by InTrieste
In a notable move, Friuli Venezia Giulia has made its inaugural appearance at the Free 2024 Travel and Leisure Fair in Munich, Bavaria. This marks the first time the region has ventured beyond its borders to participate in this prominent event, known for its accessibility to both industry professionals and the general public.
Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Assessor for Productive Activities and Tourism, announced the milestone from Munich today. The decision to showcase the region alongside 13 local tourism operators underscores Friuli Venezia Giulia’s commitment to expanding its reach and attracting international travelers. The stand, expertly curated by PromoturismoFvg, promises to offer attendees a captivating glimpse into the region’s cultural and natural attractions.
Building on the success of its presence at the Internationale Tourismusboerse (ITB) in Berlin last year, Friuli Venezia Giulia strategically chose to extend its outreach efforts to Munich. An exclusive evening event awaits journalists and industry insiders at the esteemed Hoch 5 venue, providing an opportunity to showcase the region’s culinary delights and tourism offerings. Tomorrow evening, against the backdrop of the East Station area, a presentation highlighting the region’s gastronomic wonders will captivate 190 accredited professionals, including journalists, tour operators, travel agencies, and key figures from the Bavarian tourism industry.
However, the region’s participation at the fair extends beyond mere exhibition. An exclusive wine and gastronomy event, scheduled for this afternoon at the same venue, targets importers and restaurateurs. Two masterclasses focusing on Friuli Venezia Giulia’s indigenous wines, one dedicated to whites and the other to reds, promise to provide attendees with an immersive experience.
The regional representative’s agenda in Munich spans three days, including participation in the fair, attendance at off-site events, and crucial meetings. Tomorrow afternoon, a meeting with Tobias Gotthard, the Bavarian State Secretary for Economy, Regional Development, and Energy, and Annamaria Andretta, President of the Italo-German Chamber of Commerce, will further solidify ties between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Bavaria.
“This mission transcends tourism; it’s about strengthening economic ties between our region and Bavaria,” remarked Assessor Bini. “We aim to foster institutional and entrepreneurial relationships through concrete, supportive actions for our region.”
Bini emphasized the significance of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s presence at Free 2024. “Our participation at the fair is crucial for promoting our territory, especially considering the characteristics of the German audience. With their considerable purchasing power, curiosity, and openness to diverse products, German consumers present a lucrative market. It’s imperative to intensify promotional activities in Germany while understanding the nuances of the German consumer. With approximately 70% of Germans relying on intermediaries for vacation bookings, we recognize the importance of engaging not only major tour operators but also smaller, niche providers and well-established travel agencies throughout the country.”
