2019, what a year!

The year is drawing to a close, and it’s time to take stock: we look back at the past months and still wonder how we managed to survive.

It’s been a tough year, full of unexpected events: endless trips overseas, the Amazon rainforest in flames, countless discussions with trade associations, the looming BREXIT, innovative projects that were nearly impossible to complete, the ILVA crisis in Taranto… and yet, we made it!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! We achieved incredible results that, just a year ago, seemed completely out of reach!

In 2019, nearly 10,000 people took part in our activities in Bologna, Modena, Verona, Reggio Emilia, and Bergamo alone! Considering that back in 2017 we had just 1,000 participants, that’s not bad at all! Our revenue more than doubled compared to 2018, establishing us as a true new player in the Italian tourism sector — with a unique and diverse offer compared to other operators, and with one key strength: full and direct control over all aspects of our activities, from booking to tour execution.

Despite all the work and challenges, we’ve stayed true to our values and our social mission, which has set us apart since the beginning.
If 2018 was focused on migration and integration — with tours like Sguardi Diversi — then 2019 was all about highlighting the suburbs, creating new itineraries and bringing attention to the Italian cultural and touristic heritage that’s often overlooked. This was made possible thanks to the support of the City of Bologna and the Foundation for Urban Innovation, who partnered with us on this project.

And just when we thought the year had given us everything, two unexpected pieces of good news arrived at the very end:

• We won the Modena Smart Life 2029 Award for tourism innovation with the project ITER Diffuso

• Our start-up was selected for an acceleration program within the Collisione project

2019 leaves us with a big smile on our faces, proud of all the hard work, happy with what we’ve achieved, and ready to take on the many challenges 2020 will surely bring. We want to thank everyone who supported us and believed in us during these first few years: our collaborators, travelers, friends, and families. If this dream is becoming a reality, piece by piece, it’s thanks to you — for encouraging us not to give up, to do more, and to never settle.

From the bottom of our hearts, the FREE WALKING TOUR ITALIA TEAM wishes you all a fantastic 2020 — full of joy and success.

A big hug from us all!