This year is particularly important for Italy as we  will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of the great Renaissance painter Raphael with a series of events throughout the year especially in Urbino in Le Marche region and Rome.

Another important centenary is the one of the great master of Italian cinema, Federico Fellini, born in Rimini 100 years ago, a new museum dedicated to him will open in Rimini at the end of the year.

Parma is the Italian Capital of culture in 2020, the historic town in Emilia Romagna will host a series of events throughout the year.

Again, Forlimpopoli in Emilia Romagna will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pellegrino Artusi, the famous chef and food writer “Father of Italian Cuisine”.

Milan will host the IGLTA Convention in 2020, the most important appointment for the LGBTI community, from 6 to 9 May 2020.

Italy is particularly proud to announce that Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been awarded the Winter Olympics in 2026, work to promote these two amazing venues starts now.

The main focus for us in 2020 will be “Sustainable Tourism”. Italy is a trend setter in eco-friendly travel, thanks to its bio-hotels, electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered public buses, certified municipalities, protected areas with guided routes, plastic- and smoke-free eco-beaches, carbon-free travel, bike routes and bike stations, map-app appointed walking routes, solar panel-fuelled night clubs, e-bikes, blue flags, walk-art and eco projects.

I look forward to see you at IMM on 9 and 10 march 2020.

Stefania Gatta – Italian National Tourist Board