ITA Airways will introduce Houston-Rome flights on 1 May 2026, and tickets are on sale on all the carrier's distribution channels.

ITA Airways’ 9th North American destination

The Texan city will be ITA's ninth destination in North America: the United States is the main international market for the airline, which already operates direct flights from New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and, during the summer season, Chicago and Toronto.

Operating between George Bush Airport and Rome Fiumicino

The schedule from 1 to 31 May 2026 will be for three weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departing at 10.20 a.m. from Rome and arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 3.40 p.m. (local time), From 1 June to 24 October 2026 there will be 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The return from Houston from 1 to 31 May 2026 will be three times weekly (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departing from George Bush Intercontinental at 18:10 and arriving at Fiumicino at 11:50 (local time the following day). From 1 June to 24 October 2026 there will be five weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

“We are consolidating our expansion in the US market”

The new route, served by an Airbus A330-900, guarantees passengers convenient connections to multiple Italian destinations, aNd to further expand passengers' travel options, ITA Airways recently partnered with United Airlines and Air Canada through codeshare agreements. “The Houston-Rome route will contribute to further enriching the company's intercontinental network, one of ITA Airways' main assets: long haul not only sustains profitability, but also favours short haul traffic, boosting our Rome Fiumicino hub,- said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. "With this new route we are consolidating our expansion in the US market, the most important on an international level. The wide offer from the Rome hub allows us to be the reference carrier from the US to Italy and, through Rome, to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and other countries in the area. The new destination is also part of a broader path of growth on international markets, culminating with the entry of ITA Airways into Star Alliance, scheduled for 2026, as part of the integration into the Lufthansa Group."

“It strengthens…mutual understanding and shared prosperity”

"The direct connection to Rome represents a decisive moment for Houston and is a direct result of the solidity and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment and new business opportunities to our region,- said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. -It expands Houston's presence in Europe and demonstrates that disciplined and strategic growth at Houston Airports generates measurable economic impact. As a Texan and as US Ambassador to Italy, I am excited about ITA Airways' new direct connection between Houston and Rome. It strengthens the economic ties that fuel mutual understanding and shared prosperity,” commented Tilman J. Fertitta, US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

ITA Airways has signed a new agreement with Assocamerestero - the association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad - to promote and support Italian companies abroad. 

Facilitated conditions for business travel

The agreement will enable the more than 20,000 members of the Assocamerestero network - present in 63 countries with 86 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad - to access facilitated conditions for their business travel. This will make travel between Italy and the main international destinations more efficient and accessible. In particular, the agreement provides for the activation of dedicated corporate fares for all Assocamerestero members, valid on all routes served by ITA.

“Supporting the competitiveness of Italian companies abroad”

"With Assocamerestero we share values and the mission of representing and promoting the excellences of Italy at a global level - says Joerg Eberhart, ITA’s managing director and general manager. - This agreement is in line with ITA Airways' strategy, aimed at supporting the competitiveness of Italian companies abroad, in favour of a sustainable, efficient and development-oriented business mobility of the Italy’s industries. We are confident that this is only the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that will be consolidated in years to come."

Boosting Italy’s image around the globe 

Mario Pozza, president of Assocamerestero, says "The partnership with ITA Airways is fully in line with Assocamerestero's strategy aimed at strengthening the synergies of the Italian system. The agreement not only enhances an excellence of national air transport but also promotes the mobility of representatives of Italian business communities associated with the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, thus contributing to strengthening the ties between Italy and international markets."

Pellicano Hotels unveils new details of La Suvera, a luxury retreat due to open in 2027 in the heart of Tuscany.

A new member of the Pellicano family

La Suevra is the newest property to join the Pellicano family. Just 30 minutes from Siena, La Suvera is an exclusive retreat that combines luxury and history: a country oasis that went from being an ancient 12th-century fortress, to becoming a Renaissance villa. Pellicano Hotels is carrying out a careful renovation of property under the guidance of CEO and creative director Marie-Louise Sciò who will respect the historic charm of the villa while introducing modern comforts and the discreet luxury that is the brand's hallmark. Upon completion of the project, the estate will have some 60 restored rooms and suites, a spa, two swimming pools, three bars, an exceptional culinary offering, a fitness area, a tennis court, versatile event spaces and an Issimo boutique.

