Private sponsors to fund Colosseum restoration

Italian culture ministry says any advertisements will have to be compatible with 2,000-year-old arena

Italian officials are seeking to raise €25m (£20m) in private money to finance the restoration of the Colosseum. The culture ministry says the government will accept bids from possible sponsors from 4 August to 15 September. The ministry said sponsors would be able to "promote their image" but that any advertisements will have to be compatible with the 2,000-year-old arena. Rome's municipal authorities are also looking to bring in a tourist tax for hotels and some museums. The tax, which takes effect on 1 January, is expected to bring an extra €50m into city coffers.

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/29/private-sponsors-colosseum-restoration