New York City and the Italian city of Milan are starting a two-year tourism partnership to encourage travel between the two destinations. New York tourism officials are in Milan to announce the initiative Monday. CEO Fred Dixon of NYC & Company, New York's tourism agency, says the two cities are both centers of business and innovation and are "perfectly suited" to be partners.

Milan's deputy mayor for trade and tourism, Franco D'Alfonso, says the partnership has a "deep strategic meaning." The partnership will include promotions in both cities. About 700 posters promoting New York City in winter will appear in Milan beginning on Nov. 13. Bus shelters promoting Milan will appear throughout New York City starting in mid-February.

Source: http://www.startribune.com/