Italy 'popular with Britons'

Wednesday July 2nd , 2008

Tourism officials in Italy have said they are proud that the country is popular with British consumers.

Readers of the Sunday Times recently voted Italy the Best European Country ahead of places such as France, Spain and Greece.

Speaking in response to the survey, the Italian State Tourist Board described tourists from the UK as a very "discerning" group of people.

A spokesperson commented: "This encourages us to work even harder to improve Italy's image abroad."

He added that the organisation is very pleased that that Italy is the most popular European country among the British public.

Readers of the newspaper awarded the country the top spot on the strength of attractions such as its good food, scenery and lifestyle.

Many also spoke highly of the Italian people themselves, saying they are very warm, genuine and fashionable.

This comes after Shelter Offshore said a growing number of people in the UK are thinking of moving to countries such as Italy, partly because of the downturn in the domestic economy.