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Russia-Italy Years of Tourism to start December 2013

Italy's ambassador to Russia: it is no secret that tourism is not only and not so much a way of doing something for rest and leisure as about mutual learning and cultural exchanges

© EPA/GUIDO MONTANI

MOSCOW, November 20 (Itar-Tass) - Russians will have a chance to get acquianted with “Unknown Italy” within the framework of bilateral tourism years in Russia and Italy in 2013-2014, Italian Ambassador to Moscow Cesare Maria Ragaglini said on Wednesday.

The opening of the Year of Tourism, which starts in December this year, is due to be officially announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta at the summit in the Italian city of Trieste on November 26.

“It is no secret that tourism is not only and not so much a way of doing something for rest and leisure as about mutual learning and cultural exchanges,” Ragaglini said. “I am glad that tourism in Russia is developing so fast. And I am glad that Russian tourists can easily visit Italy.”

“We have already started working on the events which are to take place in both countries over this period,” Ragaglini said. “Our aim is to let everyone who is interested know more about Unknown Italy. We assume that a Russian tourist is an experienced tourist and has been to Italy at least once. But not everyone is familiar with Italy's small towns, built in the Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Each of them has its own history, culture and image. These towns are interesting and are ready to welcome Russian tourists.”

Ragaglini believes the initiative "has a fair chance of success."

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