Milan, a fearless creative center and global leader in innovation, is a grand metropolis that has inspired countless businesses, designers, architects and visitors. Milan’s unique geographic position provides the perfect entry point into Europe that has led nearly 5000 foreign-owned businesses to establish headquarters in the city. Located at the heart of Italy and on the border of France, Switzerland and Austria, it is the capital of the Lombardy region, which spans a mountainous alpine zone, undulating foothills and gorgeous lakes.
Booming tourism
With so many sites on offer and so much to do, the tourist industry in Milan has boomed in recent years. The city of Milan and the greater metropolitan area welcomed nearly 11 million visitors last year, up 9.2 percent from 9.98 million in 2018, and a major increase from 8.81 million in 2017. Data shows that those that visit generally choose to come back, and a large number of visitors stay overnight. Tourism has been growing steadily over the past years with a large jump in numbers of over 21 million visitors during the Milano Expo in 2015.
The capital of fashion
Milan is a fashion capital of the world, a trendsetter and the home to some incredible Italian brands. Milan Fashion Week takes place twice a year bringing together chic, unforgettable and exuberant fashion from all over the world. It is a unique and unmissable event for designers, shoppers and lovers of fashion alike. The city itself is also a permanent home to the Quadrilatero d’Oro or “Golden rectangle of fashion”, a center of luxury fashion boutiques including Prada, Armani, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino.
Iconic design & architecture
The Salone Internazionale del Mobile that takes place each year in Milan is the biggest and most influential design event in the world. It sets the trends for the coming year and brings together local and global leaders in art and design. It’s the place to watch the debut of outlandish collaborations, cutting edge new collections and incredible innovation.
Milan is Italy’s design capital noted for its iconic landmarks, grand apartments, and renovated post-industrial buildings, many of which have been transformed into galleries or iconic shops. A number of leading hotel chains including Marriot International Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Radisson Blu and others have chosen Milan as their home.
Growth in international companies
Milan is one of Europe’s most important economic centers and Italy’s wealthiest city. It is home to Italy’s stock exchange and is well known for its growth and dynamic innovation. There has been a steady increase in foreign companies in Italy over the past few years, with an emphasis on Milan. In 2018, Apple opened its Apple Piazza Liberty in the Duomo area of the city; a new retail location that revitalized and brought new life to a piazza in the center of Milan.
Nespresso opened a flagship boutique that bears testament to the company’s success in the city that was birthplace of the espresso. The shop “represents a heart-felt tribute to Milan”. Starbucks opened its exclusive Reserve Roastery inside the historic Poste building in Piazza Cordusio. It was the company’s first location in Italy and also pays homage to the strong Italian espresso culture.
Where strength and beauty meet
The city of Milan stands as a symbol of strength and beauty; a place where design and innovation meet. It is well known for its creative streak and can-do attitude. Milan has inspired tens of millions of tourists and thousands of leading global businesses, designers and artists. One thing we know for sure is that Milan’s strength and energy will soon return, and the city will reclaim its place as a global center of industry and excellence.