Business trip to Rome, Italy.
In 2005 the city of Rome had a GDP of € 94.376 billion. The city produces nearly 7 percent of the national GDP, and its unemployment rate, lowered from 11 percent to 6,5 percent between 2001 and 2005, is now one of the lowest rates of all the European Union capital cities. Rome grows about 4,5 percent per year and continues to grow at a higher rate in comparison to any other city in the country.
This means that if Rome was a country, it would be 52nd on the list of the world’s richest countries by GDP, near to the size to that of Egypt. Rome also had a 2003 GDP per capita of € 29.153, which is over 134 percent of the EU average GDP per capita.
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Even though the economy of Rome is characterized by the inavailability of heavy industry and it is mainly dominated by services, high-technology companies, research, construction and commercial activities (especially banking), and the huge development of tourism are very dynamic and extremely important to its economy. Rome’s international airport, Fiumicino, is the largest in Italy, and the city hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the principal Italian companies.
Universities, national radio and television and the movie industry in Rome are as well important parts of the economy: Rome is also the center of the Italian film industry, thanks to the Cinecittà studios, working since the 1930s. The city is the national centre for banking and insurance as well as electronics, energy, transport, and aerospace industries. Numerous international companies and agencies headquarters, government ministries, conference centres, sports venues, and museums are located in Rome’s principal business districts: the Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR); the Torrino (further south from the EUR); the Magliana; the Parco de’ Medici-Laurentina and the so-called Tiburtina-valley along the ancient Via Tiburtina.
Tourism is without doubt one of Rome’s chief industries, with uncountable noteworthy museums including the Vatican Museum, the Borghese Gallery, and the Musei Capitolini: in 2005 the city registered 19,5 million of global visitors, up of 22 percent from 2001. In 2006 Rome has been visited by 6 million international tourists, reaching the 8th place in the ranking of the world’s 150 most visited cities. Rome is also the 3rd most city in the EU and its historic centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Public monuments and buildings, such as the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are amongst the world’s 50 most visited tourist destinations (the Vatican Museums receiving 4,2 million tourists and the Colosseum receiving 4 million tourists every year).
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Hierarchy, age and respect is very important in Italian business.
Pay attention to the business cards you will receive before putting them away.
Italians are not very direct, they prefer subtlety to directness.
Expect to be interrupted by somebody, this is accepted behavior just like raising your voice.
Communication is very expressive.
Dress smart. Appearance is everything! If possible shop in Italy and get a feeling for the current fashion in a business environment. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
A lot of time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
First appointments are more socially oriented, Italians would like to know you a bit better at first.
Your personal appearance and relation with them is just as important as your business offer.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Wine glasses will be refilled if not completely full.
Return the toast of your host later in the meal. Stand up and salute the health of your hosts.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but you do not have to finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Italy has a diverse, industrial economy which is the seventh largest in the world and fourth largest in the European Union. With a population of 58,1 million, and a GDP of € 1,38 trillion, Italy represents a market which can be compared in size and wealth to that of the United Kingdom and France, while ranking larger in GDP than Brazil, India, and Mexico.
Italy’s GDP grew 1,4% in 2007 but is expected to show a slight decline for years after due to recent financial market turbulence and recession in major export markets. This decline is expected to deepen in 2009 with official Italian projections of -2%.
Industrial activity is centered in the north in an area that runs from Turin in the west through Milan to Venice in the east. This is one of the most industrialized andprosperous areas of Europe, and accounts for about 50 percent of the national income. Bycontrast, Italy’s southern region, or “Mezzogiorno,” is much less developed.
As in other industrialized countries, the role of the services sector is growing largely. Nevertheless, Italy maintains the highest proportion of manufacturing jobs among the G7 economies. Numerous Italian companies are famous worldwide, but it is the small and medium-sized firms, which form almost 90 percent of all Italian firms, that dominate the economy.
