01 Aug 2016
Italy's World Heritage sites go global with high speed broadband network
BY Tom Anstey
In an effort to boost its culture offering, Italy’s government has announced plans to provide high speed internet access at all of its 51 Unesco World Heritage Sites.
To be connected under a trial scheme in early 2017, the move is the start of a plan by the country’s government to create a nationwide wi-fi network accessible by a single user log in. The move will benefit both the public and heritage bosses, as it will provide information on where tourists are spending their leisure time.
"Today the internet is changing the tourism industry and the enjoyment of culture profoundly and rapidly," said Antonello Giacomelli, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Economic Development, speaking to 24ORE.
"We need to integrate services as much as possible because the digital element is part of the complete visitor experience."
Italy, which has more World Heritage sites than any other country, has struggled to maintain these sites in recent times due to a lack of government funding. Earlier this year, the government revealed plans to spend €1bn (US$1.1bn, £840m) on 33 cultural heritage projects across Italy, with culture minister Dario Franceschini calling the plans, "the biggest patrimony intervention in Italy's history".
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