The return of the Amerigo Vespucci became a two-year celebration of Italian culture, heritage and innovation, with Ninetynine winning two Unicorn Awards for the project – Crossover 3rd place and Best Public Institution/Government Event.
Created for Difesa Servizi, the closing phase of the World Tour connected nine Italian cities, a spectacular homecoming in Genoa and a final event at the Colosseum into one nationwide narrative celebrating Brand Italy.
The Mediterranean phase travelled through nine Italian cities, with each stop featuring a modular Villaggio IN Italia combining exhibitions, interactive installations, talks, performances, health initiatives and inclusive activities. More than 1.26 million people encountered the ship and the Villaggi, while 936,000 visitors boarded the Amerigo Vespucci.
The homecoming in Genoa provided the project’s spectacular finale, with a live concert and a 1,750-drone show turning the port and sky into a stage. The final chapter took place at the Colosseum, where the project’s economic, social and media impact was presented through a multimedia format.
The project also placed accessibility and inclusion at its core, working with more than 200 Third Sector, scientific and non-profit organisations to create accessible spaces, health-prevention programmes, inclusive sports and arts activities. By bringing institutions, businesses, associations and citizens together across the country, the Tour turned the return of the Amerigo Vespucci into a platform for cultural diplomacy, social participation and a contemporary expression of Italian identity.