Italy’s changing demographics and lifestyle create great opportunities in economics. Italy’s population is aging. More women are entering and remaining in the workforce. An influx of immigrants from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America is creating identifiable ethnic markets to be served.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 60.067.554 |
| Area | 301.338 km2 |
| Population density | 99.6/km2 |
| GDP | € 1.099 billion |
| GDP per capita | € 17.731 |
  | Product tip: Keep an eye on the size of your trolley Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ’carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 114 cm, in the form of a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 140 cm, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers seldom tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches). |
Address
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Via dell’Aeroporto di Fiumicino 320
P.O. Box 68
I-00050 Fiumicino, Italy
Telephone: +39(0)665 951
Fax: +39(0)665 955 707
Email: adrforclient@adr.it
www.adr.it
Airport codes
IATA airport code: FCO
ICAO airport code: LIRF
Lost property
You can find the office for lost and found items on the ground floor of Terminal C (tel: +39(0)665 953 343).
Terminal info
The airport has four terminals:
Terminal 1 and 2 are for domestic flights.
Terminal 3 is for both flights inside the Schengen territory and for all other international flights.
Terminal 5 is for sensitive flights.
A shuttle bus goes every 20 minutes between the terminals, which also goes to the long-term parking area.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
There is a direct train connection every 30 minutes with Rome Termini central station via the Leonardo Express, the cost is €9.50. The local train Fr1 leaves every 20 minutes to the station Tiburtina with stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tuscolana, the cost is €5.00 and tickets can be purchased in machines in the terminal. The COTRAL bus rides at night between 01:15–05:00 to the train stations Termini and Tiburtina.
Taxi
The Airport Connection Shuttle (tel: +39(0)633 832 21) has transportation from the airport to every hotel in Rome for a fixed price of €39.00 for two passengers, there is a cost of €10.00 for each extra passenger. Take care to agree on a clear price when using a private taxi! A ride to the center of Rome is not cheap and costs approximately €70.00.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Rome.
The easiest way to get a taxi is at a Taxi Stand. You will find them throughout the historic center. The photo below shows a typical stand. If there are taxis waiting, go to the taxi at the front of the line. If there are no taxis waiting, people form a line at the Taxi sign and cabs come by and pick people up.
Some Taxi Stands do not have a place where the taxis can lineup, so instead they are parked here and there. If it is not obvious which is the first cab in the line, ask who is the first cab ("chi il primo").
It’s a sad fact of life in Rome that there are plenty of people out to scam the unwitting tourist (or local, for that matter). This is particularly true when taking taxis in Rome, and there are several common scams worth watching out for.
Be especially vigilant when taking taxis from major tourist hot spots like the airports or Termini station. Some people also suggest that you write down the license number of the cab (and the telephone number of the company) when you first get in.
| Company name | Phone number |
| La Capitale Radio Taxi srl | +39 06 4994 |
| Samarcanda soc.coop.r.l. | +39 06 55282813 |
| Servizio Radio Taxi Tirreno | +39 06 650268 |
| Taxi Driver 2001 | +39 06 5141992 |
| Stefano’s limo | +39 3472255916 |
La Pergola
In the cellar and breathtaking views mark this roof garden restaurant as one of Italy’s best. The chef shapes the seasonal menu, creating inspirational dishes such aslamb with artichokes in a bread crust served with lamb consommé and pecorino mousse. There are separate menus for wines, water, teas, herbal teas and coffees.
Cavalieri Hilton Hotel
Via A Cadlolo 101
Roma
Tel:+39 06 35091
www.romecavalieri.it
Ristorante Al Presidente
Fifty covers inside with tables up to a maximum of twenty and outside terrace with as many seats as the interior. Discreet and classy, Al Presidente is close to the Trevi Fountain, yet a world away from the array of tourist traps around this area. It’s so-named because it sits beneath the walls of the presidential palace, at the foot of the Quirinale.
Via in Arcione 95 (Trevi)
00187 Roma
Tel/fax: +39 06 6797342
info@alpresidente.it
www.alpresidente.it
Les Etoiles
Les Etoiles invites you to discover the restaurant that hangs from the sky; with its vast windows that frame roman roofs and monuments. Whilst the view will leave you breathless, the quality of the cuisine will ignite your fantasy with plates inspired by both Italian and international gastronomical tradition. If you are on a business trip to Rome, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Hotel Atlante Star
Via dei Bastioni 1
Rome, 00193, Italy
Tel: +39 06 6873233
Fax: +39066872300
Email: info@atlantehotels.com
www.atlantehotels.com
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Rome.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Rome it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Rome.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Cavalieri Hotel
Sleek super hotel, the Cavalieri Hilton stands upon Monte Mario hill, in six hectares (15 acres) of landscaped grounds, 20 minutes drive from the city centre, 30 minutes from the airport. Its 375 rooms, each with a balcony and often wonderful views, are luxurious and sumptuously furnished.
