Italian Tourism Ministry to Leave Culture and Join Agriculture
The Italian government is moving the tourism portfolio from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (Mibact) to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mipaf). Minister of Agriculture Gian Marco Centinaio announced the imminent transfer, arguing that tourism is closely linked to food and wine. The decision follows a long history of institutional instability for tourism, which lost its own ministry in a 1993 referendum. Critics warn the merger risks weakening both sectors. Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli expressed openness to the change, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed the plan. The move has sparked debate about the strategic coordination of Italy's cultural and economic sectors.
Key facts
- Tourism will be moved from Mibact to Mipaf.
- Gian Marco Centinaio is Minister of Agriculture.
- Alberto Bonisoli is Minister of Cultural Heritage.
- Matteo Salvini confirmed the plan.
- The tourism ministry was abolished by referendum in 1993.
- Tourism had been merged with Cultural Heritage in 2013.
- Centinaio cites enogastronomy as a link between tourism and agriculture.
- Critics argue the merger could harm both sectors.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministero dei Beni Culturali (Mibact)
- Ministero delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali (Mipaf)
- Enit (Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo)
- ASTOI
- Aidit
- Cultura Italiae
- NABA
- ANSA
- Confindustria
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Rome
- Tunisia
- Russia