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| · June 12, 2003 · |
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· CIT Introduces Center Of Tourism And Culture At Gala Opening In New York Leading Tour Specialist Celebrates Its New Location and the Finest Artistic Traditions of Italy NEW YORK - CIT North America, the leading travel specialist to Italy, feted almost 200 luminaries at a gala opening of its Center of Tourism and Culture at 875 Third Avenue in New York City, the new location of their North American headquarters. The Center will also feature displays of the finest designs and artistic traditions of Italy. On hand to celebrate with the finest Italian wines from Winebow, delicious Italian-inspired hors d'oeuvres, and the lilt of Italian music were many dignitaries who flew to New York for the event from Rome. Honored guests included Dott. Gianvittorio Gandolfi, the major shareholder of CIT and Dott. Giovanni Natali, CEO of the company, as well as Consul General of Italy in New York Giorgio Radicati, and the actor, Aida Turturro, who recently returned from a CIT-arranged visit to discover her Italian heritage. Raffaela Essayan, executive vice president of CIT North America, presided over a brief presentation where she recognized the distinguished guests in attendance and spoke of her vision to showcase the best of Italy so that potential visitors had a flavor for the country before arrival. While the Center is an information source for people interested in visiting Italy, it also presents the opportunity to display the best artistic traditions of the country in beautifully-lit units which act as "windows" to this picturesque land. The displays will change on a regular basis throughout the year. The Center is open to the general public from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday when professionals will be on hand at the Center to provide information on Italy or other destinations. Consumers can relax with an espresso in comfort while planning an itinerary, asking travel questions, browsing through brochures or enjoying the displays. Each display will have a history and description of the item, where to purchase it, as well as its significance to the artistry and craftsmanship of Italy. The Center will also be used for lectures on travel, book signings, wine tasting, and other events. Featured designers are Antonini of Milano, whose exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry wins plaudits everywhere; De Ruta, the premier ceramics line created in the region of the same name in Italy; Fratelli Rossetti, a luxury leather goods maker specializing in stylish women's shoes; The Italians, representing Ceramica Varm platters, Fiorentina leather journals, Giglio Asla's line of Sorrento wooden music boxes and other upscale items for the home; Rizzoli International Publishers, who publish the finest in design, lifestyle and travel books; and Signature International II, importer of exquisite handmade silver decorative pieces. Also, handmade Venetian masks designed in fine detail in both traditional and contemporary styles from Si Lucia are displayed; as well as olive oil and other indigenous food products from Toscana Soporita, the famed cooking school located in Tuscany; and Murano glass pieces from the importer and designer, Vivant. For more information, call 1-800-CIT-TOUR or visit www.cit-tours.com. Media Contact: Helen Ma/Virginia Haynes BCA 212-286-9300 hma@bcany.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |