For instance, Walt Disney Resort in Florida is the first tourism industry in the world, while Disneyland Paris is the first one in Europe”. This was part of Vice Mayor senator Cutrufo during his speech at the press conference for the presentation of new season’s opening of Zoomarine water park (near Rome) held at Enit offices. Moreover Mr Cutrufo added that London and Paris understood way before Rome the importance of modernizing tourism. In fact these two cities have outclassed the Italian capital (among the most desired destinations) even if they don’t have at their disposal Rome’s variety of historic attractions. The geographically “small” Paris (Rome is the widest city in continental Europe), has the same amount of arrivals then Rome but this figure doubles when it comes to the duration of the stays. In 2009, Rome and Paris have welcomed 14 millions tourists. The difference between the two cities is that Paris, thanks to its theme parks attracts tourists 1,7 days longer counting 60 millions visitors while Rome only 30 millions. This is the reason why Rome will open three theme parks in the next years, the first one is related to cinema and is already under construction, one is related to Formula 1 Grand Prix and the third will be dedicated to the Roman Empire. “The area where will be built the Roman theme park has already being decided”, says Mr. Cutrufo.
“Roman Empire theme park is believed to attract 9 millions visitors a year. But in our new conception based on different types of tourism, importance will be given also to golfing, cruising, boating, conferences, fairs, nature parks”, adds Mr.Cutrufo. For what concerns golf, worldwide there are 50 millions of golfers, high standard tourists who stay 6 nights looking for the so-called golf districts. This strategy will allow Rome to double the number of visitors and, thanks to Zoomarine water park and another park under construction in Valmontone we will have a top class park system”.

Rome 25/03/2010