Italian food tempts tourists

Italy's tourist market is being boosted by its fame in culinary circles, according to a new study.

Research by Expedia.co.uk has found that more than one in ten holidaymakers from the UK follow their taste buds when booking a trip overseas.

Italy was highlighted as a particular hotspot for this group of people, as people want to sample authentic Italian food in the place it was created.

Alison Couper, communications manager at Expedia.co.uk, said the findings show that UK tourists are "breaking away" from stereotypical food staples while on holiday.

She commented: "Brits are becoming more dedicated to immersing themselves in the home-grown local cuisine."

Ms Couper added that the notion of British people being "unadventurous with their culinary choices" is unfair and inaccurate.

This could potentially help enhance Italy's appeal among overseas property investors, as the country has a strong pull factor to attract visitors.

Italy's appeal to foreign property buyers was recently highlighted by NuWire Investor, which said demand for accommodation in popular tourist spots makes it a particularly good investment.