International events: Year 2014 to be under the sign of Italy in Russia

The Minister of Culture of Russia Vladimir Medinsky and the Minister of Tourism of Italy Piero Gnudi signed a joint statement on holding of the cross year of tourism. It starts in September and will run till autumn 2014.

According to V. Medinsky, it is a very important event for both countries. The Minister of Tourism of Italy expressed hope that the coming year will bring together the peoples of Russia and Italy. According to him, the full program of events has not yet approved, although the main emphases of the cross year are already placed. Thus, the main aspect of the year will be the inter-regional cooperation. “Italy and Russia – are storehouses of culture and art, the wealth of which is concentrated not only in Rome and Florence, Saint-Petersburg and Moscow, but also in many historical cities of our countries”, said Gnudi. As a result, there will be developed routes and tour packages which allow cover little known and difficult cities for foreign tourists.

Besides, as part of the cross year are considered cooperation between the youth, interchanges and special tours for students. The program will include the joint cultural actions, presentations, exhibitions, and congresses – all things which allow increase tourists and give a strong impact for the future. 

“The year should not be over in September 2014, it should help to accumulate the potential, which will work for many years – this is the meaning of the cross year”, - says the Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia Alla Manilova.