Italy is seeing a surge in foreign tourists who will generate an estimated €17 billion between July and September this year, in a return to pre-covid levels, according to a new report by retailer association Comfcommercio. US tourists are driving the recovery, thanks also to a strong dollar, the report said.

About 2.2 million Americans are expected to vacation in Italy this summer, generating an estimated €2.1 billion - 20 per cent more than the same period in 2019. The study also predicted a surge of Australians, Canadians and South Africans, as well as a "good performance" from British visitors and pre-pandemic numbers of Spanish tourists.