1. Italian travelers to USA some random thoughts
Donatello Osti
Travel & Tourism Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
U.S. Consulate General, Milan Italy
The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable
J. K. Galbraith

2. Italians traveling abroad
Leisure travels abroad:
art cities & natural beauties
sources: ISTAT, Bank of Italy

3. Italians  USA
Great appeal (second most preferred extra-EU destination)
Relatively long trips
Looking for «something different»
(experience involving a person as a «whole» )
Most attractive places: New York (big cities), National parks
sources: ISTAT, Bank of Italy

4. IT  USA: a NON-scientific survey
Leisure travelers
First time tourists
do a once in a lifetime trip
many for honeymoon as first stop
then Mexico/Caribbean locations
little knowledge of possibilities offered by the country
“seen on TV”
Maxi repeaters
USA lovers and connoisseurs
attracted by novelties and different offers
Medium repeaters
practically missing (“been there already”)
need more knowledge
ease of travel, not so expensive …
need to be better “managed” & kept engaged when back home

5. IT  USA: a NON-scientific survey
Business travelers
Not only for “standard” business but also for getting new ideas & education/study tours
Perception of USA being a step ahead
technology and/or business practices/models
e.g. Napa Valley vineyards, Silicon valley etc.
Difficult conversion to leisure
“been there already for business”

6. IT  USA: a NON-scientific survey
General points
A growing market
Two kinds of destinations
well known & “self-selling”
many unknown places
USA too big and diverse & need more trips
a “missing perception” in the average Italian traveler
no real awareness of the possibility to have a full and diverse experience
live as a cowboy, travel the route 66, follow the Oregon trail, play with New Orleans musicians…

7. … and …