Originally Operazione vacanze (2012) was conceived as a remake of the television series Professione vacanze (1986) which would have featured Jerry Calà reprising his role from the original series. Calà was also supposed to direct the film. However, when the direction was entrusted to Claudio Fragasso, he and his wife Rossella Drudi made several changes to the script and plot, changing the film from a remake of Professione vacanze to an original comedy which spoofs the series.
The film was shot entirely in Basilicata, in the seaside resorts of Scanzano Jonico and Policoro at the luxurious resort of Marinagri, in the province of Matera and in the Torre del Faro tourist village.
Jerry Calà has on several occasions described Operazione vacanze (2012) as the ugliest of his filmography.
After the film changed from being a remake of the series Professione vacanze (1986) to more of a spoof, Jerry Calà's son, Johnny, proposed the new title, Operazione vacanze.