“Elegant, discreet and authentically linked to the land”

“La Suvera embodies the layered history and timeless beauty that make Tuscany so special,- says Marie-Louise Sciò. -We want to preserve and enhance the original spirit of the estate - from Peruzzi's architectural interventions to the magnificent gardens - by offering experiences that are at once elegant, discreet and authentically linked to the land.” The Pellicano Group's investment in La Suvera reflects the brand's philosophy: to create hotels in unexpected destinations that offer guests an experience deeply connected to local history and culture. Tuscany, with its landscapes, artisan traditions and artistic heritage, is at the heart of this vision, and La Suvera is a unique opportunity to restore and enhance a historically significant property.

The group also has Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole

With an investment of over €53 million between acquisition and renovation, the project confirms the Pellicano Hotels Group's role as a guardian of Italy's heritage, reinterpreting historic residences for the contemporary traveller without altering their uniqueness. La Suvera will become the group's second Tuscan destination, after the hotel Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, and will be a fundamental step in Pellicano Hotels broader growth programme.

In addition to the already announced routes to Catania and Florence, Finnair will also add new Helsinki-Turin  flights.

“2026 will be an extraordinary year for Finnair in Italy”

With this new opening, the Finnish airline will fly from nine Italian airports in  summer 2026  confirming Italy as one of the Finnish carrier’s most important European markets. “Italy is a strategic market for Finnair, and the opening of the new route to Turin reinforces our commitment to improving connectivity between our Helsinki hub and Italy,- said Geoffrey Carrage, Finnair's regional manager Southern Europe. -2026 will be an extraordinary year for Finnair in Italy. With nine Italian airports served in the 2026 summer season, we want to offer travellers an even more affordable, comfortable and sustainable flying experience, with direct connections to Finland and beyond.” 

Twice weekly flights from Helsinki to Turin

The new flights to Turin’s Caselle airport will operate twice weekly. The new flights will unite Piedmont, with its rich cultural, food and wine and mountain offerings, with the Finnish capital, guaranteeing convenient connections to the main long-haul destinations in Finnair's network, including Asia, North America and the new route to Toronto. From Helsinki, passengers departing from Turin will also be able to easily discover the natural wonders and unique experiences of Finnish Lapland, which has always been at the heart of the country's tourist offer, a destination that can be enjoyed all year round and is perfect for those who want to experience nature activities.

The Ferrovie dello Stato Italian national railways group, is considering entering the German long-distance rail network with 50 high-speed trains. 

“The project is at an exploratory stage”

Unveiling the new plans the group's managing director, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, in an interview with the German daily Handelsblat, said that “the project is at an exploratory stage” for which routine contacts have been made with infrastructure managers and the relevant authorities.

Looking at Milan-Munich services by December 2026

The FS Group, already active in Germany in regional and freight transport in 14 German länder through its subsidiaries Netinera and TX Logistik, has among its objectives to offer cross-border services between Milan and Munich by December 2026, with the intention of extending them as far as Berlin. An important step which would lead to FS becoming the first company to compete on a large scale with Deutsche Bahn in the national high-speed train network.

“Certain rules are key to the game”

“We collaborate very well with Deutsche Bahn, sitting together at European tables on regulation and technology.” continued Donnarumma. Certain rules are key to the game, such as a system of staggered track access charges in which the less profitable sections are cheaper, as well as legislation to prevent “fare dumping and other distortions.”A European underground network

During the interview the CEO also spoke about another project under consideration: the creation of a high-speed rail network between European metropolises “In Italy we refer to it jokingly as the European metro. If we do enter the German high-speed market, we could propose ourselves as a leader in the realization of such a project. It could be financed with European funds and carried out through the commitment, technology, and expertise of several European companies.”

FS’s Trenitalia is in Spain and France with highspeed

A possible entry into the market would se the FS Group, which is ready to celebrate its 120th anniversary, expanding its presence in Europe. The Group, the CEO said,  already operates highspeed Trenitalia services in Spain and France, and there are services  between northern Italy with Switzerland, Germany and Austria. In Spain, with the Iryo consortium, FS operates 20 Frecciarossa 1000, carrying over 17.5 million passengers, while with Trenitalia France it has transported some three million people on the Milan-Paris service.

Tourism in Italy is marked by experiences found nowhere else. Ranging from natural landscapes to local culture, it attracts tourists from all over the world, particularly in the luxury segment, which seems to be growing at a steady pace.

This is why our supply system is moving towards a greater capacity to serve this target. Today Italy has 771 5-star and 5-star luxury hotels, with a total of 103,656 beds.

