A new tourism promotional tool called “Promo Roma” that carries Franco Zeffirelli’s signature was presented on 4 May at Campidoglio by Mauro Cutrufo together with Mayor Gianni Alemanno.

In the grip of the worldwide economic crisis, Rome has closed 2008 in better shape than other major European destinations. Tourism fell by just 5% in the Eternal City whilst reductions peaked in Paris and London at -20%. Across Italy, there was a drop of -13%, whilst Europe as a whole saw a decline of -14.4%.

In Rome, tourism registered during the month of October was generally negative and in-line with the trend of the last few months. Domestic tourism is down by 4.02 %, whilst foreign visitors fell by 8.91%.