Italy And Travel Industry Assess Third Quake’s Damage

Authentic Italy’s Marco Palermo, Meg McQuillan and Gary Portuesi (L to R) last week stood in front of the now devastated St. Benedict’s church, Norcia, Italy. Photo: Gary Portuesi, Authentic Italy

On Sunday, Italy’s most powerful earthquake in more than 35 years destroyed villages across Italy’s picturesque Apennine region, taking down many historic churches, homes and municipal structures in small towns already devastated by earthquakes last week and in August.

The main earthquake on Sunday, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, was followed by more than 50 aftershocks, many of them between magnitude 4 and 5. The tremblors devastated Norcia, and caused damage in Castelsantangelo, Preci, Ussita and Arquata, medieval Umbrian towns already reeling from last week’s quakes of 5.5 and 6.1 magnitude. There were no reports of deaths Sunday, but approximately 15,000 Italians are now living in shelters.

Tremors were felt 90 miles away in Rome, where public schools were given the day off Monday so officials can survey for structural damage. A famous 20th Century bridge, Ponte Mazzini, located southeast of Vatican City, was closed to traffic after cracks appeared, and portions of Rome’s metro system have been closed to ensure they are structurally sound.

As with the two previous earthquakes, the greatest damage was done to ancient churches in the region. Norcia’s 14th-century St. Benedict basilica was destroyed as was St. Mary Argentea church, known for its 15th century frescoes.

The town hall clock tower was severely damaged as well, as were the town’s ancient walls.

Gary Portuesi, president and owner of Authentic Italy, a tour operator that offers small, immersive travel experiences to Italy, was in Norcia with staff last week. “It’s devastating.  My contacts are okay but really shaken up,” he said.

Prior to Sunday’s earthquakes, most tour companies reached by Travel Market Report were reporting no immediate impact to tours already in transit. It wasn’t clear at the start of this week if any of the new damage will have a long-lasting effect on travel to the region, which includes popular medieval cities like Spoleto and Perugia.

“We currently have some groups touring,” said Phil Cappelli, president of Insight Vacations, late last week, and prior to the second quake. “The tour directors have advised that all guests are doing well and are enjoying their holidays. All trips are operating as scheduled.”

Collette Tours issued a similar statement last Friday. “Collette had a large number of tours on the road throughout Italy when the earthquake occurred and have more on the way over the next several days. With an abundance of caution, we immediately reached out to all of our tour managers, local guides in Rome and Perugia as well as all hotels and service providers.  All reports came back as favorable and no need for concern in those tour regions,” said Paula Twidale, executive vice president.

“Although [Wednesday’s] earthquake was felt by some as far away as Rome, none of the areas that we travel to suffered any damage. The epicenter in Visso is about 1.5 hours east of Assisi and Perugia and nearly 3 hrs. away from Rome.

“Safety and security remains our number one priority at Collette and our crisis leaders will continue to monitor the region. All tours are operating as planned and we will advise our guests should there be a need to alter any future travel itineraries.”