In 2024 these properties will total some 4.7 million tourist arrivals and 14.1 million stays, with  a rise of +7.6% in arrivals and +9.7% in stays over the previous year. In the last decade the development of luxury tourism has been significant and sudden, with a growth trend from 2014 to 2024 of +49.6% in arrivals and +47.8% in stays, against a total growth of +31.1% in arrivals and +23.4% in stays (data: ENIT Studies Office on Istat data).

CALABRIA

Calabria - Capo Vaticano - ph credits Luca FregolaImagine a journey that takes you from the mountains to the sea or vice versa. A slow journey tracing the footsteps of Magna Graecia, coast to coast through authentic villages, along cycle paths and through parks immersed in wild nature to celebrate identity excellence, genuine flavours and Mediterranean fragrances,

This is Calabria, where you can still be amazed.

CAMPANIA

Campania - Positano

 In 2026 Campania invites you to experience luxury as an emotion - from sunrises on the Amalfi Coast to iconic properties overlooking the sea, sensory journeys through vineyards, and art and private experiences in unique sites.

A rare, intense, Mediterranean journey, where every moment becomes a wonder to be treasured.

LAZIO

Lazio - Appia Antica, Itri

In 2026, Lazio will play a leading role, with the first travelling festival of the Appia Regina Viarum. This great event will enhance cultural and sustainable tourism along the ancient UNESCO heritage road from Rome to the archaeological park of Minturno and will feature live performances and tastings of local products. Lazio is a land to be experienced all year round, immersed in nature, art and authenticity.

LIGURIA

Liguria - Manarola, Cinque Terre - ph credits Agenzia in Liguria

The Italian Riviera enters 2026 relaunching its most natural and authentic luxury: vertical villages rising above the sea, ancient residences transformed into private retreats, and exclusive itineraries through terraced vineyards, centuries-old olive groves and secret bays. A delicate and precious land, where every experience is tailor-made and every horizon seems designed for those in search of the inimitable.

MARCHE 

Marche - Northern Adriatic Cycle Route

In 2026 the Marche region will host major events with stages of the Giro d'Italia and the Tirreno-Adriatico, the Grand Tour circuit of the Marche region, and thirty scheduled events from art to food & wine and traditions. There will also be the European Spring Rally, organized by Harley-Davidson in Senigallia from 30 April to 3 May, a motoring event with live music, the new Harley Davidson 2026 range, road tests, unforgettable tours and much more.

PUGLIA

Puglia - Mattinata Baia delle Zagare - ph credits Vanda Biffani

Puglia is present at ILTM Cannes 2025 with 30 qualified operators in the high-end sector. In 2025 international stays in the luxury sector in Puglia topped 66%, with a growth of 16% over 2024. France, Germany, the USA and the UK are the leading markets, with a preference for masserie di charme, boutique hotels and historic residences.

SICILY 

Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment

Sicily - Taormina, Ancient Theatre – photo credits: Sicilian Region Archive

In 2026 Sicily will strengthen its position among the great tourist destinations of Europe with new intercontinental routes, the expansion of Trapani Airport, and major investments in sustainability, innovation, and hospitality. The island will focus on culture, technology and community to build a tourism model based on relationships, quality, and with an international vision.

TUSCANY

Tuscany - Borgo Pignano - ph credits Eleonora Frosini

Tuscany dominates the luxury hospitality segment. This is confirmed by the 2025 Excellence in High-end Tourism Award in historic palazzos, apartments, villas, farmhouses and, of course, hotels where new facilities have opened. These include the Collegio alle Querce, Nuovo Majestic, Borgo Pignano, Palazzo Sozzini Malavolti, La Suvera, ex Borsa Merci and Cappella Florence (2027)

ROME

Rome - Fontana di Trevi

Rome, a new benchmark destination for luxury hospitality

Rome’s luxury scene is experiencing a new era: in the last three years over ten five-star properties have opened, positioning the capital once again among Europe’s leading destinations. The growth of  Rome’s hotel industry and high-end services is being driven by a climate of confidence and streamlined procedures implemented by Rome’s Capitoline Administration which has reactivated investments and is reshaping the capital’s hospitality landscape.

GENOA

Genoa - Spianata Castelletto - ph credits Liguria Digitale

Genoa 2026: discreet luxury in UNESCO palaces and boutique hotels, tailor-made experiences, yacht marinas and the city’s excellent cuisine. Art, sea views and customized itineraries offer sophisticated travellers an exclusive, vibrant and sustainable stay in the heart of the Mediterranean.

