(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 20 - Italy has declared 2024 to be the year of 'tourism of the roots' - travel undertaken by Italians who have emigrated to other parts of the world and their descendants to visit the places where the ancestors lived.
    Addressing the Roots-In international tourism of origins fair in Matera, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday that, for Italy, 'tourism of the roots' has a potential market of 80 million people.
    "This conference is an important occasion for dialogue and discussion on a topic that is of great interest to the government," Tajani told the fair, which around 90 tourism buyers and as many sellers are attending, via video link.
    "Tourism of the roots in a strategic opportunity for all the areas not affected by mass tourism.
    "This event, which is back for the second time after its success last year, demonstrates the growing interest in tourism of the roots for our country and for the 80 million Italians and Italian descendants (around the world).
    "It is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with our communities abroad and to lift the profile of the small villages and rural communities at the origin of the migratory phenomenon - the custodians of the values, culture and traditions that our compatriots have spread throughout the world". (ANSA).