Visits to property in Italy have risen substantially over the past year, according to a report from ACI Europe.

The professional association for airport operators saw European passenger traffic rise by 8.8 per cent in the year to October 2010.

However, more people were seen en route to property in Italy, with Brindisi in particular posting strong year-on-year gains.

Passenger traffic at Brindisi increased by more than half (50.2 per cent) over the same 12-month period.

Stefania Gatta, spokeswoman for the Italian State Tourist Board, argues that the favourable climate of the region is one reason why this may have been the case.

"The rise in visitors in October is an indication that people seek late-summer sun in Puglia," she says.

"Weather can still be hot and balmy in October."

This can lead to ideal touring conditions for people keen to see the area outside of the peak temperatures of the summer months, she adds.

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