Press Release

COSTA TOSCANA CRUISE

at SeatradeMed in Marseille

Livorno, 23rd November 2012. The ports of Livorno and Piombino, at the heart of the Tuscan region, are the gateways to one of the most desirable holiday areas in the world. As well as cities of great artistic importance Livorno and its province, that includes the unspoilt islands of the Archipelago, offer wonderful natural scenery, history, crafts and gastronomy.

Costa Toscana Cruise has been established to promote tourist services in this stretch of

Tuscan Coast by encouraging incoming travel and developing the tourist industry, particularly cruise traffic. It was set up by Porto Livorno 2000 and the "Consorzio Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi" with the support of the Piombino and Elba Port Authorities and the Chamber of Commerce of Livorno, working conjunction with the Tourism departments of Provincia di Livorno and Comune di Livorno local governments, as well as the Livorno Port Authority.

The sandy beaches, rocky coastline, Mediterranean vegetation, medieval villages, rich culinary and wine making traditions, Etruscan archaeological sites and forts built by the Medici family are some of the highlights to be enjoyed in the area. In addition, Costa Toscana Cruise provides a wide range of accommodation and excellent tourist services, efficient road, rail, port and airport infrastructures that make it easy to reach and enjoy the artistic cities and nearby islands of Tuscany. Combine this with the hospitality of the locals and visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable welcome.

Costa Toscana Cruise will be at the stand of Porto Livorno 2000 and the Piombino and Elba Port Authorities (PARC CHANOT - MEDCRUISE PAVILION BOOTH MC 14) from 27th to 29th November at Marseille's SeatradeMed, the leading European and Mediterranean convention for the Cruise industry. Take the opportunity to visit the stand where a sommelier from the La Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi will be offering wine tasting of leading wines from producers in the province of Livorno.

“The city of Livorno was founded as the port for the Grand Duchy and has maintained its vocation as the gateway to the Tuscan hinterland and culture - explains Roberto Piccini, President of Porto di Livorno 2000. By working with "La Strada del Vino" and other

partners at Seatrade Med, we will be presenting an ensemble of itineraries that unveil the numerous facets of our area to cruise lines, tour operators and the media. These include Livorno and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Bolgheri and the Wine Road, Elba Island and the pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea, The Etruscans and Upper Maremma. In addition to the port services that Livorno provides to Shipping Lines the area boasts quality tourism based on its wealth of resources and attractions. Only a few days ago we had our millionth cruise

passenger transit through Livorno this year. These numbers are indicative of the port's potential and the possible positive fallout of cruise tourism in the region.

“La Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi is first and foremost an association of producers and providers of accommodation working in conjunction with government institutions (municipalities, provincial governments of Pisa and Livorno and the Livorno Chamber of Commerce as well as farming associations)". The President of La Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi, Piermario Meletti Cavallari goes on to describe how the synergy between these groups make it possible to promote a complete vision of the area; "The invaluable contribution of Porto di Livorno 2000 will open more doors to cruise passengers, enabling them to discover the lesser known, but comparably enjoyable attractions, of an area famed for its great artistic cities. These charms include seascapes, delightful islands, Mediterranean countryside and fine foods and wines".

The consensus of government bodies is unanimous and includes the Chamber of Commerce that has supported the initiative, as have the Tourism departments of Provincia di Livorno and Comune di Livorno local governments. The President of the Livorno Chamber of Commerce, Roberto Nardi states, "Cruise traffic is on the up in Livorno and is becoming increasingly important for the development of the area. The Chamber of Commerce will be at SeatradeMed Marseille as it wants to be actively involved in projects that include lesser known itineraries as incentives for tourists to discover the enormous potential of Livorno's products". The Livorno Municipal Authority is particularly interested as it sees cruise traffic as the driving force behind the city's tourist development. "The millions of cruise passengers represent a wonderful opportunity for Livorno whose history and culture make it a city of hospitality - says the Municipal Alderman for tourism, Paola Benardo. The open and welcoming character of our citizens, the itineraries of undoubted appeal, the artistic and musical traditions that gave birth to Modigliani and Mascagni are but a few of the attractions we have to offer tourists". This sentiment is echoed by the Provincial Alderman for tourism, Paolo Pacini Benardo when he says, "the historical and cultural resources and its excellent wines make the area of Livorno a leading light among the destinations for cruise tourism. The stakeholders' firm belief in the area's value will ensure that it continues to provide attractions that draw increasing numbers to the port of Livorno making it one of the most important points of reference in the Mediterranean".

For Information please contact:

Dr.ssa Sara Pardini

PORTO LIVORNO 2000

s.pardini@portolivorno2000.it cell. + 39 340 7987074

Dr.ssa Serenella Guideri

Livorno Chamber of Commerce

segreteria.generale@li.camcom.it tel + 39 0586 231254

Dr.ssa Costanza Vestrini

Consorzio Strada del vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi

direzione@lastradadelvino.com cell. + 39 3894214658