ABTOI’s Annual Summit 2025 in Cambridge focused on critical strategies for business growth and personal well-being.

33 member delegates from 26 travel companies

Held at the University Arms Hotel on 27–28 November, the Summit brought together 33 member delegates from 26 companies (more than 50% of ABTOI member companies) alongside ten delegates from eight Associate partners, including ItaliAbsolutely. This year’s theme “Lead, Live, Thrive: Your Blueprint for Resilient Success” explored factors that underpin long-term performance in the UK–Italy travel sector. 

Setting up members for resilient success in 2026

Discussions centred around four major topics: male mental health, the changing sphere of foreign exchange, how to spend more time working on the business rather than in it, and practical, accessible ways to use AI. The keynote on men’s health stood out for its candid and highly relevant approach, while the AI and FX sessions offered concrete tools. "The strategic insights gained, especially around AI and FX management, coupled with the unmatched opportunity to build strong trade relationships, sets our members up for resilient success in 2026, said ABTOI’s chair Lisa Leggate. 

Networking is one of ABTOI’s strengths

B2B networking once again proved to be one of ABTOI’s strengths, and the culinary highlight was the elegant and convivial dinner held in the Upper Hall of Jesus College Cambridge, which provided a memorable backdrop for delegates exchange views and to deepen their professional relationships. The Summit was supported by EveryWhen, DWF Law, Xenadin, and ENIT, along with Trenitalia and ITA Airways who provided attractive prizes. draws.

The ABTOI Summit 2026 will be in Italy 

The rapport between ItaliAbsolutely and ABTOI continues to grow thanks to a mutual commitment to supporting and promoting Italy travel and, with the Association already planning its 2026 Summit in Italy, ItaliAbsolutely and the Travel Open Day Group look forward to welcoming its members on home ground next year. For information: www.abtoi.com

A land where volcanic hills, lakes and century-old olive groves meet temples by the sea. This is Basilicata seen through the lens of LucanaSapiens, a project curating thematic itineraries from Mount Vulture to the Ionian coast, weaving together wine, olive oil, archaeology and landscapes. It is an invitation to travellers to explore the region at the proper pace, discovering local producers, museums, nature reserves and stone-built hill towns.

Vulture is the matrix. It is here that the Aglianico del Vulture wine ages in underground cellars and Vulture DOP olive oil releases aromas of herbs and almond. A few kilometres away, the Monticchio Lakes are a green amphitheatre at the foot of the ancient volcano. Further south, Magna Graecia illuminates the Metapontino Ionian coastline with the Tavole Palatine, the Herakleia Archaeological Park and the Sirtide Museum in Policoro. Between these two areas lies a mosaic of fields, woods and farmsteads that brings back the meaning of a learned, sustainable and welcoming rurality.

LucanaSapiens was created to connect these places along well-crafted, modular routes. The project offers short breaks for long weekends and four-day itineraries for those who want a more complete narrative. Each stage alternates landmarks and hidden gems: a vertical tasting of Aglianico in historic Vulture cellars, a technical olive-oil session with sensory experiences, a walk in the medieval centre of Venosa in the footsteps of Horace, the Doric light of Metaponto’s temples, and the paths of the WWF Oasis of Policoro, where forest meets sea.

Policoro Oasi WWF

The packages at a glance

• Aglianico Immersion
  Guided tastings and visits to Vulture’s underground cellars, an introduction to volcanic terroir and local pairings.
• Olio Sapiens
  Technical tasting of Vulture DOP olive oil, visit to the mill, meeting producers, everyday use in Lucanian cuisine.
• Verses of Lucania
  A literary walk between Venosa and Valsinni with references to Horace and Isabella Morra, plus tasteful stops in bakeries and food shops.
• Magna Graecia & Ionian Tavole Palatine, Museo della Siritide, views over the Ionian shoreline, with Matera DOC tastings in the Metapontino.
• Grand Tour Vulture–Ionian
  Four days across lakes, through vineyards and archaeological sites, at a relaxed pace to visit a curated selection of producers.
• Nature & Flavours
  Monticchio Lakes and Bosco Pantano, seasonal produce, easy micro-treks and panoramic stops.

Monticchio Lakes - Belvedere Vulture

The programmes can be adapted for couples, families and small groups. Logistics favour short transfers and sensible schedules, with recommended seasonality from spring to early autumn. During harvest and milling, from September to November, the area offers live processing experiences. In summer, the Ionian–Magna Graecia axis adds the sea and open-air archaeology.

Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity of Venosa

The cultural dimension is integral to the experience. Short readings, countryside anecdotes, pocket guides and audio micro-guides help interpret places and products without weighing down the journey. The environmental dimension is addressed pragmatically: short-distance mobility, small numbers, local supply chains and attention to water and waste during stops.

At the heart of the project is a network of players: mills and wineries that open their doors, museums and parks that offer keys to interpretation, guides and tour leaders who are familiar with schedules and options, restaurateurs who choose Lucanian ingredients. The goal is a form of travel that gives value back to the area while offering visitors a coherent narrative of flavours, history and landscapes.

The official website provides detailed information, practical advice and contacts for tailored requests, both in Italian and English. Each itinerary indicates the duration, stops, level of effort and possible extensions. The image galleries help readers orient themselves on itineraries of lakes, hills and coasts, while suggested readings and audio aids can accompany the trip before and after departure.

For information, updates and bookings, visit LucanaSapiens at:https://lucanasapiens.it/
For the itineraries overview: https://lucanasapiens.it/itinerari/ 

According to the European Travel Commission, 11% of travellers now prefer quieter destinations, up from 7% percent last year. And, as the heat (quite literally) rises, Italy is rethinking how to use green activities to attract more travellers during the cooler months of the year. 

With scorching summers now the norm, more and more visitors are skipping the peak months and heading to Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan when its cooler to find fewer crowds, better prices, and a more authentic pace of life. And with the focus on easing overcrowding, the great art cities are turning to green itineraries that encourage the exploration of lesser-known neighbourhoods.

Like Rome, which is now pushing self-guided nature walks, Florence which has launched new cycling routes in its parks, and Milan which is inviting visitors to discover quieter corners like the Prada Foundation, a 19th-century gin distillery which is now a museum.  

The message is clear: travel to Italy doesn’t need to stop when summer ends. For the savvy traveller it’s no longer about chasing sizzling summers but taking time to discover how relaxing and beautiful the, more often than not, sunny Italy’s off-season months can be. 

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

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.