Long mocked for its poor weather and relatively obscure for many foreign tourists, the Piedmont region in northwest Italy is trying to become a new destination for food and wine lovers. The restaurant manager said “We are revising all the dishes of traditional Piedmontese cuisine and adapting them to today’s needs. We are using products from the region.” The plan appears to be working and officials are expecting a 10 percent increase in the number of “gastronomic tourists” this year. The length of time tourists stay and the amounts they spend are also rising. Foodie tourists are estimated to spend an average of ¥15,000 per day----double the amount of a normal visitor. The tourist who come here are …also looking for a charming atmosphere linked to tradition.