Feature: Some 10 mln Italians expected to travel over Easter amid tightened security

Some 10 million Italians were expected to travel during the Easter holidays, most of them planning an average three-night stay, according to a recent survey.

Meanwhile, the Italian authorities announced security in the capital and other major cities will be tightened due to both increased flows of visitors, and special events scheduled for the major festivity.

Tourism is a key sector for Italy's economy -- now more than ever, considering its sluggish path of recovery after a long crisis -- and Italian Hotels Association Federalberghi seemed quite confident in an upward trend in the next few days.

According to the results of a survey carried out among 3,000 people, Federalberghi forecast 9.9 million Italians would make a trip for Easter. The figure would mark a 2.3 percent increase over Easter 2016.

Some 93 percent of those travelling would remain within the country, while 7 percent would choose a destination abroad, the survey showed.

The association also expected the turnover for Easter to increase by 3.6 percent to 3.34 billion euros (3.55 billion U.S. dollars) this year.

"The positive signals arriving from the market allow us to look with moderate optimism at the situation," Federalberghi president Bernabo Bocca said on Thursday as the survey was released.

"Overall, we consider the data about (2017) Easter as a confirmation of an upward trend, which would boost the feeling on an on-going recovery," he added.

Art cities will be the most popular destination for those remaining in the country, while European capitals will attract holidaymakers travelling abroad, according to the survey.

Although Italians' plans seemed not to be deterred by the security alert -- and by recent attacks, such as those occurred in London and Stockholm -- extra measures will be put in place across the country over the weekend.

Italy's Counter-Terrorism Strategic Analysis Committee (CASA) gathered to assess the special plan on Thursday, and Interior Minister Marco Minniti promised tight controls over the territory, but "without limiting the citizens' freedom to enjoy holidays."

"We face a new terrorist threat that is completely unpredictable," he also said at a police ceremony earlier this week.

Up to half a million tourists were expected in the Italian capital only, and major events such as religious processions and masses would draw tens of thousands of people at a time.

An Italian Serie A soccer match was also scheduled at Rome's Olympic stadium on Saturday, adding pressure on the security deployment.

Some 3,500 police officers and bomb disposal teams with sniffer dogs will be distributed across the city, and especially in the areas where such events will take place, Rome police said in a statement.

Security will also be ramped up around the city's major train stations, airports and port.

CCTV cameras, as well as checks on cars and heavy good vehicles will be reinforced in Rome's historic center. Some zones will be cordoned off to ensure freedom of movement and safety to those attending Easter celebrations, and vehicular traffic will be subjected to restrictions, police added.

Similar measures were provided for other major Italian cities, such as Milan, Florence and Naples, and everywhere Easter religious events were scheduled. Endit