ENIT USA in New York to Promote Southern Italy: Networking and New Synergies with the Travel Trade

Twelve tour operators and travel advisors from the Tri-State area met in New York with approximately thirty representatives from Italian institutions and private-sector organizations as part of the “Investing in Southern Italy” mission. The networking dinner organized by ENIT USA created new opportunities for dialogue aimed at strengthening the positioning of Southern Italian destinations in the U.S. market.

The event provided an informal yet strategic setting to foster direct engagement between American travel professionals and key players in Italy’s tourism offering. The evening focused on the potential of Southern Italy’s regions—destinations capable of combining cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, traditions, food and wine, and hospitality into increasingly recognizable and competitive experiences for international travelers.

The networking dinner took place on June 10 in New York as part of an initiative developed in collaboration with Fondazione Magna Grecia, aimed at promoting Italian destinations among U.S. tourism, cultural, and institutional stakeholders.

The event was included in the program of the first U.S. mission of newly appointed Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Massimo Dell’Utri, organized with the support of ENIT USA, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, and Fondazione Magna Grecia. The mission spotlighted the development prospects of Southern Italy, with particular attention to tourism and Special Economic Zones, highlighting the value of an integrated strategy that combines economic diplomacy, investment, and international destination promotion.

For ENIT, engagement with the travel trade is an essential tool for turning interest in Italy into new business opportunities. The meeting with tour operators and travel advisors from the New York area provided an opportunity to present Southern Italy not only as a travel destination but also as a system of authentic, diverse experiences available year-round.

From historic cities and charming villages to walking routes, coastal landscapes, and food-and-wine experiences, Southern Italy offers a tourism product capable of appealing to a wide range of segments within the U.S. market: travelers seeking customized experiences, cultural tourism, slow tourism, thematic itineraries, and vacations rich in local identity and authenticity.

The New York event confirms the importance of direct relationships in promoting the Italian tourism product and reinforces ENIT USA’s commitment to creating high-value connections between Italian destinations and the travel professionals who help shape U.S. tourism demand. It is a dialogue that places Southern Italy at the center and highlights its ability to position itself as a contemporary, welcoming destination rich in opportunities.