Italy reported a 5.3% increase in arrivals to the destination in 2017 and next year is set to be an important one for the destination as it commemorates 500 years since the death of Leonardo da Vinci and welcomes visitors to the city of Matera – European Capital of Culture 2019.

During WTM London 2018, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) will sponsor the WTM Buyers’ Club, while it will also have an increased presence around London.

Initiatives include a stand creative at Waterloo Station on the Sunday November 4, before WTM London and the first day of the show, Monday November 5, while the destination will also be featured on digital bus stops in Oxford Street during WTM week.

In addition, sponsorship deals will give Italy a major presence at the O2 during WTM week as well as a longer-running sponsorship of the Mantegna and Bellini exhibition at the National Gallery, which runs until January 27 2019.

Italy is a fascinating destination with plenty of history and attractions. In terms of arrivals, the United States remains the second origin market for Italy in 2017 (up 9.9%), after Germany.

The top markets for Italy in terms of nights spent are Germany (+4.9%), France (+1.9%) and UK (+1.5%) followed by the United States (+10.3%), Netherlands (+0.5%) and Switzerland (+3.1%).

WTM London is the leading global event for the travel industry. The 2018 edition will take place from 5 to 7 November 2018 at ExCeL London.

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