Gianmarco Mazzi at Tourism: strengthening the culture–tourism link

Gianmarco Mazzi at Tourism: strengthening the culture013tourism link

In early April 2026 Gianmarco Mazzi was appointed Minister of Tourism. Well known in the cultural and entertainment sectors, Mazzi has a background in organising the Sanremo Festival, major television and music events, the opening of Expo 2015, and cultural and charitable initiatives such as the Nazionale Cantanti.

Observers see the appointment as a move toward an approach that integrates tourism with cultural heritage. Key areas highlighted by cultural and tourism professionals include:

• strengthening festivals and local cultural circuits to extend the tourist season;
• supporting access to museums and minor sites through themed routes and digitisation;
• promoting projects that connect film, music and performing arts with tourist destinations;
• encouraging training and professional development in event management and cultural hospitality.

The new role presents an opportunity to combine event production expertise with territorial enhancement and sustainability priorities. In the coming months, local operators and cultural institutions will be watching for concrete proposals on investment, public-private partnerships and targeted promotion programmes.