Italy is gearing up for a whole host of events in 2020 and visitors to WTM can find out more.

Next year’s events include commemorations for the 500th anniversary of the artist Raphael. Celebrations will take place mainly in his birthplace, the medieval town of Urbino – where the Ducal Palace is situated – and Rome, where he died. His tombstone is in the Pantheon.

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

In addition to its famous gastronomy, such as Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, Parma is also graced with art treasures, such as the Romanic Cathedral and Baptistery in the Piazza Duomo.

Milan will host the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Convention in 2020, the most important appointment for the LGBTI community, from May 6-9.

Visitors can also find out about promotions for Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will host the Winter Olympics in 2026.

Finally, the Prosecco hills, in the Veneto Region, outside of Venice, has become Italy’s 55th UNESCO Heritage site.

Italy continues to be a firm favourite for British travellers and 2018 registered an increase of 4% in the numbers of visitors from the UK.

In total there were 4.3 million visitors with an average spend of £603 per visit and an average stay of eight nights in 2018.

Stand: EU100

PR Contact: Stefania Gatta

Email: stefania.gatta@enit.it

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7399 3555