Online Lecture on Gastronomic Tourism in Italy by Professor Mario Veneziani from the University of Parma
On May 28, an online lecture entitled “Gastronomic Tourism in Italy” was delivered by Professor Mario Veneziani from the University of Parma for students enrolled in Fujinokuni Gastronomic Tourism: See, Taste, and Learn (Shizuoka Studies) and Introduction to Accounting A.
Professor Mario specializes in agricultural economics and is also actively involved in gastronomic tourism initiatives in Italy. During the lecture, he emphasized that one of the most important factors in promoting gastronomic tourism is a shared understanding of responsibility among stakeholders. He explained that in Italy, producers, restaurants, and consumers all recognize their respective responsibilities, and that a culture demanding high-quality food and wine has become deeply rooted in society.
Professor Mario also introduced the development of agritourism in Italy. Since the enactment of the Agritourism Law in 2006, the sector has grown rapidly and has become one of the most significant segments of gastronomic tourism. Today, agritourism-related consumption ranks among the highest in the European Union, highlighting its economic importance.
Professor Takefumi Ueno of the School of Management and Informatics, who provided interpretation and commentary, discussed the topic from a comparative perspective with Japan. He explained that in Europe, restaurant operators and consumers also tend to have a strong sense of responsibility and actively support gastronomic tourism.
The University of Shizuoka and the University of Parma have already launched a student exchange program, and exchange students from Parma are currently studying at the University of Shizuoka. Students interested in gastronomic tourism are encouraged to consider studying at the University of Parma and experiencing firsthand one of Europe's leading centers of food culture and gastronomy.
Professor Mario specializes in agricultural economics and is also actively involved in gastronomic tourism initiatives in Italy. During the lecture, he emphasized that one of the most important factors in promoting gastronomic tourism is a shared understanding of responsibility among stakeholders. He explained that in Italy, producers, restaurants, and consumers all recognize their respective responsibilities, and that a culture demanding high-quality food and wine has become deeply rooted in society.
Professor Mario also introduced the development of agritourism in Italy. Since the enactment of the Agritourism Law in 2006, the sector has grown rapidly and has become one of the most significant segments of gastronomic tourism. Today, agritourism-related consumption ranks among the highest in the European Union, highlighting its economic importance.
Professor Takefumi Ueno of the School of Management and Informatics, who provided interpretation and commentary, discussed the topic from a comparative perspective with Japan. He explained that in Europe, restaurant operators and consumers also tend to have a strong sense of responsibility and actively support gastronomic tourism.
The University of Shizuoka and the University of Parma have already launched a student exchange program, and exchange students from Parma are currently studying at the University of Shizuoka. Students interested in gastronomic tourism are encouraged to consider studying at the University of Parma and experiencing firsthand one of Europe's leading centers of food culture and gastronomy.
Professor Mario delivering an online lecture
the scene of students attending a lecture
（6/2/2026）