Enit, the Italian National Tourism Board, has started a solidarity chain through its 28 foreign branches in support of Venice and Veneto, the area of North Italy strongly affected by bad weather conditions.
The solidarity chain was possible thanks to the virtual network set up through the 28 foreign branches of the Italian Tourism Board. "Venice in our hearts" is the campaign launched by the city to allow the Veneto capital to shine again. In Venice, people have started the rebuild works what has been destroyed, to fix what has been broken and to repair damages, but there is a long road ahead of them.
The protection of the Venetian tourism market is essential for the growth of the Italian economy. International visitors constitute 86% of total consumers and their presence grew at a rate of 3.5%, compared to 2017. The domestic market represents 14% of the visitors and grew by a rate of 4.8%, increasing the overall growth of all people in Venice to a rate of 3.7%. From January to July 2019, Venice has reported a growth trend, compared to the same period in 2018, with an increase of 6.5%. The tourist expenditure of foreign visitors is close to three million Euros, with an increase of 5.8% compared to 2017.
Enit's president Giorgio Palmucci says: "Venice is safe ? there's no need to cancel bookings, tourists aren't running any risk. The tourist is challenged to show his/her new adventurous traveller's 'soul' and appreciate authentic experiences even in unusual situations such as this one."
The city also opened a bank account for donations from Italy and from abroad. It's possible to support Venetians by going to the link: www.comune.venezia.it/it/content/donazioni-emergenza-acqua-alta
