunities

Feb 12, 2025 15:43 PM
A silhouette of a traveler with a suitcase at an airport terminal, with a plane visible in the sky

Smart Luggage Choices: How to Avoid Travel Hassles and Lost Bags

Feb 12, 2025 12:45 PM