Italy’s Ministry of Tourism has a new head. Today, 3 April 2026, Gianmarco Mazzi was sworn in at the Quirinale Palace, officially taking office following the resignation of Daniela Santanchè. The appointment comes just days after Santanchè stepped down, following pressure from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: a brief transition phase that concludes with Mazzi’s swift appointment.
The new minister took the oath of office this morning, restoring the ministry to full operational capacity. Among the first reactions was that of Alessandra Priante, President of ENIT, the Italian National Tourist Board: “I am very pleased with the appointment of Gianmarco Mazzi as Minister of Tourism and ready to continue working in full synergy with the Ministry, in my role as President of ENIT, making available our expertise and experience to strengthen Italy’s international positioning and support increasingly qualified, competitive and sustainable growth of the sector”.
“I also come from the world of culture, cinema and music, fields in which Mazzi has made a significant contribution and is now widely recognised,” Priante added in a statement. “The Minister undoubtedly has the expertise and sensitivity required to take on this crucial role for a strategic sector of the Italian economy, a key driver of growth, employment and the enhancement of the country’s identity”.
“At a time of strong international competition,” the statement continues, “also marked by geopolitical crises, conflicts and instability that deeply affect flows and global dynamics, it is essential to be able to rely on leadership that is attentive and fully aware of the challenges and opportunities that tourism offers, including in relation to the major transformations currently under way, from sustainability to innovation. This appointment represents an important signal for the sector, which at this stage needs strong leadership capable of fully unlocking its potential and guiding its evolution in an increasingly complex international context”.
Photo: Ministry of Tourism
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