Goodbye Italy, the United Nations has issued a statement: "It's been swept away by France." Already devastated citizens are in tears.

Not good news at all for our country, which sees itself beaten and overtaken by its historic rivals, our French cousins.

The rivalry between Italy and France is an intricate dance of history, culture, and politics. They have clashed for centuries, but not without deep mutual respect. Their shared roots, partly Roman and partly Celtic , have led to a complex relationship, marked by conflict but also by fruitful exchanges.

For this reason, it's not uncommon to hear them called "Latin cousins," a term that evokes a family bond of closeness and rivalry, just like between relatives. A playful rivalry , filled with jokes and stereotypes, but one that also hides a more serious competition, in fields such as economics, sports, and fashion.

The theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 is a prime example of this tension. When Vincenzo Peruggia stole it from the Louvre, it was a nationalist gesture aimed at returning the work to Italy , considered its rightful homeland. An event that, despite its gravity, reflected the sentiments of many Italians.

The Mona Lisa, a work by Leonardo , thus became a symbol not only of art and genius, but also of that ancestral rivalry that, despite their differences, unites the two countries in a bond of love and hate that has endured over time.

Italian tourism

The tourism industry in Italy is a fundamental pillar of the national economy. Last year, tourism contributed 10.8% of GDP, with growth forecast to reach 12.6% by 2034. This sector not only generates direct revenue , but also creates indirect benefits for other economic activities such as trade, transportation, and hospitality.

According to the most recent estimates, Italy recorded over 450 million tourist arrivals , exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The sector has a direct impact on employment, supporting millions of jobs, and it is estimated that foreign tourists spent over 50 billion euros in a year, confirming the importance of international tourism for the country.

France, there is the overtaking

Despite its attractiveness, Italy has been overtaken by France in terms of tourist arrivals. France remains among the world's most visited destinations, attractive both for its rich cultural heritage and its diverse tourism offerings.

This overtaking underscores a trend in which France , thanks to targeted investments and effective tourism promotion, is managing to capitalize on a greater number of arrivals and overnight stays. Italy, while remaining a very popular destination, faces growing international competition , which requires it to continually adapt its strategies to maintain and increase its market share.