The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas collaborated on the institutional mission promoted by the Basilicata Tourism and Territorial Promotion Agency (APT Basilicata) and carried out in partnership with ENIT USA. The initiative brought a distinguished delegation from the Basilicata region to the United States with the goal of promoting the region, its cultural heritage, and its tourism offerings.
The program included a series of engagements in New York and Houston aimed at strengthening Basilicata’s presence in the North American market and fostering new relationships with tourism professionals, institutions, and local stakeholders.
The Basilicata delegation included Margherita Sarli, Director General of APT Basilicata; Stefania Bruni, Marketing Manager of APT Basilicata; Rossana Mancaniello, Special Projects Manager of APT Basilicata; Valentina Lapelosa, Executive Assistant of APT Basilicata; as well as Pauline Panetta of Hotel Moyseion in Matera and Letizia Brancato of Il Borgo Ospitale in Rotonda, located within Pollino National Park. Representing ENIT USA was Caterina Orlando, Country Manage
Following an initial stop in New York focused on presenting Basilicata’s destination marketing initiatives and the cultural projects connected to the Municipality of Aliano, the mission continued in Houston.
The Houston events were held at the Consulate General of Italy in Houston and brought together tourism professionals, members of the local business community, media representatives, and stakeholders interested in learning more about one of Italy’s most authentic and captivating regions.
During the presentation, representatives from APT Basilicata outlined the region’s internationalization strategy and ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility of its cultural and tourism assets. Special attention was given to Basilicata’s historical and literary heritage, slow and sustainable tourism experiences, historic villages, local traditions, and renowned hospitality sector.
The initiative also provided an opportunity to showcase two outstanding hospitality destinations: Hotel Moyseion in Matera and Il Borgo Ospitale in Rotonda, both examples of the quality of Basilicata’s tourism offering and the region’s growing focus on experiential and sustainable travel.
At the conclusion of the Houston mission, the delegation attended the celebrations of Italy’s Republic Day, hosted by the General Consulate of Italy in Houston, at the prestigious Rice University. The event brought together institutional representatives, business leaders, members of the Italian and American communities, and numerous international guests, providing an important networking opportunity and a platform to promote Italian excellence in Texas.
The mission highlighted the importance of collaboration among institutions, tourism promotion agencies, and international organizations in advancing international outreach efforts and strengthening the presence of Italian destinations abroad. For Basilicata, the meetings held in the United States represent another important step toward consolidating relationships with the North American market and creating new opportunities for tourism, cultural, and economic development.
During the celebrations, Consul General Mauro Lorenzini conferred two distinguished honors of the Order of the Star of Italy.
The first was awarded to Italian-American entrepreneur Oscar Renda, who, through his visionary leadership, has built bridges—both literal and symbolic—between Italy and the United States, leaving an enduring mark on the construction industry, civil society, and the Italian-American community. The second honor was bestowed upon Professor Fabio Triolo, Professor and Director of the Cellular Therapy Core at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, in recognition of his significant contributions to scientific research and his important role in strengthening academic and scientific ties between Italy and the United States.
