On December 31st, the agri-food park will shut down permanently. The Bologna Municipality, which owns the land, plans to relaunch the district in April under a new moniker. Eataly's proprietor is certain that the restaurant will "represent a journey through the regions."
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| FICO Eataly World |
Despite undergoing a significant transformation in 2021, when it was turned into an Italian agri-food "theme park," Fico Eataly World in Bologna has failed to meet expectations and is now making preparations to shut its doors once more.
Originally opened in 2017, the establishment is set to undergo yet another makeover before reopening in the spring. In a recent announcement made on Radio24, Oscar Farinetti, the esteemed owner of Eataly, shared some exciting news.
After undergoing four months of extensive renovations, the area previously owned by the Municipality of Bologna, which was once home to the bustling fruit and vegetable market, is set to reopen in April. However, it will now bear a new name: Grand Tour Italia.
In a recent interview with Radio24, entrepreneur Farinetti candidly expressed his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of his latest venture. Specifically, he highlighted Fico as one of the areas that fell short of his expectations, emphasising the need for a thorough revision.
Not only will the name be altered to Grand Tour Italia, but the entire concept will be transformed into a captivating exploration of Italy's diverse regions. In an effort to showcase the rich tapestry of biodiversity, a unique initiative has been launched that will captivate audiences month after month.
Aptly named "Biodiversity Taverns," this innovative project aims to highlight the diverse cultural heritage of various regions by featuring their traditional folk performances. As the criticisms begin to pour in, it is imperative that we embrace them with open arms.
It is crucial that we acknowledge these critiques and make the necessary adjustments accordingly. With a promising team in place, the park is set to make a triumphant return, boasting an enhanced beauty and a larger scale than ever before.
In a surprising turn of events, the crisis surrounding Fico, the imposing structure that aimed to captivate tourists, was seemingly inevitable. Struggling to entice a sufficient number of visitors, it failed to rival the allure of Bologna's city centre, which remained the preferred destination for tourists. In a constant quest for innovation, the current challenge lies in once again altering the formula in an endeavour to achieve a fresh and successful launch.
In a surprising turn of events, Fico, the renowned Italian food hub, has made a remarkable comeback in 2021. Once a thriving centre of culinary excellence, it has now reinvented itself as a captivating "Gardaland of food." This transformation comes in the wake of substantial financial losses endured during the most challenging phase of the Covid pandemic. Fico has adjusted its goals, scaling down from an ambitious target of attracting five million visitors annually to a more modest aim of one million.
Source: Forbes Italia