Shanghai, March 2010 – Select Italy, a market leader in customized travel to Italy since 1997, has opened an exclusive representative space in Shanghai, China’s economic powerhouse and the largest city in the world. The inauguration took place on March 25 at an Italian-themed reception hosted by Jacopo Sertoli, CEO of Select Italy China. The event was attended by about 80 members of Shanghai’s burgeoning business community, in addition to the Italian Consul General and Italian Trade Commissioner.

With Select Italy’s arrival in Shanghai, the company opens the door in China as the premier luxury lifestyle consultant for Italian travel experiences. Select Italy’s full array of Italy-related consultancy services will be marketed in China, from custom trip planning and wedding & honeymoon services to consultation on arts and antiques acquisition, interior decoration and design, bespoke gifts and wines and spirits. “We would like to have elements of Italian culture integrated into the daily life of Chinese people, from their homes to their cellars,” says Sertoli. He adds, “We are thrilled to make our debut in China, a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and also one of the most dynamic economies in the world today.”

Largely in response to rising demand, the present focus on China will be on high-end travel, and the market is ready: “Although our space, which aims to facilitate a taste of the Italian experience, is virtually brand new, interest has been strong from the outset – at both the private and corporate levels,” Sertoli says.

Select Italy’s Shanghai branch is based in a three-story house in the city’s prestigious French Concession section. In addition to Jacopo Sertoli, there are three staffers, each fluent in Italian and Chinese.

To contact Select Italy Shanghai directly, call 86 21 5465 1621 or email infochina@selectitaly.com.

Press contact:
Anthony Grant
Tel. (646) 379-0767
tony@selectitaly.com

About Select Italy

Based in Chicago, with branches in New York City and Shanghai and representatives in Italy, Select Italy has been a trusted ambassador of Italian travel expertise since its establishment in 1997 by Italian-born company President, Andrea Sertoli. The ultimate source for travel to Italy, Select Italy offers a wide array of superior Italian products and services, including customized itineraries, state-of-the-art tours and packages, wedding/honeymoon trips, unique culinary classes, a complete pre-departure ticketing service for museums and musical events, private guided services, yacht charters, transportation, hotel reservations, villa bookings and more. Select Italy is committed to creating the perfect vacation and maximizing enjoyment in Italy for its clients by adhering to the highest standards of professionalism. For more information call (800) 877-1755 or visit www.selectitaly.com.