One of the growing numbers of Hong Kong devotees of Italian culture, art and food is on a mission to do a Marco Polo in reverse.
While the Italian explorer brought the wonders of China closer to Europe, Lily Li is using her skills as an event organiser to attract more Chinese visitors to experience Italian culture, rather than mere fashion brands and accessories.
Beijing-born Li, who studied Italian in Perugia before coming to Hong Kong, says her 'Culturitaly' programme is a gathering of likeminded people who will embark on a seven-day cultural tour of the Umbria region in Italy next month.
But she says those hankering after Italian designer goods and fashion items may as well stay at home, as the tour is strictly for those with a deep fascination for Italy's heritage, food and culture.
'It's about showing what I love with friends. We are bringing people to see the museums, churches, letting them visit architectural sites of interest and see handicrafts, artisans, chefs holding cooking classes, wine tasting and even seeing how they make olive oil,' Li says.
So far, the seven-day tour, which leaves Hong Kong on July 1, has attracted friends of Li who have a fascination for Italy's authentic culture and heritage as opposed to the 'shallow' shopping expeditions she says some people expect. But she hopes the tour will grow into a regular event.
