Travel to Italy: Update

Travel to Italy: Update

This is a statement issued by Giorgio Palmucci, President of ENIT-Italian National Tourist Board in support of Dario Franceschini – Minister of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism

“Tourism in Italy will start again, with all precautions and in maximum safety. Minister Franceschini did well to clarify that no border closure is expected. Those who love Italy must be allowed to return to enjoy it, in compliance with governmental and regional guidelines. It is a delicate phase in which it is essential to defend Italy also through correct communication. Misinformation and fake news risk creating serious damage and unjustified alarmism. It is therefore important to follow institutional sources and reliable news as much as possible, such as those provided by the Italian National Tourist Board, which provides an official bi-weekly update on the situation in Italy and in the world”.

Franceschini himself, when asked about the claims in Italy's Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, said: "As is all too obvious, I have never spoken, nor ever thought, of closing the Italian borders to tourists for 2020,". "I am working on the exact opposite. I proposed yesterday at the meeting of Tourism Ministers of the European Union, a European uniformity of the safety rules with respect to the risk of contagion, allowing the free movement of tourists within the European Union. So we're starting bilateral talks with other countries that have a lot of tourism going to to Italy," he added.

"Unfortunately, it is clear that fake news on closed borders is being circulated, with hostile intentions towards our country."

So don't believe any fake news! Instead contact us about your plans for 2020. We're in contact with our friends in Piedmont regularly and can update you on what is going on there. 

As we post this we still have reservations for July so if you'd like to join us, that's looking like the best time at present. We are keeping our policy of 100% refund if two weeks before your arrival the US CDC or State Department warns against any non-essential travel to Italy.

If July doesn't work for you, we are considering operations during August, September and beyond if interest is there. Don't let the pandemic ruin your 2020 cycling dreams! We're here to help.

Meanwhile, our lockdown here in Italy moves to phase 2 on May 4. Bars and ristoranti will still be closed except for take-out but riding your bike outside will be OK again as long as social-distancing is observed. By July it seems (barring any increase in infections) all businesses will be re-opened under some restrictions throughout Italy and we plan to be there for our clients.

As they say here: ANDRA TUTTO BENE!

For now though: Stay safe, Stay home.