ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Naples expects record 20 million tourists in 2025 amid cultural policy debate

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-26

According to Tourism Councillor Teresa Armato, Naples is anticipated to attract 20 million tourists by the conclusion of 2025. As of May, the city had welcomed 10 million visitors, with July and August seeing 1.8 million and 1.5 million, respectively. The majority of tourists are arriving from Europe, particularly from Lombardy and Lazio, along with a notable influx from Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and India. However, concerns about overtourism and urban decline are increasing, prompting residents to voice their dissatisfaction regarding fast food chains and traffic issues. The Monte Sant'Angelo metro station, crafted by Anish Kapoor, is set to launch in mid-October 2025, while the redevelopment of Piazza Municipio will wrap up in 2026. The restoration of the Real Albergo dei Poveri is expected by 2029, and the Spazio Obù cultural center is projected to open in 2027.

Key facts

  • Naples expects 20 million tourists by end of 2025.
  • 10 million visitors recorded by May 2025.
  • August 2025: 1.5 million visitors; July: 1.8 million.
  • Significant Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, India for first time.
  • Monte Sant'Angelo metro station by Anish Kapoor opens mid-October 2025.
  • Piazza Municipio project by Siza and Souto de Moura completes in 2026.
  • Real Albergo dei Poveri restoration (€148 million) finishes by 2029.
  • MADRE museum director Eva Fabbris launched Premio Meridiana.

Entities

Artists

  • Anish Kapoor
  • Michelangelo Pistoletto
  • Gaetano Pesce
  • Jaume Plensa
  • Vincenzo Trione
  • Álvaro Siza
  • Eduardo Souto de Moura

Institutions

  • Comune di Napoli
  • Assessorato al Turismo
  • Napoli Contemporanea
  • MADRE
  • MANN
  • Biblioteca nazionale di Napoli
  • Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
  • ABDR
  • ITALICS
  • Panorama
  • Gallery Weekend Naples
  • Whitespace Projects
  • Spazio Obù
  • Real Albergo dei Poveri
  • Metropolitana d'arte di Napoli
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Naples
  • Italy
  • Lombardy
  • Lazio
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Asia
  • Monte Sant'Angelo
  • Traiano
  • Piazza Municipio
  • Maschio Angioino
  • Capodimonte
  • Piedigrotta
  • Campi Flegrei
  • Pozzuoli
  • Europe

Sources