Italian delicacies and culinary circles attracts tourists

Italian delicacies are traditionally famous in culinary circles and are increasingly attracting overseas holidaymakers. Italy is also fast gaining in popularity with the 'wine-nauts'. They are practicing wine tourists and considerable amounts are commuting to Italy as the top choice destination.

The official data released during the Wine and Food Tourism Fair 2008 revealed the popularity of wine tourism and the opportunities in these 2.5 billion euros industry. Experts believe that the wine tourism in Italy is still untapped and is operating at only 20% of its potential and may double in the near future. Nearly 82 of Italy's leading wine producers had a turnover of three million euros gives the impact of wine tourism in local economy.

A recent study by the social research group CENSIS established that wine and food are the second most important reason why tourists come to Italy and every 10 euros of investment in the vineyard generates 50 euros in earnings for the local economy. Moreover, Italy's 140 'wine roads' with specific schedules through wine-producing regions and annual events like Open Cellars attracts large influx of tourists to vineyards in the spring.

This come after MyHoliday.com stated that tourists are increasingly booking up holiday homes in Italy months in advance, due to the increasing attractiveness of self-catering holidays.