We are so proud to be a sponsor for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards, to be associated with an event that showcase's the highest standards in the UK travel trade.

The focus of our marketing strategy for 2019-2020 will be value growth: value of our proposal on existing and new markets and innovation of tourism products, focusing on the experience of the Italian way of life. The strategy will involve both the leisure and the MICE industry.

Firstly, celebrations for Leonardo da Vinci's 500th anniversary are taking central stage, especially in Tuscany and Milan. The great genius was in fact born in Vinci, a small village near Florence but spent his most creative years in Milan at the court of the noble family of Sforza. Under their patronage he worked on one of his most famous paintings, the Last Supper and at his many inventions. A number of exhibitions, talks and shows will take place in Florence, Vinci, Milan and other cities in Lombardy this year. To learn more please go to www.italia.it

Another important event is Matera European Capital of Culture 2019. A full year of celebrations is already in full swing, every day the visitors can see a show, visit an exhibition, talk to the local people and taste the local cuisine in the magical atmosphere of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings. Learn more on: www.matera-basilicata2019.it

In 2020 we are focusing on another important celebration, 500th anniversary of Raphael, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. Pesaro and Urbino (le Marche region) are getting ready for the celebrations which will start early in 2020

We encourage all the agents who want to learn more about Italy to join our online training http://italiaexperts.co.uk. For ten lucky agents, there will be the change to win a fantastic fam trip to Italy!