Many tourists know the elegant water city of Treviso only for its airport, Venice-Treviso, which is used by low-cost airlines thanks to its vicinity to Venice, which is just 40 minutes away by train and an hour by car.   

Frescoed facades and a historic bridge

This charming walled city, just 20 miles from Venice, has canals, and rivers, frescoed facades, great art, wines and food, and one of Italy’s, and the world’s, most popular desserts: Tiramisù, was invented here. For over 400 years the city was part of the Venetian Republic when it boasted over a thousand frescoed facades with scenes from legends and religious themes, some of which, though faded, can still be admired today.  On the tree-lined banks of the Sile and Botteniga rivers there are ancient waterwheels and contemporary art pieces, and the Ponte Dante bridge known as Ponte dell’Impossibile Bridge, so-called because it was seemingly impossible to build a crossing on this stretch of water.

A great city for food and wine

Treviso is closely tied to its surrounds and the vine-covered hills of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many of the local wineries offer tours and tastings and Treviso’s most popular aperitifs are the Spritz and a glass of Prosecco. Another favourite is the Panino al Prosecco for which the bread is first soaked in Prosecco and then filled with thinly sliced mortadella, aioli garlic sauce and cheese. And no visitor can resist the local Tiramisu! 

Treviso is a city to be explored

Treviso is also famous for its red-leaved Radicchio Trevigiano chicory which is the basis for the Risotto al Radicchio, a local and worldwide favourite. A visit to Treviso means much more than just avoiding the crowds (and the city taxes) in Venice, it is a delightful way of discovering one of Italy’s most elegant water cities.

For information: www.visittreviso.it/en/

Two new passenger digital services have been introduced by Aeroporti di Roma at Rome’s Fiumicino airport.

Updates on a flight’s status 

Accessible through the Digiport platform, and designed to improve travellers' experience, the services provide real-time updates on a flight’s status and monitor boarding operations directly from smartphones thanks to the use of AI. The first service, a chatbot via WhatsApp, allows passengers to get notifications on flight status and detailed information on Fiumicino airport services. Travellers can access this dedicated chat by framing a QR code in the lower section of the Flight Info Monitor.

Livestreaming of a flight’s progress on smartphones

Smart Boarding is the name of the second service, available for gates E11-E24 of the non-Schengen boarding Pier E area. Through the use of micro-cameras coordinated by AI, the system collects and processes real-time data on boarding operations, allowing travellers to view livestreaming of their flight’s progress from their mobile phones. Updates include the percentage of completion of the boarding process, allowing passengers to decide when to join the queue.

The services were developed in partnership with Airport AI and ZestIot, two of the startups participating in the Call4ideas launched by Aeroporti di Roma at the Innovation Hub located in Fiumicino's Terminal 1. 

“We are revolutionizing the passenger experience”

"With these new digital services, we are continuing to revolutionize the passenger experience in the airport,- said Emanuele Calà, vice president Innovation & Quality Aeroporti di Roma. -Today travellers can find all the information about their flight at their fingertips, without having to check on information screens over and over again. By directly activating notifications on their smartphones and monitoring the boarding status in real-time, travellers can spend their time exploring the airport while waiting for their fight to take-off."

Monte Sant’Angelo is Apulia’s cultural capital this year.

A destination for pilgrims from all over the world

This little town in Apulia is unique for many reasons: not only does it have two UNESCO sites, but an archangel chose it as his earthly home. The archangel is Michael and his home is Monte Sant'Angelo which has the Sanctuary of Saint Michael Archangel. This grotto church, where the archangel is believed to have appeared, is one of the town’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a destination for pilgrims from all over the world. And now the town is in the spotlight as the Apulia region’s Cultural Capital 2024.

Monte Sant’Angelo is in the Gargano National Park 

Monte Sant’Angelo also has an enchanted forest of thousand-year-old trees - a true nature sanctuary - which is the little town’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gargano National Park the town is about 35 miles from Foggia which is a key transportation hub, offering various services, amenities, and connections to other parts of Italy.  

ph credits: Matteo Nuzziello

Not far from the Adriatic seaboard

For nature lovers the Gargano National Park offers numerous trails for hiking and nature walks and has a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the splendid Gargano Peninsula. Worth visiting are the 11th-century Norman Castle and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its stunning Byzantine frescoes. 

