The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio region announces development results at ATM 2008

Italy has proved to be a popular destination of choice for Middle East Travellers. In 2006 official figures stated that up to 50,000 travellers from the Middle East visited Italy, with an increase of approximately 10% visiting Rome between 2005 and 2006. With the announcement from Emirates airline of new, direct, non-stop flights from Dubai to Milan and Rome seven days a week, tourists from the Gulf wishing to visit Italy will soon have an improved service which will undoubtedly further encourage tourism figures between the two countries.

The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio will reveal the numerous enhancements in products and services catering to the tourism market, with a particular focus on luxury for the Middle East visitor.

"Over the past six years, Rome and the Lazio region have worked to improve and optimize our tourist services. Infrastructures, services, industry-related laws have all been addressed as part of this development program and, as a result, major improvements have been generated which we feel will be well-received by the Middle East market,"

said Mr Francesco Ventura, general director of Promotions at The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio.

These results during the six year period include: the approved construction of a new airport in Viterbo, a 30% increase in the number of 5 star properties in the city of Rome alone and the launches of new international events such as the Rome Film Festival.

The Lazio region appeals to business travellers also. The new Fiera di Roma convention centre and the construction approval for 'La Nuvola' a major new congress and convention centre, cement Rome's position as one of the largest and well-equipped convention sites in Europe.

Middle East tourists interested in history and archaeology will also benefit from the developments in the Lazio region, as Mr Ventura explained; "Later this year, 3DRewind Rome, our first virtual interactive centre, will offer a historically accurate reconstruction of ancient Rome. We have also worked to produce the Roma&Più Pass which offers three days of unlimited use of public transport, free entrance to two museums and discounts to other places of interest."

The Tourism Department of Rome and Lazio together with APTRL, the operating entity responsible for the actual promotion of the territory, will attend the ATM with the tourist board for Italy at stand number EU200 and EU 205 at Arabian Travel Market