Rome Cavalieri
Via Alberto Cadlolo 10
00136 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 3509 1
Fax: +39 06 3509 2241
More info about Cavalieri Hotel Rome
Hotel Atlante Star
Well managed and friendly, the Hotel Atlante Star lies five minutes from the Vatican. Popular with executives, its 85 rooms are lavishly decorated with antique furniture and heavy swathed curtains, and have a sense of old-time splendour. Some have panoramic views and Jacuzzi baths. There is a well-run business centre, plus a 65-seat conference room.
Via Vitelleschi 34
00193 Roma
Tel: +39 06 687 3233
More info about Hotel Atlante Star
Hotel Eden
Oozing glamour, the Eden, located between Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, dates back to 1889. Frequented by stars and millionaires, A-list former guests range from Ernest Hemingway to Cameron Diaz. Its 121 rooms (including 13 suites) are richly decorated with antique furniture, fine linen sheets and splendid marble bathrooms.
Via Ludovisi 49
Rome 00187, Italy
Tel: +39 06 478 121
More info about Hotel Eden Rome
Of course, Rome is a shoppers paradise.
The smart designer shops, where sales assistants can be snooty and price tags discreetly absent, are concentrated in the network of streets spanning out from the Spanish Steps. Of these, Via Condotti has most of the big names: Gucci, Max Mara, Valentino, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Giorgio Armani.
Bulgari displays glitteringly expensive watches and equally costly jewellery. Nearby in Piazza di Spagna, Dolce & Gabbana offers a bit more entertaining but equally pricey gear. Fendi has taken over the whole of 19th-century Palazzo Boncompagni Ludovisi on Largo Goldoni and filled it with travertine marble and an endless array of furs, shoes, bags and its ready-to-wear collection. Other big names here are Gianni Versace, Moschino, Tod’s, Gianfranco Ferré, and locally born and bred ‘Queen of Cashmere’ Laura Biagiotti. An original Italian bag is a perfect gift for your loved one when your return from a business trip to Rome.
Via dei Governo Vecchio, leading from Piazza Navona, is full of smaller boutiques selling somewhat lesser known designers and vintage clothes and jewelery. For more bijou boutiques try the Monti district, in particular Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti.
For art and antiques, head to Via Margutta, Via del Babuino, Via Giulia, Via dei Banchi Vecchi and Via de’ Coronari (the pedestrian street organises fairs in May and October when its stores are open late). Bric-a-brac and cheap clothes and goods are on offer at the popular flea markets, the best being Via Sannio near San Giovanni (Monday to Saturday 0730-1400) and Porta Portese in Trastevere (Sunday 0700-1300).
Luxury goods to take home include assorted vinegar, truffles and olive oil. Castroni, Via Cola di Rienzo 196, sells the culinary riches from Italy’s regions and comforting imports from around the world (including baked beans). The well-established Trimani, Via Goito 20, was founded in 1821 and stocks an excellent selection of Italian wines.
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The Trevi Fountain is a must see when you have some spare time during your business trip to Rome.
Located in the heart of Rome’s centro storico (historic centre), the Trevi Fountain derives its name from its position at the intersection of three roads (tre vie). According to the legend, anyone who throws a coin into the water is guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. There has been a spring of water at this site for over a thousand years, although it was not until 1485 that Pope Nicholas V commissioned Gianlorenzo Bernini to create the actual fountain – and even then the project was abandoned after the death of Pope Urban VIII in 1644. In 1732, Pope Clement XII employed Niccolò Salvi to finish the work, and the result is a Baroque masterpiece that dominates the square. Although the water is no longer safe to drink, the fountain is still a popular place to enjoy an ice cream from one of the gelaterie in the square.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is arguably ancient Rome’s most famous building. This massive structure, with arch upon arch reaching 48m into the air and measuring 190m by 155m, used to hold up to 50,000 boisterous Roman citizens. Opened in AD 80 by Emperor Titus in a ceremony that included 100 days of games, the Colosseum played host to Rome’s favorite spectator sports – gladiatorial contests, combats between men and wild animals and even mock naval battles. Today, only the shell remains along with a view down to the passages through which slaves and animals were led before entering into battle.
Originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races, Piazza Navona is lined with luxurious cafes and Baroque palaces and is the home to three lavish fountains. It was laid out in the 15th century on the ruins of the stadium. From 1650 to the late 19th century the square was sometimes flooded in summer and used for aquatic games and staged naval battles. The square still retains its oval shape. The obelisk at the far end of the picture came from Egypt and was originally in the Circus of Maxentius but later moved to Piazza Navona. The modern piazza is a lively place, a place where both locals and tourists like to hang out. Artists gather in the sqaure to paint and there are many entertainers and vendors selling souvenirs. At night the square is packed with people but if you want to really appreciate the beauty of the square itself, it’s best to go in early morning to avoid the crowds.
Rome’s Pantheon
The temple of all the gods, was built between AD 118-125 by Emperor Hadrian. In the 7th century it was made into a church by early Christians and now is lined with tombs. Go inside to see the spectacular dome. Admission is free. The Pantheon is the best preserved building of ancient Rome and today is surrounded by a pleasant and lively piazza, a nice place to sit in the evening and enjoy a drink. A good nearby restaurant is Armando’s, on a street coming off the piazza.
Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is the largest museum complex in the world with over 1400 rooms. The Vatican Museum includes the museum, galleries with 3,000 years of art, the Sistine Chapel, and parts of the papal palace. There is an astonishing amount of art, including a room of works by Raphael. The Pinacoteca Vaticana is probably Rome’s best picture gallery with many Renaissance works. One of the most impressive halls is the Hall of Maps, with murals of old maps of the papal lands. When you enter the Vatican Museums, you can choose from 4 different itineraries all ending with the Sistine Chapel. If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Rome, I would recommended you to visit it.
The Sistine Chapel was built from 1473-1481 as both the pope’s private chapel and the venue for the election of the new pope by the cardinals. Michelangelo painted the famous ceiling frescoes, with the central scenes depicting creation and the story of Noah. Michelangelo also decorated the altar wall with the Last Judgement. The Biblical scenes on the walls were created by several famous artists, including Perugino and Botticelli. Read about the Sistine Chapel Ceiling on Art History.
St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Entrance is free but visitors must be properly dressed, with no bare knees or shoulders. St. Peter’s Basilica is open daily, 7AM - 7PM (until 6PM October - March). Masses, in Italian, are held all day on Sundays.
The cornerstone of St. Peter’s Basilica was laid in 1506 on the site of a church covering Peter’s tomb. Inside are many important art works, including Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. You can also visit the Pope’s tombs.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Ambulance | 118 |
| Fire | 115 |
| State Police | 113 |
| Forest Service | 1515 |
| Guardia di Finanza (Customs/Financial Police) | 117 |
| Coast guard | 1530 |
In case of a medical emergency, there are several english speaking hospitals:
For Rome:
International Medical Center
Via Firenze 47, 00184 Roma
International and English-speaking doctors including general practitioners, a gynaecologist, dentist, dermatologist and paediatrician.
House calls and nurse service available 24/7
tel.: +39 06 488237
tel. in emergency: +39 06 4882371 (24 hours available)
http://www.imc84.com/
For Milan:
Ospedale Niguarda Ca’Granda
Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3
20162 Milano
t. +39 02 6444.1
f. +39 02 6420901
Website: www.ospedaleniguarda.it
Although in business people speak English, some Italian phrases can always come in hand....
| Good day | Buongiorno |
| Good evening | Buona sera |
| How are you? | Come sta? |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | Bene grazie. E lei? |
| What’s your name? | Come si chiama? |
| My name is ... | Mi chiamo ... |
| Pleased to meet you | Piacere di conoscerla |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci |
| Have a nice day | Buona giornata! |
| Good night | Buonanotte |
| Bon appetit | Buon appetito! |
| Cheers/Good health! | Salute! |
| I don’t understand | Non ho capito |
| Please write it down | Può scriverlo, per favore? |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Mi scusi! |
| Thank you | Molte grazie |
| You’re welcome | Prego |
| Where’s the toilet? | Dov’è la toilette? |
| How do you say ... in Italian? | Come si dice ... in italiano? |
| Yes / No | Sì / No |
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