A summer packed with events 

This summer sees the UNESCO awards being celebrated with a programme of music, comedy, contemporary art, theatre, cinema, poetry, food and wine that will draw visitors from all over the world. On Saturday 6 July "A Night in the Forest” will feature food tastings and a night walk, and on Sunday 7 July the “Walk of the Two UNESCO Sites, from the forest to the sanctuary, will be both on foot and by e-bike.  On Tuesday 6 August Daniele Silvestri, one of Italy's most popular singer-songwriters, will entertain visitors and on 28 September it will be the turn of Nino Frassica, one of Italy’s best-loved comedians.

ph credits Monica Giardina

A symposium on the Via Francigena

Contemporary art will feature in the iconic exhibition by Michelangelo Pistoletto, and from July to October the Cultural Residences will feature theatre, cinema, and poetry, ending on 18-20 October with the European Assembly of the Vie Francigena, a symposium on the historical, and still very popular, pilgrimage route known as the “Road to Rome.”   

The first Radisson Individuals is the Veridia Resort in Sardinia.

The hotel is located on the Bay of Chia 

It was rumored in March, although at the time it seemed that the brand involved was Radisson Collection. But now comes the announcement of the official opening of the soft brand Radisson Individuals in Sardinia with the Veridia Resort Sardinia. The location is the bay of Chia with its Saracen tower, and the new property has six residences around the central unit with 172 rooms and a private beach. 

Three restaurants and an infinity pool

The Alima main restaurant blends traditional flavours with Mediterranean modernity, while La Gardiana is a grill restaurant with alfresco dining under the stars, and Tanura a bistro serving light and healthy all-day dishes. Those wishing to relax further can enjoy the large 800 sqm infinity pool with a bar, the two tennis courts and a range of activities and excursions, including boat trips and visits to local historical monuments.

The property has been repositioned from midscale to 5-star 

The debut is the result of an agreement with Fattore Italia, an OpCo that at the end of last year signed a lease for the Sardinian Torre di Chia Park, previously operated by TH Resorts, with the aim of repositioning the property from midscale to 5-star.

B&B HOTELS is the fastest growing value-for-money chain operating in Europe. With over 770 hotels in Europe and around the world, it recently added the UK, with a property coming to Heathrow, and the USA, where the first hotel will be in Orlando. By the end of 2024, the Group aims to have over 800 hotels globally.

In Italy, B&B HOTELS - currently present with 71 properties - aims to reach 80 hotels this year in all the major Italian cities. The latest opening this year is Venice Tronchetto, while Milan is a benchmark, with ten properties spread across all areas of the city.  By 2030, more than 150 hotels are expected, both in new destinations and boosting those already covered. Cities are chosen from among the primary Italian tourist destinations, but also secondary locations with great potential for their artistic and cultural heritage, something that Italy offers even in smaller cities and towns.

In January 2023 B&B HOTELS obtained sustainability certification recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's (GSTC) and integrated with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  SOCOTEC is a new standard for the sector and a guarantee of a genuine commitment to CSR. With this pioneering approach, B&B HOTELS intends to become the benchmark hospitality brand in terms of social inclusion, diversity and low environmental impact.

At the end of September 2023 B&B HOTELS launched B&me, its new international loyalty programme, entirely free of charge and available on its website and app. Based on three fundamental pillars - discovery, comfort and flexibility - it provides customers with advantageous benefits. In Italy these are private sales, free breakfast on the second stay, a €50 opening rate on new openings (for the first three months) and the possibility of late check-out to 2pm on Sundays.

The EMA Awards is a prestigious European event that rewards outstanding business travel and tourism companies, and last year B&B HOTELS won first place in the “Best Chain of the Year for Business Travel” category, with the following motivation: "spread throughout Europe, the B&B HOTELS chain has developed a strong corporate social responsibility policy. The co-working spaces are highly appreciated and are easily recognizable for their innovative and functional design. The offer is absolutely well-organized and user-friendly."

