Sicily, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock Italy has taken a major step toward bringing nuclear power back into its energy mix, nearly 40 years after the country abandoned nuclear generation.
The Italian Senate gave final approval on September 23 to legislation creating a regulatory framework for what the government describes as sustainable nuclear energy.
The law gives the government authority to establish rules covering the construction and operation of nuclear facilities, safety, radioactive waste, nuclear fuel and related regulation.
For Italy's tourism industry, the decision could eventually become relevant far beyond the country's energy sector.
Hotels, restaurants, beach businesses and other tourism operators are among the businesses heavily exposed to electricity costs. This summer, Confesercenti, one of the most prominent national trade associations in Italy that represents over 350,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, estimated that electricity bills for an average 45-room hotel rose from about €8,250 to €12,250 over three summer months, an increase of almost 49%. Restaurants and bars also faced substantial increases.
The government argues that next-generation nuclear power could reduce Italy's dependence on imported electricity and make its energy system less exposed to international price volatility.
If new nuclear capacity eventually comes online, a more stable domestic electricity supply could help businesses that consume large amounts of energy, including hotels that operate air conditioning, heating, kitchens, pools and other facilities.
However, tourists should not expect their next trip to Italy to become cheaper because of this week's vote.
The legislation does not authorize the immediate construction of a nuclear power plant. Instead, it establishes the legal framework for future projects. The government now has to prepare implementing regulations covering areas including safety, authorizations, waste management and relations with local communities.
Government estimates reported after the vote put possible first nuclear plants around 2033 or 2034, meaning any effect on tourism prices or operating costs would be years away.
The timing is significant for Italy's tourism sector, as energy-intensive businesses have already been looking for ways to reduce their exposure to electricity prices.
Italy's Tourism Ministry launched a €109 million funding scheme in 2026 supporting tourism businesses investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage, smart climate-control systems and other upgrades. The program covers hotels, resorts, campsites, restaurants, beach establishments and other tourism businesses.
Nuclear power would therefore become part of a much wider energy discussion for the tourism industry, alongside solar power, efficiency measures and other sources of electricity.
In the short term, probably very little, as the nuclear law does not directly change hotel prices, flight prices, restaurant bills or tourist taxes. It also does not mean that Italy will soon have operating nuclear reactors.
Over the longer term, however, the government hopes that a more diversified electricity system will reduce exposure to energy shocks. If that eventually translates into lower or more predictable operating costs, tourism businesses could benefit.
Whether those savings would actually be passed on to travelers is a separate question.