(July 19, 2011): The city of Rome and the Holy See's tourism agency are collaborating
in an initiative to aid tourists to the Eternal City. The Omnia card was presented
Friday by Rome's mayor and deputy mayor, and Monsignor Liberio Andreatta, vice president
of the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, and Monsignor Cesare Atuire, its administrator
delegate.Essentially, the Omnia card is a package of services for tourists and pilgrims.
It is valid for three days after its first use. It includes public transportation
as well as visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica
and the Vatican Gardens, the Basilica and cloister of St. John Lateran, the Colosseum,
and the Roman Forum. During the press conference, Monsignor Andreatta specified
that the new card will smooth the transition between tourist sites belonging to the
municipality and those belonging to the Vatican. Rome's deputy mayor also mentioned
a family-friendly agreement that has been made with hotels and restaurants. They will
have an identifying sign, and there will be an Internet list of establishments that
have joined the network. At present, possible courses are being tested and an official
announcement will be made at the end of July. The tours should begin in the next few
months, with audio-guides in five languages for those who have an Omnia card.