The NH Hotel chain released leaflets in German and English that described Sicily, amongst other terms, as "the cradle of the Mafia". This was meant to get potential visitors fascinated and intrigued about visiting the island where the Mafia and organised crime in general have a stronghold.
What the hotel chain did not take into account is the reactions of Sicilians themselves. The Mafia is still a great problem for Sicily and one that countless Sicilians fight everyday, in a struggle that has cost the lives of several. So seeing the Mafia being referred to as an attraction is the last thing Sicilians want.
Following a public complaint by the President of the Sicilian Region, Raffaele Lombardo, NH Hotels have apologised and promised that they will remove all offending leaflets as soon as possible. They have also added "A proof of our interest in Sicily ares the nine hotels that we manage there, including luxury hotels, where we are investing large sums (...) This was an unfortunate event for which we apologise."
