The Consulate of Italy in Detroit, under the leadership of Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, recently hosted a memorable evening dedicated to “Roots Tourism,” an initiative led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event featured a presentation by Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Italians Abroad, who introduced the innovative “Italea” initiative to a distinguished audience of community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and guests of Italian descent.
The evening, which included an in-depth video and a comprehensive presentation, highlighted the importance of “Roots Tourism,” a growing phenomenon that reconnects descendants of Italian emigrants with their homeland of origin. As Vignali explained, the goal of Roots Tourism is to awaken curiosity in the descendants of Italians who emigrated around the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly to North and South America, Australia and South Africa. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to visit Italy and explore the cities and countries from which their families came.
In his speech, Vignali expressed his gratitude to Consul Baistrocchi for hosting the event, and to all participants, saying, “Roots Tourism is a way for people of Italian descent to reconnect with their identity and have an unforgettable experience in Italy. It is not just about visiting famous monuments, but exploring the heart of Italy: its villages, its traditions and the places where our ancestors began their journey.”
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of “Italea,” a multifaceted initiative to promote root tourism. The name “Italea” comes from the word “cuttings,” which refers to a rescinded branch of a plant that can be replanted to propagate new roots. This symbolic concept reflects the prosperity of Italian communities around the world and their deep connection to their homeland.
Vignali shared with the audience the remarkable success of the Italea program, launched in March 2024, which has already attracted more than 1.5 million visits to its national website and connected a growing number of Italian families with their roots. The program includes a virtual “Italea Card” offering tourists discounts and special benefits with more than 720 business partners, including major Italian institutions such as ITA Airways and Poste Italiane.
In 2024, the “Year of Italian Roots in the World,” the Italea program featured major events around the world, including five events in the United States, reaching about 1.5 million people. In addition, the initiative embraces the intersection of root tourism and religious tourism, recognizing the importance of religious traditions in the lives of Italian communities abroad. Vignali highlighted the link between religious celebrations in Italian American communities and those celebrated in Italy, emphasizing the shared cultural and spiritual ties that unite Italians around the world.
Guests were also treated to a series of compelling videos showing the personal experiences of people who have embarked on their “journey to discover their roots,” including a moving account by the Honorable Anthony Rota, former Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, who visited Calabria, the land of his grandparents, last summer.
At the end of the evening, Vignali encouraged participants to explore going back to their roots, saying, “I hope tonight’s presentation and videos have inspired you to embark on your own journey to Italy. Whether it is a journey to discover your family’s cultural heritage or simply to immerse yourself in the rich culture of our country, the Italea program offers an unparalleled opportunity.”
About the Consulate of Italy in Detroit: The Consulate of Italy in Detroit, headed by Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, is the official diplomatic office of the Republic of Italy in Michigan, Ohio and surrounding areas. The Consulate is committed to promoting cultural exchanges, supporting Italian citizens abroad and strengthening the strong ties between Italy and the United States.
About Italea: Italea is an innovative program launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that aims to bring people of Italian descent closer to their roots by providing resources, tools and incentives to visit Italy and explore their ancestral roots. Through its national website and network of partners, Italea offers travelers the opportunity to experience Italy in a deeply personal and meaningful way.
For more information: Visit www.italea.com or contact the Consulate of Italy in Detroit
The article Director Vignali presents Italea in Detroit comes from TheNewyorker.