MILAN

Milan - Villa Necchi Joaquin Lopez

In 2026 Milan will be the centre of world attention with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will consecrate the city’s role as an international tourist destination. With new architectural icons like the artistic district of Grande Brera, and a range of excellent hotels and wellness facilities, Milan will bring together sport, culture and lifestyle in a unique experience.

BASILICATA

Basilicata, MateraApt: Basilicata’s luxury at ILTM Cannes.

From 1 to 4 December, the marketplace for luxury tourism

From 1 to 4 December Basilicata’s luxury offer will take centre stage at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes on the French Riviera, the most prestigious international luxury travel event. For this edition the Basilicata Territorial Promotion Agency (Apt) will be present with a qualified delegation: Matera Collection, which groups together some of the finest accommodation facilities in the 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue - from 5-star hotels and rock-cut suites to historical residences that have transformed Matera’s unique heritage into unforgettable experiences. Sant'Angelo Resort is a four-star complex with a conference centre, spa and extensive facilities for corporate events that make it ideal for high-level MICE and incentive tourism, capable of satisfying the needs of both the leisure traveller and the most demanding business segment. Palazzo Margherita, a 5-star boutique hotel with exclusive suites in Bernalda in the heart of rural Basilicata is a model of sustainable luxury hospitality deeply integrated into the territory, where service excellence merges with the authenticity of the experience.

“The event,- says Margherita Sarli, general director of APT BASILICATA, “recognized worldwide as the benchmark for luxury tourism, is a strategic opportunity for Basilicata, which will participate with its own stand within the Italy area curated by ENIT. We will bring to the international stage a destination that in recent years has shaped a superior hospitality offering that rivals the world’s most exclusive destinations.”

ILTM in Cannes stands out for its exclusively business-to-business formula, with four intense days of scheduled personal meetings and contacts with buyers. These buyers are carefully selected by the organizing body from specialised tour operators, luxury travel agencies, international wedding planners and operators in the MICE segment from all over the world.

Attending the ILTM in Cannes is a crucial milestone in Basilicata's international positioning strategy in the luxury segment, a market that is increasingly seeking authentic, non-massified destinations that can offer unique and unrepeatable experiences in protected contexts where true luxury emerges from the experience itself, from the exclusivity of access, and from deep contact with millenary cultures. During the four days of the event the Basilicata stand will be a strategic hub for meetings with leading global buyers of luxury travel, and will aim at consolidating existing partnerships, opening new distribution channels in high-potential international markets, and firmly positioning the Lucania region among the world’s leading destinations for premium tourism rooted in authenticity, environmental sustainability, and cultural immersion.

Palermo’s BTE Extra-Hotel Tourism Exchange showcased Sicily’s extra-hotel power and the need for longer stays. 

A successful edition for a growing sector

The ninth edition of BTE, the Extra-Hotel Tourism Exchange of Confesercenti Sicilia, organized on 15 and 16 November by the Regional Department of Tourism and supported by regional and municipal institutions, closed with over 4,000 participants, confirming the growing weight of the extra-hotel sector. 

Basile: “a welcome that can turn a tourist into a true local” 

Salvo Basile, regional coordinator of Assoturismo Confesercenti Sicilia, said the BTE had been a success and “an indispensable benchmark for sustainable proximity and community-based tourism. Hospitality models that reach beyond traditional hotels can offer a form of welcome that can turn a tourist into a true “local,” who becomes part of the daily life, rhythms, and traditions of our territories.”  

Aligning products more closely with market trends 

Basile further noted that the event had allowed professionals, experts, and institutions to come together in “a constructive debate that helps build development models rooted in identity, authenticity, and sustainability - values that make our destinations unique and recognizable”. Looking to the future he confirmed that the next edition will introduce significant innovations with an even stronger commitment to becoming a real laboratory of ideas and concrete actions. “Our goal is to align what we have to offer more closely with market trends.” 

Other Mediterranean islands hold visitors much longer

With more than 47,000 extra-hotel accommodations, Sicily is one of the Mediterranean’s most dynamic destinations, yet the average stay remains only three days which is too short to create meaningful economic impact. During the Exchange figures emerged showing that Corsica’s average stay is eight days, with Mallorca securing six days and Crete five. Corsica’s success is due to how it promotes curated slow-paced discovery itineraries of over a week, while Sicily is still centering its proposals on one to three-day day micro-stays.

