APCOM

Milano enters the world top ten of the most lively metropolises during the summer. Style, glamour and entertainment are the key words of the Milanese warm season, according to the international observatory 'Nathan il Saggio'. The latter monitored over 1,200 articles published from May 1st to July 31st in the newspapers of 12 countries worldwide.

Milano ranks eight in the tally and among Italian cities is only beaten by Roma. The capital is 6th thanks to its historical heritage and its striking villas, which are often the venues of cultural happenings. The crown belongs to New York, which stands out with a kaleidoscopic bill of free open-air events.

Milano is trying hard to change its image of a city that in August is 'closed for holidays'. But there are still some knotty problems to be solved, like that of poor public transport and closed shops. "Public services remain an issue," admitted Giovanni Terzi, the municipal councillor for Sports. "It's an area where Milano still has some shortcomings."

The survey claims that cities must focus on music if they wish to attract the new metropolitan tourist, who is young and a less conservative consumer. According to the observatory, the visitors of metropolitan cities in the summer 2008 are keen on history and fashion and love music, but their aim is shopping, and for that Milano can't be beaten.