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Italy has much more
to offer than the traditional circuit of Rome- Venice- Florence
for the tourist. Even Rome, the eternal city, has hidden treasures
beyond the city in its hinterland of the Lazio region with
its spas, coastal resorts, even high slopes. This was the
impression that came out strongly during an exposition "Italy:
One jewel, many facets" in Kolkata recently. It was part
of the 'Festa Italiana, 2005'- a roadshow of music, food,
film, fashion, tourism, art and culture, et al making the
rounds of all the metros. .
Though the number of Indian travellers to
Italy is increasing every year, there is much more potential
to develop, pointed out Salvatore Ianniello, representative
of the Italian tourist board (ENIT). For long, visitors have
more or less stuck to the known path. Now with Indians getting
more exposure and traveling more too, newer pastures, newer
interests are emerging and countries across the globe are
trying to woo this segment.
Like India, Italy too has a attractions galore
to interest different segments, from snowcapped Italian Alps
in the north to the vineyards of sunny Tuscany to the coastline
on the Mediterranean, not to talk about the food and wine
for which the country is justly famous.
The country is now trying to give a taste
from this platter of destinations. Even Rome is positioning
itself as a "happening city" combining Roma the
ancient and Roma the modern - Caesar's Forum and modern convention
centres, religious destination and vibrant nightlife, all
rolled into one, according to Cristina Manziona , promotion
officer of the local tourist board, Rome .
Perhaps the sea and music are thing one prefers?
Then Genoa or Genova as Italians call it, is the place. This
is from where Columbus sailed to discover new lands. A cruise
destination, Genoa has consistently been restoring its old
architectural buildings for the last few years, informed Anna
Castellano , minister of tourism, city of Genoa. The visuals
are proof enough making it a very beautiful city indeed providing
a fitting backdrop of numerous music festivals held round
the year.
Just 65 km from Venice is Vicenza. This is
"Romeo and Juliet" country immortalised by Shakespeare.
Verona located in this province also locates another of his
plays "The Two Gentlemen of Verona". Vicenza also
has the famous Palladio monuments which is now a Unesco heritage
site.
For taking off from the fast -paced city-life
and be an indulgent lotus-eater, what better way can it be
the beautiful Tuscany countryside with its olive trees, cypruses
and sunflowers forming a colourful canvas ? No wonder this
area on the Rome-Milan motorway has inspired writers and painters
for generations. More recently, the Hollywood film "Under
the Tuscan Sun " has brought out the beauty of this sun-kissed
land. But actually it's even more beautiful than seen in the
film, assured Claudia Russo a native from the region. Wonder
why Bollywood hasn't discovered it yet! Should be a perfect
backdrop for romantic song-and -dance sequences.
Few know that Italy also has one of the most
famous natural parks, a man-made one at that, and is on a
Unesco World Heritage List. The Cinque Terre National Park,
developed on abandoned terraces, has shown how consistent
efforts can make a region flourish again with vineyards and
other vegetations. The difficult terrain now produces some
of the best known natural products and is a haven for eco-tourism.
The Park collaborates with Bandipur National Park in Nepal
exchanging expertise on preservation of cultural and natural
heritage.
From the land to the sea, not far from Naples,
is the island of Ischia which retains its unhurried, pristine
ambience even in these hectic days. This is to the place to
savour a special white wine, taste authentic food, and heal
rheumatic pain. The spas here are famous and also the beauty
of the land. The film Cleopatra was shot here. One can even
get 'educated' on Italian lifestyle : take up one-week courses
on cuisine ,wine-making etc. are very popular, according to
Rocco Regine who has a property there.
By Ranjita Biswas
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