Flavio Zappacosta, the tourist board’s UK and Ireland manager, said he hoped the move would inspire Brits to consider travelling to the country this year, and help Italy – one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis – to restore its tourism economy.

"The tourism industry is one of Italy’s key economy drivers so it is with utmost importance that we open for business as soon as it is safe to do so," said Zappacosta.

"We know how popular Italy is for Brits, and hope we can inspire them to start to plan and book an Italian holiday this year."

Italy began lifting its lockdown measures last month; museums, attractions, and parks and gardens, as well as bars, restaurants and ice cream shops have all now started to reopen under strict new health and safety and social distancing guidelines.

Beach resorts are also reopening, while from 15 June, theatres, concert halls and other outdoor spaces will reopen with pre-assigned spaced seating and on the condition visitors respect social distancing. Outdoor performances will be limited to 1,000 spectators, and indoor performances 200.

Masks are mandatory in all enclosed spaces, including public transport, where it is not possible to exercise social distancing.