The long weekend of June 2nd closed for the Aeolian Islands with a balance that not only confirmed the excellent wishes of the day before, but also recorded a record tourist influx for this period.
Lipari, Vulcano and Salina were the beating heart of this weekend, recording attendance comparable to those of the mid-summer season, with crowded beaches and boats at sea like in the middle of July. Excellent numbers also for Stromboli as regards hiking tourism: the volcano with its continuous “liveliness” continues to be a great attraction; the same applies to the Great Crater of Vulcano.
On Stromboli, as on Panarea, tourists from the mini-cruises coming from the Calabrian and Sicilian coasts met again. The one just passed was the first real and crucial test in view of the summer season. A challenge won by hoteliers, restaurateurs and traders, who were ready, offering excellent services despite the very strong anthropic pressure. Under pressure since the previous days, the maritime transport system has held up thanks to the foresight of the Aeolian municipalities and the authorization of the Sicilian Region for the extraordinary fast connections of Liberty Lines. The plan, implemented with extraordinary trips, was decisive in disposing of the enormous flow of passengers on fast vehicles, which constantly traveled with full houses. The Trapani company, among other things, has already expanded its connection offer since June 1st: a further expansion will arrive on June 8th. Passenger ships also recorded flows well above seasonal averages, ensuring fluidity in transfers that minimized inconvenience for both tourists and residents. If there is a gap that needs to be highlighted, it is that of the port system: in Lipari, as in Vulcano, fast vehicles were forced to queue in the harbor waiting to be able to dock. In Lipari because only one of the landing points in the open pier of Sottomonastero is operational: in Vulcano for the obligatory alternation in the port between fast vehicles and ships, waiting for the “hype” for the commissioning of the new pier to materialise. What pushed this exploit, in addition to perfect weather that gave days with a fully summery flavour, was the definitive consolidation of the territorial promotion campaign signed by Brand Eolie. The post-weekend data certifies a clear and structural change of direction in travellers’ preferences. No longer just “hit and run” seaside tourism, but a true triumph of experiential tourism: the highest requests concerned naturalistic trekking on volcanic paths, immersions in local traditions and excellent food and wine itineraries.
