The Italian Tourist Board (ENIT) is to bring together 150 suppliers from across the country with around 300 agents and buyers in the destination’s first virtual business-to-business event.
ENIT has partnered with Travel Weekly to create the Italian Virtual Week, which takes place from November 2-6.
The event will feature a mixture of luxury and mid-market suppliers, reflecting the breadth of product available across the country.
In addition to one-to-one meetings, there will be a programme of live virtual group experiences which will “truly give a flavour” of the destinations showcased.
Flavio Zappacosta, UK & Ireland manager for ENIT, said: “In the next few weeks we have planned a series of exciting events in order to bring together the Italian offer with the British and Irish travel sector.
“Our very first Italian Virtual Week will include 150 suppliers offering mountain and winter activities, city breaks and arts and culture, as well as luxury travel. Buyers and suppliers will come together in a very intimate meeting system, and we will also be hosting additional regional experiences and educational sessions.”
Micaela Giacobbe, managing director of Travel Weekly’s sister business community and events specialist Connections, added: “As one of the first European countries to reopen its borders this summer, Italy achieved unexpected results; seaside resorts sold out and the mountain regions saw a surge in bookings. Now, its cities also present a unique opportunity in that iconic destinations can be explored without the usual crowds.
“We are therefore thrilled to be supporting ENIT with a dedicated Virtual Week to introduce global agencies to Italy’s leading suppliers, to help them learn and expand their service offering, and ultimately be prepared for travel to this timeless destination.”
During the optional group experience programme, delegates will be able to take part in 14 destination-led experiences hosted from Italy including how to make Neapolitan pizza, a virtual art museum tour with Experience Lazio and a guide to truffle hunting and wine tasting with Experience Piemonte.
There will also be a special ConnecTALKS educational session on Wednesday, November 4, featuring speakers including Maria Elena Rossi, ENIT general manager, and Nick Rees, country manager UK, Ireland, Scandinavia & Baltics, Alitalia.
For more information and to register for Italian Virtual Week, click here.