B&B HOTELS Italia has more than 30 locations that can host corporate meetings and private events in both more intimate rooms, with a capacity of 10 to 50 people, and in larger areas that can accommodate up to 400. Each meeting room, in addition to being modular, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to cater for any type of need: from audio-visual equipment such as video projector, screen and whiteboard, to the Wi-Fi network with fibre up to 300Mb/s that allows superfast connection. Meeting rooms can be found in major cities such as Milan and Bari, and in smaller locations such as Borgaro Torinese, Arezzo, Affi and Chioggia.

With its network of 10 properties in Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, Trentino, South Tyrol and Veneto, TH Resorts has consolidated its position as a leader in mountain tourism in Italy.

This network of hotels and resorts is a benchmark for mountain holidays, combining authentic experiences with a focus on wellness and sport.

TH Resorts has played a key role in the relaunch of mountain holidays, especially after the difficult pandemic period. The winter season that has just ended posted a 20% increase in arrivals, a significant figure that highlights the growing appeal of mountain destinations. This positive trend is continuing this summer, with a 10% increase in bookings, confirming a robust recovery and renewed interest in holidays in contact with nature.

TH Sestriere

TH Resorts' facilities are much more than just hotels, they are destinations that offer a range of activities designed to satisfy different types of visitors. From guided hikes to outdoor fitness sessions, from family activities to wellness packages, each guest can find the perfect experience they are looking for. This diversified approach is key to attracting a diverse clientele, from guests who come to indulge in sporting activities to those who prefer relaxation.  TH Resorts makes it possible to experience the mountains at 360 degrees, experiencing every aspect of the landscape and its traditions.

TH Pila

There is a trend towards shorter and more frequent trips, a desire to spend time in less crowded destinations and for authentic and sustainable experiences. TH Resorts has been quick to adapt to these new demands, offering flexible packages and promoting niche destinations that allow guests to experience the mountains in a more intimate and personal way.

Environmental and social sustainability is a key element of TH Resorts’ strategy.  The conscious management of natural resources and the promotion of ecological practices are at the heart of the group's operations. This not only meets a growing demand from guests, but also contributes to the preservation of the mountain environment, ensuring that these destinations can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. TH Resorts' facilities are designed to minimize environmental impact, using renewable energy and promoting responsible tourism.

TH Resorts is dedicated to sustainability, using environmentally friendly materials for construction and renovation, advancing waste management programmes, and supporting local biodiversity conservation projects. All this not only improves the environmental impact, but also educates guests on the importance of sustainability. Many guests staying at TH properties praise the high quality of the facilities and the variety of activities available, as well as the authenticity of the experiences offered and the attention to detail that makes each stay special. 

Thanks to a winning combination of innovation, quality and sustainability TH Resorts has established itself as a major player in mountain tourism in Italy. Its success in recent years is a clear indicator of the Group's ability to respond to the evolving needs of guests, offering unique and unforgettable experiences in some of Italy's most beautiful mountain resorts.

TH Borca di Cadore

Riots in Venice?  Well, perhaps protests is a better word because, when angry local residents took to the streets recently, clashing with law enforcement officers, they waved placards  protesting: “Venice is not for sale, it must be protected” and “No tickets, dismantle the ticket barriers.”  

The problem, Venetians say, is that the newly introduced fee of €5 (applicable on a total of 29 peak days, mostly at weekends) is not going to be effective in controlling the hoards of day trippers that pour into their ancient city daily. 

“Who is going to baulk at paying €5, the price of an ice cream?” asked one local resident. “Turn styles to enter Venice?” said another, “what are we, a controlled environment like a theme park, or a museum?”

 

With many raising questions of privacy given that those entering the city have to put their data into the booking system, as well as the “unequal treatment of different categories of visitors,” locals are also loudly demanding rules to limit AirBnB as a way of solving the problem of affordable housing for residents. Alas today only some 50,000 inhabitants still live in the center of Venice, from a peak of 172,000 in 1951.  

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor