ELBAnewsLETTER - BUY TUSCANY ON THE ROAD

BUY TUSCANY ON THE ROAD, held on the Island of Elba in May to develop business opportunities between Tuscan and international operators, was a success.

Organised by Toscana Promozione Turistica with local support from the Hoteliers' Association, the B2B event brought together 47 international buyers and tour operators from 20 countries for the second edition of Buy Tuscany on the Road.

The splendid setting of La Biodola thus welcomed operators from the United States, Europe and Russia, as well as from Brazil and Australia. A packed programme of activities – thanks in part to the ELBA ACTIVE project of the Gestione Associata per il Turismo (the island's joint tourism board) – kept them busy for two days with a series of experiential "tours" across the Tuscan Archipelago, including sailing, diving, trekking, kayaking and horse riding.

Thanks to perfect weather conditions, the participants got to know a wonderful island and discovered its countless opportunities for different kinds of international tourism.

"Meetings like these – commented Massimo De Ferrari, President of the Hoteliers' Association – help the tourism industry a great deal, because by visiting in person tour operators make direct contacts and experience new destinations first-hand, cutting the time needed to develop new markets by at least 3-4 years."

During the second edition some 2,000 business meetings took place, and 82% of the tour operators attending expressed interest in the Island of Elba, stating their intention to include Elba in their catalogues in the coming seasons.

Buy Tuscany on the Road recorded 31% more participants than the first edition, held in the Maremma, confirming a format that keeps growing and a Tuscany whose tourist appeal truly knows no borders.

"The Island of Elba – De Ferrari continues – has a complete and truly unique offer, in the low season too: art, culture, sport, food and wine add to the natural beauty of the sea and the beaches. Thanks to all this we can attract new types of guests, both Italian and international: from yoga lovers to fans of vegan cooking. Many tourism and hotel businesses took part on behalf of Elba, although EVERYONE should have been there, since this was the first time that operators from all over the world had come to Elba."

(Photo: HOTEL MONTEMERLO)