ENIT Presents New ‘Italian’ Offerings

Reema Sisodia - Mumbai

Salvatore Ianniello, representative in India, ENIT

A year full of activities, events and promotions has been scheduled by ENIT (Italian State Tourism Board) for its Indian market. Maintaining its regular theme of presenting Italy `one region at a time' the board has proposed to bring newer regions and areas for the Indian travel fraternity to sample. Year round activities have been drafted beginning with the month of February right into 2005. To introduce the Italian carnival event held in Venice, the board aims to organise a special trip with tour operators and journalists to the region in February 2004. Offering the Vicenza region to the travel trade is high on the agenda of the board. Showcasing the Formula 1 event which is scheduled to be held during two months namely April in the region of Monza and in September in the region of Imola is also part of this year's plans. The involvement of the trade and the media would again be part of the event. Yet another region called Lombardett would be introduced in the second half of 2004 to both the trade and the media. A team of identified tour operators and media persons would be introduced to the region in the months of June and September. A special representation from Milan is scheduled to arrive in India in the month of May to introduce newer facets of the region.

Explains, Salvatore Ianniello, representative in India, ENIT, "Our aim is to highlight various facets and specialties of the Italian region in installments. There are regions that have special events and celebrations attached to it, which we aim to introduce in the Indian market. The carnival of Venice is one example of introducing a unique Italian flavour in the Indian market. Apart from introducing Italy in the Indian market, our aim is also clear about introducing India in the Italian region. Like last year we would also conduct special Indian promotional activities and festivals in the Italian cities."

Says Andrea Bonardi, secretary general, The Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, "We are very serious about the Indian market and are doing our best to improve Indo-Italian trade contacts. We consider tourism as an effective tool to introduce and strengthen both the cultures in each others countries."