“Our experience with the ItaliAbsolutely fam trip was excellent” 

“Sicily is developing incredibly fast. I’ve visited twice and will return to explore the eastern and southern regions. Our experience with the ItaliAbsolutely fam trip - from transfers to meals and guiding - was excellent, and we will continue promoting Sicily to our clients,” said Gokhan Korkmaz of Parasol Tours Turkey ,while Carol Sicbaldi of Moveable Feasts Florence said: At BTE I met many hosts, and I hope to offer my clients a wider range of services, from culinary experiences to artisanal workshops, so they can truly connect with Sicily.”

A coast that works and an interior still waiting

Tourism flows to Sicily remain uneven, with the coast performing well, while inland villages, which are rich in landscape and culture, often remain underutilized. Only 16% of operators currently promote itineraries including the interior. Daniela Meloni of Liberty Italia underscored this need, saying: “Palermo deserves far more visitors, as does all of Sicily and its islands. With better connections and infrastructure, Sicily could easily surpass Sardinia,” Jenny Rosenius of Tema Toscana Stockholm said that Palermo is still an authentic destination, and is very interesting for the Scandinavian market. “Our target is small groups, and for accommodation I found there are more small, boutique hotels.”



Appreciation for Sicily’s young entrepreneurs

Rosa Nacca of Princess Travel appreciated the welcome she received at BTE. “What impressed me most was the determination of young Sicilian entrepreneurs who believe in their land. The variety of services, from excursions to boat trips and food and wine tastings, shows strong potential to create high-quality packages.” Gabriella Faccone of the Sirene Travel Group was of a like mind: “BTE revealed a Sicily I didn’t know, diverse, entrepreneurial, and rich in extra-hotel offerings. I was impressed by the tenacity of the local operators, especially the young people who choose to stay rooted in their land, investing in its economic development and creating employment opportunities.”

Encouraging visitors to slow down and stay longer

The general consensus was that Sicily has achieved scale, and the message that emerged from the participants in the fam trip and the BTE Palermo was clear - the need to transform this strength into longer, better-distributed experiences that encourage visitors to slow down, explore more deeply, and stay longer. This would allow Sicily to unlock its full potential and compete with the Mediterranean’s best-performing destinations.

The workshop

Tribuna Campitelli, a new fine dining salon in the heart of the capital, is close to the Campidoglio capitol hill. 

A 16th-century palazzo in Rome’s Campitelli district

The latest venture from the trio behind Bottega Tredici and Tartarughe Bar e Bottega is in a 16th-century palazzo in the heart of the Rione Campitelli district. The three founders – chefs Francesco Brandini and Roberto Bonifaziand maître-sommelier Daniele– share a long friendship and a vision: to bring back authenticity, craftsmanship, and human warmth to central Rome. The restaurant has intimate rooms that respect the building’s original 1585 layout. From the elegant entrance bar guests are led through softly lit spaces - Lavinia, Tribuna, and Capitolina - culminating in a charming inner courtyard with a restored fountain. 

Cosmopolitan dining in the intimacy of a private home

With 80 seats split between the dining rooms and an outdoor terrace, Tribuna Campitelli blends the rhythm of a cosmopolitan dining room with the intimacy of a private home. The wine list features 500 labels, including 60 champagnes, complemented by a sophisticated cocktail bar.  

tribuna campitelli marco scichilone 1

Classical dishes with a creative twist

In the kitchen, Brandini and Bonifazi reinterpret Roman and Mediterranean classics with precision and balance. Every dish is conceived as a balance of structure and emotion: sauces are lightened, cooking methods refined, and textures carefully orchestrated. Bread is baked daily with natural yeast, paired with Burrolio, a delicate emulsion of cocoa butter and extra virgin olive oil that encapsulates the restaurant’s creative spirit. 

ph credits Marco Scichilone

Roman and Mediterranean favourites 

The Spaghettone alle Vongole is the essence of the sea with a silky clam reduction, while the Carbonara, with six varieties of pepper and slow-roasted guanciale, pays elegant tribute to tradition. Among the highlights are the Raviolone di San Domenico with molten yolk and Grana foam, and the Lobster with Lemon Béarnaise and Quinoa Pilaf.  Open daily for lunch and dinner, closed Wednesday and Tuesday lunch. For information: https://tribunacampitelli.com