Skift Take
Pulling off a major event in Italy without massive cost overruns and complications with organized crime would be an achievement, but Letta's tourism concerns go beyond one-off, big events and into the in-sustainability of popular destinations like Venice.
New Italian Premier Enrico Letta says his government is determined to make sure that organized crime does not infiltrate the Expo 2015 World Fair in Milan.
The fair is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and attract 20 million tourists. Letta says its success will be a litmus test for his new government.
The government has named Giuseppe Sala, a former Telecom Italian manager and Expo CEO, as deputy minister to oversee the project, replacing two commissioners. Letta said Sala will be given additional powers to make sure the project is not hit with delays.
Letta said Expo 2015 will also help Italy deepen its ties with China, which hosted the last world’s fair in Shanghai in 2010.
Copyright (2013) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Daily Newsletter
Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.
Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch
Photo credit: Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta. Associated Press