On June 18, an important event dedicated to industrial tourism and corporate museums was held in Rome, promoted by Visit Industry Marche. This event aimed to highlight Italy's productive identity through innovative routes that connect factories, territories, history, nature, art, and culture. The event emphasized the significance of corporate museums and material culture as tools to boost industrial tourism in Italy. The goal is to showcase the country's productive identity by creating innovative tours within factories, connecting visitors deeply with local territories, history, and traditions. Prominent political and business figures attended, including Massimo Bitonci, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), and Alberto Gusmeroli, President of the Chamber of Deputies' Committee on Productive Activities, Trade, and Tourism. Gusmeroli highlighted the initiative's potential to showcase Italy's industrial and family-run businesses. Bitonci added that industrial and artisanal museums are crucial to Italian tourism and gastronomy, complementing the government's broader tourism and manufacturing strategies.
Ivana Jelenic, CEO of ENIT, and Tullio Patassini, Expert at the Prime Minister's Office, also spoke. Patassini praised the initiative for highlighting Italian industrial creativity through corporate museums. Jelenic emphasized new tourism forms that attract visitors to explore Italy through its renowned products, merging tourism and culture. Francesco Acquaroli, President of the Marche Region, and Domenico Guzzini, President of the Il Paesaggio Eccellenza ETS Association, discussed the opportunities corporate museums present for the Marche Region. Acquaroli noted that these museums could combine business history with the region's scenic beauty. Guzzini stressed the importance of political support for encouraging companies to open their doors to tourists. Angelo Pittro, Director of Lonely Planet Italy, and Ludovico Scortichini, member of Astoi’s national board, offered perspectives on industrial tourism. The initiative aligns with MIMIT’s strategy to promote "Made in Italy." This event serves as a platform to promote industrial tourism, valuing Italy's productive identity, and creating new development opportunities for its territories. Collaboration between political institutions, businesses, and tourism organizations is crucial for building a sustainable path toward new corporate museums and organized industrial tourism itineraries nationwide.
