Italy is doubling down on its "Roots Tourism" initiative, a program designed to reconnect millions of people of Italian origin with the towns and villages their families once called home.
Speaking at the launch of the project's second phase, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the initiative is about turning the history of Italian emigration into a driver of economic and cultural growth. The program targets more than 80 million Italians and people of Italian descent living around the world.
According to figures presented by the government, roots tourism has already attracted around seven million visitors and generated more than €5 billion in spending, providing a significant boost to local communities, especially in smaller municipalities.
Tajani stressed that the project is not about nostalgia, but about creating new opportunities for Italy's lesser-known destinations while strengthening the country's global cultural identity.
A key element of the next phase will be the promotion of Italian cuisine, with pasta taking center stage. The minister described it as "the ultimate symbol of Italian food culture" and announced that October 25 will be celebrated as Italian Pasta Day around the world.
The initiative also highlights the broader value of the Mediterranean diet, long associated with health and longevity. Italy currently produces more than four million tons of pasta each year, with nearly 60 percent exported, making one of the country's most iconic products a powerful ambassador of the Made in Italy brand.