On Tuesday 24 February, the Italian Embassy in Vienna hosted an official presentation of the Aeolian Islands.
The event was organised by the Embassy in collaboration with the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), the hotel association Federalberghi Isole Eolie and the Associazione Ristoratori delle Isole Eolie, with the aim of promoting the Aeolian Islands in the Austrian market and strengthening relationships with local partners and operators.
Among the attendees were Francesco Malfitano, Mayor of Santa Marina Salina, Domenico Arabia, President of Federalberghi Isole Eolie, Christian Del Bono, President of the Associazione Ristoratori delle Isole Eolie, Angelo Paino and Rosario Vilardo, Director of the Aeolian Islands Archaeological Park.
The event attracted a significant audience of tourism professionals, media representatives and institutional guests, highlighting the growing interest of the Austrian market in Italian destinations less familiar to Austrian tourists.
“The Aeolian Islands are an exceptional destination, renowned for their unspoilt nature, rich traditions, hospitality and sustainable tourism. With their cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, they represent a unique destination in the Mediterranean,” stated Ambassador Giovanni Pugliese.
A highlight of the presentation was the gastronomic journey: typical Aeolian products were reinterpreted in a contemporary style and paired with a selection of local wines, offering guests a sensory experience through flavours and aromas, from guided tastings to live cooking demonstrations of traditional dishes.
The event provided an important opportunity to promote Sistema Italia and foster dialogue, laying the groundwork for a prospective increase in Austrian tourist flows to the Aeolian Islands and other regions of Southern Italy.
