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MUSEUMS
- VAT on Art
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Around
half of the world's museums were opened within
the last 50 years. Somewhat older than this
is Florence's Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is
one of the oldest and most important galleries in
the world and each year boasts more than more than
1.5 million visitors, who cannot however stop
the gallery from operating at a loss. Last year, for
example, the gallery's earnings were 15 billion
LIT while it spent a further 25 billion LIT
on day-to-day management and maintenance. A decisive
factor in the equation is the antiquated Italian tax
system which requires museums to pay partially non-deductible
tax on all new acquisitions.
(Figures: "Ipotesi per una finanza al servizio
della cultura", Florence Chamber of Commerce, 2000)
FREETIME Row your boat
Is Italy still a land of sailors and explorers? According
to a survey carried out at this year's Genoa Boat
Show, it would appear so. Although figures were understandably
low, the Italian boat market marked an increase of
30% for the year 2000. The sharpest increase was in
the lower end of the market, with an unexpected surge
in sales of small boats and dinghies.
(Figures: Ucina, 2000)
TOURISM Ich bin ein tourist
Italian hoteliers registered a boom in tourism
during the first nine months of the year 2000. The
number of German visitors increased by 5.4%
(13.021) compared to the same period in 1999;
indeed, more foreign holidaymakers are from Germany
than any other country. However this year's flourish
in tourism is largely due to the Jubilee, and the
increase in American and Japanese tourists that it
has brought about (American and Japanese tourism
to Italy is up 10.2% and 10.9% compared
to 1999).
(Figures: Federalberghi, 2000)
TRAVEL Lost luggage
Unfortunately, when we travel, both in Italy and abroad,
our luggage doesn't always arrive at destination.
The Italian company Fly (Gallarate - Varese) has come
up with a solution. Fly will insure your luggage against
any eventuality for a total of $1000. The policy
is valid in most Italian airports and can be added
to any existing insurance you may have.
(Figures: Fly marketing, 2000)
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MARCELLO
PARMEGGIANI |
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February
2001
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THE SURVIVOR'S 
