Because Italy is more than a geographic expression..

Alessi S.P.A. US

Monday, May 25, 2015

Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 convertible.

And the M458T - 670 horsepower behemoth.




Bond's Italian Bond

"...Haider is the founder of Aspetto, a custom bulletproof clothier, which he runs along with Robert Davis. The front room of their small store in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is littered with silk swatches from Italy, wool remnants from leftover suiting and lists of measurements, all the makings of an old-school tailor shop. The back, however, is covered in what the owners call "ballistics", but most of us would refer to it as bulletproof gear..."

Of course, arguably Italy's greatest contribution to the Bond legend is the Aston Martin DB5 designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. 

Once again, we see not too far strays Italian influence. 

Two Mighty Civilizations Look To Boost Cooperation

China and Italy have come a long way since Marco Polo.

"Italy is the convergence point between the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Thus the Sino-Italian cooperation in the construction of One Belt, One Road will be a reference for all countries along the route," Fan pointed out.

In 2014, the number of Chinese tourists traveling abroad increased by 19.5 percent year on year to 109 million, topping a threshold of 100 million for the first time in history, according to CNTA.
Onofrio Cutaia, Director General for tourism policies of the Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MIBACT), said "The rise of China and connected demand for tourism arouse great expectations..."


"...For this reason, he underlined, Italy, the country with highest number of UNESCO world culture sites besides to more than 6,000 palaces and castles and nearly 4,000 protected natural areas, cannot miss the opportunity to strengthen tourism relations with China by "easing visa policies, offering convenient and diversified solutions, and becoming familiar with the needs of Chinese tourists."

And 40% of the world's and 60% of Europe's art treasures lie within its borders.

Which is baffling why, a country with staggering offerings would lag Spain and even France in tourism.