Deborah Cater

Tourists in Italian piazza sitting at cafes adn restaurants. The government is proposing a hike in tourist tax. Image: Pxhere

Extended Tourist Tax Proposal Sparks Controversy

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

To fully capitalise on the tourism boom boosting the Italian economy, the government proposes an extension of the tourist tax to all municipalities. Hoteliers are not amused by the government’s proposal.

Portrait of Barbara Strozzi by Bernardo Strozzi

On this day in history: composer Barbara Strozzi baptised

August 6, 2024August 6, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On 6th August 1619, the gifted singer and composer Barbara Strozzi was baptised in the Cannaregio district of Venice.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome. By Diliff - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3943681

Tourists show disrespect for Italian monuments

August 6, 2024August 6, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In the latest event concerning Italian monuments, a Swiss tourist was found in the Trevi Fountain in Rome at 3am on Sunday.

Tourists in the Piazza San Marco. Tour group sizes are now reduced to 25 or under. Photo by Efrem Efre : https://www.pexels.com/photo/venice-18715865/ Tourist arrivals increased to record numbers in 2025.

Venice reduces tour group sizes

August 6, 2024August 6, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In a bid to reclaim the city for its residents, Venice is reducing tour group sizes to a maximum of 25 people. Megaphones are also banned for tour guides.

Mixed Skeet team with their gold medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics

Gymnastics and Skeet Gold Medals

August 6, 2024August 6, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italian gymnast Alice D’Amato held her nerve to strike historic gold on the balance beam Monday (5th August) at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Italy secured another gold with the Mixed Skeet team beating the USA in a tight final match.

Toti trial set for 5th November

August 5, 2024August 5, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The trial against ex Liguria governor Giovanni Toti will start on 5th November. He was recently released from house arrest.

The heat is on for Meloni over EU Commissioner and Rai appointments

August 5, 2024August 5, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces critical decisions regarding the nomination of the next EU Commissioner and the new Board of Directors for the public broadcaster RAI.

Errani & Paolini claim gold, plus two silvers on a super Sunday

August 5, 2024August 5, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini claim gold in the women’s doubles tennis, whilst Gregorio Paltrinieri and the Men’s Foil Team both win silvers.

ardboard box splint - ER head suspended. Image Facebook

ER head suspended after cardboard box used to treat broken leg

August 4, 2024August 4, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Emergency Room (ER) head at the hospital in Patti, near Messina, has been suspended. It follows an incident where a patient with a broken fibula was reportedly treated with a cardboard splint due to a lack of proper medical supplies.

Maggetti wins gold in the inaugural windsurfing category

Windsurfing Gold for Italy and other medals

August 4, 2024August 4, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s Marta Maggetti on Saturday won the gold medal in women’s windsurfing in the final race in Marseille. This was Italy’s sixth gold at 2024 Paris Olympics.