Leaving the uncertain summer behind, the tourism industry now looks to the future. Initiatives like the Italian government’s StrategicPlan, which is in the final stages of being defined, or the “Gioielli d’Italia” notification that will take the most advantage of the minor locality, all show that Italy is understanding the importance of developing quality tourism in terms of the Italian economy.

At the forefront of this movement is BIT – International Tourism Exchange, the event leader in the Italian sector with 2,000 exhibitors from 120 Countries attending in 2012.

The new concept of BIT 2013, which will be held February 14-17 in the Rho Exhibition Centre, is designed to facilitate business agreements and tourist promotions. Early registration shows that the markets are reacting favourably. A number of tourism bodies have already confirmed that they will be attending BIT 2013, including Austria, Russia, the Mediterranean basin, India, the Dominican Republic and the United States.

In terms of industry players, confirmed airlines include Livingston Air and Air Dolomiti and tour operators Just Brazil, specializing in the South American giant. Innovation concerning all the sectors of Bit is drawing the attention of the trade.  The Italy sector optimizes the visiting experience by introducing four maxi themes: food and wine, culture, nature and sports. And the Tourism Collection has become a Business Village that will open to the trade only from Thursday to Saturday to promote contact between similar businesses: tour operators, cruises, hotel chains, airlines, sea and railway carriers, rentals, services and technologies companies. The offer is completed by training events and the ADUTEI, Destination and Travel Training salons.

There are also new things in store for the two traditional Bit workshops – Bit Buyitaly and Bit Buy Club. At Bit Buyitalythe days will be broken down into Leisure, Culture/Food and Wine, Luxury, and MICE/Business Travel. The first day will focus on the pre-set appointments at the stands (for those regions with stands with an area of more than 200 m²) followed by the ones inside Buyitaly. What’s more, the Seller pass will no longer be locked into participation as Co-exhibitor. 700 selected buyers are expected from more than 60 countries, with a careful eye on the strongly developing nations: Brazil, Russia, India and China and eastern European countries.

BIT 2013 has also developed a strong online strategy with its revamped website and a presence on all the main social networks and on YouTube.

BIT 2013, www.bit.fieramilano.it