These and others are the questions we have asked Lidio Rocchi, Councillor for Tourism, Sports and Leisure Time- but also Sea, Lakes and Rivers domain, Bodies dependant on the Emigration region, Local Police - of the Marche Region.

How is the Marche Region preparing for the coming tourist season and what effects will last September 11's events bring about?
As far as last September's events are concerned, the information we are gathering tell us a greater number of Italians on holiday than last year will remain in Italy. Many of them are still deciding where to go and the most "interesting" regions seem to be Liguria, Abruzzo, Emila -Romagna and Marche. The Marche Region is picking up this opportunity with an important communication operation both on the National territory and abroad.

What means have you chosen for the 2002 promotion?
This year our promotion is under the emblem of the train, a very utilised means of transport and which every year moves 40 million tourists and that this year, as far as we're told, enjoys an absolute privilege on bookings. On this matter we have signed an excusive contract, with the State Railways, concerning the Eurostar, like the Cisalpine strip, which has tastings of traditional products, and which we are repeating for the second year. Also as far as the foreign market is concerned we have chosen the same means: in Germany we are concluding an agreement with the Railways which sees the use of four engines of the most important strips, for the whole summer season.

What are the contents of this important communication operation?
The images chosen for the Eurostar include the sea, wine and food tourism, cities of art and nature: practically all the riches our region is supplied with. In particular we are trying to promote the Marche inlands which, contrarily to what happens in other regions such as Tuscany, is still little known but with an important national and historical heritage.

So, not just sea?
Precisely. Tourists have changed, if before, for 15/20 days they wouldn't hear of leaving the beach, now requirements tend towards diversification. Mind, the sea certainly holds a privileged place but tourists like to vary days with visits to cities of art or natural parks. Or task is that of uniting all available resources and propose new alternatives.

Do you mean just sector operators or does your project involve also other forces of Marche economy?
Mostly tourism operators but there are initiatives that could involve other sectors. We're thinking of the Ascoli area, one where there are many shoe factories, why not propose it as an itinerary? Or, the trail tied into wine producers.

All in harmony or do you encounter any difficulties in involving all interested parties?
Tendentially everyone is convinced of the validity of the proposal, even if we do encounter some difficulties with some hoteliers of the coast. They fear that beach tourism will be deprived of some strength, but it is not so. Our objective is that of an easier circulation of the tourist with a wider and more complete offer and a greater quality of services.

March.2002