ROME, Oct 23 — Tourists are offering up everything from a string of pearls to a Nintendo 3DS system, French cooking classes and photography sessions in exchange for a free night’s stay at an Italian bed and breakfast as part of a week-long programme launching next month.
Between November 14 and 20, participating bed and breakfasts will open their doors to guests during Barter Week, accepting goods and services instead of cold hard cash.
Talented photographer? Take cues from Rita from Portugal and offer to shoot professional photos for a bed and breakfast owner so they can update their website or brochure.
Or do as Melissa, a journalist from Philadelphia who is offering to write promotional content and help the inn grow its social media presence.
Other proposals on the site include a Swarovski necklace, Matrix-style leather jacket, Gucci sunglasses, antique furniture, and record player.
To increase the odds of having your proposal accepted, check out the wish list compiled by bed and breakfast owners, which includes everything from paintings and lamps for their property to a pair of aviator Ray-ban sunglasses, and kids’ clothes for girls aged nine and 13.
To participate, tourists are invited to choose the location and property they’d like to visit — Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont, Liguria, for example — and contact the owner with their proposal.
While Barter Week wraps up November 20, it’s worth noting that some properties are open to accepting barter proposals year-round.
The event is organised by the Italian group www.bed-and-breakfast.it
For more info, visit www.settimanadelbaratto.it/en — AFP-Relaxnews
