EMILIA ROMAGNA
Emilia Romagna: a thousand different holiday opportunities in one. From the rarefied and charming atmosphere of the 10 art cities, a treasure chest of history and culture, with Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia designated as Italian Culture Capitals for 2020+21, to the unspoilt nature of the Apennines – a dreamlike location for ski enthusiasts in the wintertime, and a perfect spot for trekking and outdoor activities in the summertime – you will be spoilt for choice. Not to mention the timeless charm of the Motor Valley and its historical brands (Ducati, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Pagani), the Adriatic Riviera of Emilia Romagna (with beaches stretching for 110 kilometres), Europe’s largest amusement park district, the Wellness Valley, along with top-rated dance clubs and restaurants where you can experience the taste of traditional seafood cuisine. Spa lovers may choose between 24 centres in 19 different locations, either charming seaside towns or cosy traditional villages nestled in the Apennines, offering wellness treatments, fitness programs, cleansing treatments and much more. Cuisine is king in this region, boasting no less than 44 traditional products registered as Protected designations of origin (PDO) or Protected geographical indications (PGI), such as Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena e Reggio Emilia. Culinary highlights also include several Michelin starred restaurants (one 3-star, two 2-star and 18 one-star restaurants from Piacenza to Cattolica), Parma as UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy, and the new FICO agri-food park in Bologna. Moreover, Emilia Romagna hosts countless international events every year, such as the Festival Verdi in Parma, celebrating the famous opera composer, and the Ravenna Festival, held in the mosaic-capital. Motorsports enthusiasts will have their pick as well, with the “Octo Grand Prix of San Marino and the Riviera of Rimini”, held on the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Misano Adriatico near Rimini, and the “Gran Premio dell’Emilia-Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini” (introduced in September 2020). From two to four wheels, on 1 November (after 14 years), Formula 1 will be back at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola for the Formula 1 Emirates Gran Premio dell’Emilia-Romagna. Major events also include Arte Fiera in Bologna, one of the leading contemporary art fairs, the IRONMAN in Cervia, one of the world’s most popular triathlon events, and the Notte Rosa, the grandest summer festival in Italy. Visit Romagna, a new holiday destination. Tourism has taken a more experience-driven route, and people are increasingly interested in exploring different areas of local life – from food to nature, from sports and wellness to art and culture. As a result, the strategies to promote tourism are evolving as well, and Emilia Romagna is changing gear to adapt its governance tools to the requirements of these novel travellers. The new tourism act (4/2016) changes focus from “products” (coastline, Spa centres, art cities and Apennines) to “destinations”. Individual territories are engaged in coordinating their tourist services, with a diverse holiday offer comprising the major regional assets in an all-inclusive travel experience, from the Motor Valley to art and culture, through food, wellness, nature, sports and much more. Three tourist destinations (“Destinazioni Turistiche”) have been identified to date: Visit Romagna (comprising the provincial territories of Rimini, Ravenna, Forli-Ce-
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