ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The Bus Gourmet Italia has arrived in Rome, the ENIT project Spa dedicated to Italian cuisine. An excellence of Made in Italy, which has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a few days, witnessing the centrality in the Italian tourist offer of one of the most recognized identity assets on a global level, which is a strategic element for the tourist competitiveness of the country. The associations and groups of the sector estimate, in fact, that this recognition can determine (in two years) an increase of tourist flows up to 8%, equal to approximately 18 million additional overnight stays. The Gourmet Bus began its route in Paris, on 17 November, and then to stop in Brussels, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Munich and Vienna, before arriving in Rome, showcased our cuisine and regional specialties, offering tastings on board, following a scenic route, making a traveling experience that combines food, culture and tourism promotion. A tour that involved about 430 participants among institutions, industry experts, tour operators, VIPs and influencers, welcomed by the best Italian chefs to immerse themselves in the typical flavors of our country.
In the final stage of Rome, on the two-storey bus in the presence of the Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanché and AD ENIT Ivana Jelinic, guests have lived an experience tasting star dishes while visiting the wonders of Rome by night.
“The arrival in Rome at Bus Gourmet Italia is the symbolic stage of a journey that celebrates our food and wine tradition, recently sublimated in the UNESCO recognition of Italian cuisine as a World Heritage Site. Thus we reaffirm the universal value of our excellences, authentic expressions of national identity, in its many regional and local facets, as well as powerful instruments of cultural and tourist promotion. The strength of our cuisine lies in the harmony between conviviality, territory and quality: elements that, together, make Italy an indispensable destination for millions of travellers in the world. Initiatives such as this of ENIT are fundamental to strengthen the link between tradition and innovation, enhancing the specialties of the table and projecting our nation towards new perspectives of growth and development”, says the Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè.
“Italian cuisine is a unique model in the world. For history, culture, traditions and flavors our recipes are internationally known, appreciated by tourists who also choose us for our heritage. It symbolizes the growth of food and wine tourism, which in recent years has become a real driving force for the industry. International travelers are willing to invest in discovering the typical Italians, hiking and knowing new territories, creating value, employment and economic growth for the benefit of local communities. The Bus Gourmet Italia was born with the will to export the excellence made in Italy in the world, promoting the culinary pearls of our country. We are proud that this tour has ended in Rome, culminating in this wonderful journey”, says Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A.
Italian cuisine, in fact, an excellence that attracts tourists from every corner of the world, decided to spend the holidays in Italy to discover the tastes and flavors of tradition. In 2024 the global market for Italian catering has reached a value of 251 billion euros, corresponding to 19% of the world catering market. ENIT estimates also show that in 2024 stays motivated by interest in food and wine increased by +176% compared to previous years.
This increase shows how food and wine has gone from a marginal phenomenon to a decisive factor in Italy’s choice as an international tourist destination: ENIT detects approximately 2.4 million presences attributable to international food and wine tourism, confirming the solidity and consistency of the segment. With regard to the direct economic impact, foreign tourists spend on experiences, products and services related specifically to food & wine tourism is estimated at EUR 363 million. An additional element that certifies the strength and international relevance of Italian cuisine is represented by the trend of agri-food exports: in the 24’s exports of the sector reached the historical record of 69,1 billion euros, marking an increase of 8% compared to the previous year.
– Photo press office Ministry of Tourism –
(ITALPRESS).
