(ANSA) – ROME, NOVEMBER 20 – Italy has declared 2024 the year of “roots tourism” – the trips undertaken by Italians who emigrated to other parts of the world and their descendants to visit the places where people lived their ancestors.
Speaking at the Roots-In international origin tourism fair in Matera, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday that for Italy, “roots tourism” represents a potential market of 80 million of people.
“This conference is an important opportunity for dialogue and discussion on a subject of great interest to the government,” Tajani said at the fair, which is attended by around 90 tourist buyers and as many sellers, via video link.
“Roots tourism is a strategic opportunity for all areas not affected by mass tourism.
“This event, which returns for the second time after last year’s success, demonstrates the growing interest in tourism from the roots of our country and the 80 million Italians and Italian descendants (in the world).
“It is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relations with our communities abroad and to promote the small villages and rural communities at the origin of the migratory phenomenon – guardians of the values, culture and traditions that our compatriots have propagated worldwide. “. (ANSA).
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