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Can tourism drive sustainable mobility? The 9th edition of the Repower White Paper offers a vision for the future

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Can tourism drive sustainable mobility? The 9th edition of the Repower White Paper offers a vision for the future

The Repower White Paper, now in its ninth edition (2025), focuses on three key themes: tourism, cities, and digitalization.

A recognized reference even for non-experts, this annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of electric mobility in Italy and worldwide. It explores data, trends, challenges, future prospects, and showcases best practices in the field of sustainable mobility.

In Italy, electric mobility is progressing slowly, hindered by regulatory obstacles, energy transition challenges, and underdeveloped infrastructure.

However, the travel sector continues to experience steady global growth, with annual rates between 6% and 10%. According to Repower, this is an opportunity for the future: tourism can become a driving force in accelerating the spread of sustainable mobility. Why? Because it combines demand, reach, and direct economic impact in a way that few other sectors can achieve.

A few statistics highlight its potential. According to ISTAT data, in 2023, Italy recorded 447 million tourist overnight stays, ranking third in Europe after Spain and France. In terms of arrivals, Italy placed fourth in Europe. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing 18% to the country’s GDP in 2024, according to an analysis by the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

Today’s travelers are environmentally conscious. As a result, tourist destinations must be equipped with suitable infrastructure and services to support slower, low-impact travel options, such as bicycle tourism, trekking, and electric vehicle usage.

To discover how experiential tourism fosters sustainable local development, read Part 2: Experiential tourism: A driver of sustainable mobility and regional growth.

To learn how digitalization contributes to more sustainable cities and reduces territorial disparities, read Part 3: Digitalization enhances urban sustainability and bridges regional disparities.