Culture is one of the pillars that Italy must hold on to in order to restart. In 2013 alone, the industry of this sector moved 214 billion euros in our country, while exports reached a surplus of 25 billion. And it is a field capable of generating a multiplier effect, because for every euro invested - thanks to tourism - an average of 1,67 returns. These are the main data that emerge from "Io Sono Cultura", the study by Symbola and Unioncamere presented today in Rome in the presence of Minister Dario Franceschini.
Exports linked to culture deserve particular attention, which grew by 35% in five years: from 30,7 billion in 2009 to 41,6 billion in 2013, or 10,7% of all cross-border sales of our companies. Furthermore, the trade balance of the sector has always been positive in the last 22 years, reaching last year a surplus with foreign countries of 25,7 billion, a figure second only to that of the mechanical supply chain and much higher than that of metallurgy, stopped at 10,3 billion.
As for private sponsors, in 2013 they made it possible to raise 159 million euros for the recovery and restoration of Italian works of art. The greatest benefits, of course, fall on tourism. According to the report, "the cultural tourist who stays in Italy is more inclined to spend: 52 euros a day for accommodation and 85 euros for extra expenses, against 47 euros for accommodation and 75 for extras for those who come for cultural".
Compared to the total expenditure of tourists in Italy (73 billion euros in 2013), 36,5% (26,7 billion) is linked precisely to the cultural industries. A sign of hope for the coming years, since Italy is the favorite destination for tourists from countries with which the future of world tourism is linked: China, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the USA and Canada.
At a territorial level, the province of Arezzo is confirmed as the first in our country both for employees linked to the cultural industries and for the added value of culture on the entire economic sphere. Followed by Pordenone, Pesaro Urbino, Vicenza, Treviso, Rome, Macerata, Milan, Como and Pisa.
In general, culture in the Center produces an added value of 18,7 billion euros, equivalent to 6,2% of the total added value of the local economy. Followed by the North-West with over 26 billion euros, 5,8% of its economy, and the North-East with 17,3 billion (5,4%). South Italy is detached, which produces added value of 12,5 billion euros (4%) from cultural industries.
Culture is “fuel for recovery – commented Ferruccio Dardanello, president of Unioncamere -. Territories and businesses represent our country's image throughout the world: our first deposit, capable of producing wealth, work and well-being for local communities”.
