Ticino invests heavily in tourism advertising

On Tuesday, the Grand Council of the Canton of Ticino approved a credit of CHF 32 million for tourism advertising for the period up to 2009. The CHF 8 million earmarked for marketing, which the Lega and SP wanted to reduce to CHF 1 million, was controversial. The dual role of Cantonal Councillor Marina Masoni as Ticino's Finance Director and President of the Ticino Tourist Office also gave rise to discussion. Several speakers were of the opinion that the dual function led to a conflict of interest. Masoni did not take part in the Council debate due to illness caused by her back injury.