The region of Umbria is a urban network rich in art and culture. Its agrarian landscape is characterized by the harmony that exists between the cities and countryside locations. Today Umbria is a region actively committed to building a better image.
The main means for achieving this goal are tourism, agriculture and industry. According to 1995 data, the economy trend is predicted to be good overall as the labor market has aIready made an encouraging recovery. Agriculture, which is traditionally strong in Umbria, has progressed beyond just production. Remarkable investments in technology and quality control are credited for the progress in the above mentioned and also in the environment, woodlands and irrigation. Tourism is a primary source in Umbria. History, culture, the environment, and art make the region a prestigious and pleasurable destination. Umbria is a place worth visiting.
Touristic offerings follow the uniformity of scheduled events which cover each month of the year. Today, Umbria implies gastronomic tradition, high-qua1ity everyday products, high-level musical events and the theatrical season. Umbria is also the scene of special events, besides the "The Festival of The Two Worlds" and "Umbria Jazz". Along with these there are also "Festival of The Nations" at Citta' di Castello, "Todi Arteurope", "Todi Festival", and "Chocolate" that made Perugia the "capital of chocolate" in 1995, the European Prize for Touristic Publishing, "Classics Perugia", as well as both Perugia and Assisi's antique exhibitions. These events, which are given promotion and support, have given Umbria a good image in Italy and abroad.
Presently, all efforts are being focused toward the Jubilee 2000. A time when Umbria will be visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists who will be drawn by the regional landscapes, the old suggestive walls of the medieval vi1lages and, of course the religious event.
During this time, the region will have the opportunity to attract a great flow of international tourism.Assisi will be the most visited city after Rome. Umbria's ability to welcome people and its offerings such as Franciscan and artistic itineraries, farm holiday, epic residences, spas, cultural events, museums, craftmanship as well as mountain road network that covers 1500 km and can be done on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
Bruno Bracalente, president of Umbria's regional council, "Umbria will have to be united for the Jubilee 2000" . He presented a "package" of initiatives for the Jubilee 2000 which are to be included in a special regional bill.
A list of institutional improvements has been established in order to best manage the aforesaid package of initiatives. An Umbrian Episcopal Conference Region Joint Committee will co-ordinate the relations between the local government and Vatican authorities relatively to the initiatives, financing and management of the pilgrims flow. An institutional committee consisting of three representatives of the Regional Council, the two presidents of the Umbrian provinces and five mayors will bear responsibility to the "unitariness" of the Umbrian programme. A technical-scientific committee composed of technicians, internal and external, of public administrations will be in charge of bringing some tasks to fruition. An agency (or foundation) will co-ordinate the initiatives undertaken by public and private subjects, from the regional banking system to the Chambers of Commerce, emphasizing public works projects.
Finally, there will be a type of council for the Jubilee in which everyone who is committed to this extraordinary event will have the opportunity to give his own contribution.
In the end, the Jubilee 2000 is an occasion for Umbria to demonstrate its vitality; an ideal opportunity to promote its culture, environmental integrity and civil society.
Press Office
Umbria Region
