Italy's Culture Ministry Renamed MiC as Tourism Split Takes Effect

Italy's Council of Ministers has enacted a decree that separates the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) into two distinct entities: the Ministry of Culture (MiC), which will be overseen by Dario Franceschini, and the Ministry of Tourism, led by Massimo Garavaglia. This restructuring will transfer all tourism responsibilities by March 31, 2021. Since 2013, tourism had been incorporated within the culture ministry, aside from a brief period during the Conte I administration. Established in 1974, the culture ministry has experienced numerous name changes. Franceschini also indicated that cinemas, theaters, and museums in yellow zones might reopen on March 27, 2021, subject to approval from the Technical-Scientific Committee (CTS).