Italy is strengthening one of its most successful international outreach initiatives with the launch of Phase 2 of the Roots Tourism program, a strategy designed to reconnect millions of people of Italian descent with the towns, villages, and regions from which their families originated.
The new phase was officially introduced in Rome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the transition from a pilot project into a long-term national development program.
The initiative targets a global community of more than 80 million people of Italian heritage living outside Italy. During the event, officials highlighted how roots tourism has become a significant economic force. According to figures presented by the government, approximately 7.4 million heritage travelers have visited Italy through this growing segment, generating more than €5 billion in spending. Unlike traditional tourism, these visitors tend to stay longer, travel throughout the year, and explore smaller destinations beyond the major cities.
A key feature of the program is its focus on local communities. More than 800 Italian municipalities have participated in the network created through the project, helping visitors trace family histories while bringing economic opportunities to smaller towns and rural areas. New investments, including funding dedicated to tourism routes, villages, natural areas, and sports facilities, are expected to expand the initiative even further.
The Rome event also highlighted the growing role of young people through a program dedicated to Youth and Sports Diplomacy. Young athletes of Italian descent from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Switzerland, the United States, and Venezuela were recognized as “Young Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy,” demonstrating how sports can strengthen cultural ties across generations and borders. Former cycling champion Vincenzo Nibali participated as an ambassador of the initiative.
Another major announcement was the creation of the First Italian Pasta Day Around the World, scheduled for October 25. The celebration will involve Italian embassies and consulates worldwide, using one of Italy’s most recognizable cultural symbols to strengthen connections with Italian communities abroad. Italy currently produces more than 4 million tons of pasta annually, with nearly 60% of production exported internationally.
As Italy looks ahead, Roots Tourism is evolving from a project centered on memory into a strategic tool for cultural diplomacy, economic development, and international engagement. By connecting heritage, youth, sports, and gastronomy, the initiative is creating new opportunities for Italian communities around the world to rediscover and strengthen their bond with the land of their ancestors.
