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

Jet Blue is to debut in Italy with Boston-Milan Malpensa flights on 11 May 2026.

The low-cost airline’s first flights to Italy

So the lucrative North Atlantic routes will see another airline enter the game - the seventh to be precise – from 11 May 2026, when JetBlue will inaugurate the route from Boston to Malpensa, the low-cost carrier's first flight to Italy. The US low-cost company will thus join the carriers already operating on the routes from Milan, namely American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Emirates, Neos and La Compagnie.

The new daily flights are on sale from today

The new daily flights - on sale from today, 20 November - will be seasonal and operated with an Airbus A321. In addition to the service to Milan, JetBlue will also operate direct flights  from Boston to Barcelona starting on 16 April 2026, making it the carrier's second Spanish destination after Madrid.

US and international carriers operate to Milan Malpensa

According to the specialized database Cirium the offer of flights between Milan Malpensa and the US for a “sample” month - June 2026 - shows that Delta Air Lines is in first place with over 52,000 seats offered (both directions) followed by American Airlines and United Airlines. The ranking - excluding JetBlue for now - then sees Emirates, Neos and La Compagnie (which uses A321s configured with only 74 Business Class seats).

 “Our premium service has redefined transatlantic air travel”

“As we expand our presence in New England with new routes from Boston to Barcelona and Milan, we are offering more travellers the premium service that has redefined transatlantic air travel, including our award-winning premium Mint experience,- said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's CEO. -Passengers flying JetBlue to Europe enjoy thoughtful design, privacy and hospitality they simply won't find with traditional carriers.”

 Next summer JetBlue will have 14 routes to Europe

JetBlue has significantly expanded its transatlantic network in recent years and will fly a total of 14 routes to Europe from both Boston and New York JFK in summer 2026. In addition to Spain and Italy, the carrier will also fly to Amsterdam, London, Edinburgh, Dublin and Paris from its two transatlantic gateways. With these two new additions, the JetBlue network from Boston will increase to 77 destinations, and from Logan, passengers will have as many as nine daily flights to Europe in summer 2026.

Aeroporti di Puglia is preparing to close an “extraordinary” 2025 while looking at its next target: the United States.

“Almost a million more passengers”

“Yes, a record year, with almost a million more passengers,-  said Antonio Maria Vasile,  president of the Apulian airport management company in an interview with AGI. - In 2026, we are aiming for a change of strategy. The goal is to make the United States an exceptional market and Puglia's first customer, as well as capitalizing on a big event like the G7 (which was in 2024.Ed.). We had several delegations, including one from the United States, and now we aim to bring as many Americans as possible here.”

United to operate New York-Bari flights

In May 2026 United Airlines will launch its first New York-Bari flights. “We will have practically one flight a day, with two substantial differences. The first is dedicated to connecting the entire American market: in other words, we will connect Bari directly to Newark Airport. This is important because from Newark we have about 100 connections to all the main cities in the United States, for example an internal flight from Cleveland to Newark and from Newark to Bari. and then, Neos (Alpitour World's airline.Ed.) is ready to get the travel agency market moving again.”

Appreciation for the role of the travel agent

Vasile refers to the value of the professionalism of the travel agent, “who does not just sell you an airline ticket, he sells you an experience, a full, content-rich, well-organized holiday. We listened and received advice from travel agencies on a possible strategy, and this is how the idea of another carrier evolved, a carrier that connects us directly with New York, the airport of the most important city in the US."

On 22 November there will be a 24-hour stop for ITA Airways' sales systems.

A major update for the airline

The airline informs that on 22 November a major update will be performed, starting at 00:01 Italian time. Consequently, it will not be possible to make: new bookings, change bookings, issue travel documents, modify and sell ancillary services (choice of seats on board, lounge access, upgrades, etc.), view flight availability and access the “Smart Group” tool.

Web check-in and airport check-in operations will remain available

However, web check-in services and airport check-in operations will remain available, including issuing and changing tickets for flights with departure dates between 22 and 25 November.“This interruption,- says a note from the carrier, -is part of ITA Airways' commitment to offer its customers increasingly innovative and efficient services and shopping experiences, exploiting the important synergies with a strategic partner such as the Lufthansa Group.” The company then refers all details and further information to its website.

Calabria stepped into the international spotlight at the World Travel Market London with the presentation of Calabria Food Fest, the region’s fast-growing culinary and cultural showcase now entering its second edition. 

The festival has an expanding global footprint

The Calabria event generated remarkable interest among B2B operators, underscoring the region as one of Italy’s most compelling emerging destinations for international travelers. On the stage of Piazza Italia, Calabria Food Fest’s technical director Angela Donato, and creative and marketing director Anthomy Neal Macri discussed the festival’s expanding global footprint. Joining them was Giovanni Maria De Vita from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the central coordinator of the national Italea project. Together they highlighted how Calabria’s identity, heritage, and gastronomy are becoming powerful drivers for international tourism growth.

A festival travel professionals want to sell

Now at its second edition the Calabria Food Fest has already attracted strong enthusiasm from tour operators, travel agencies, and DMCs worldwide. Its unique format - an immersive journey through Calabria’s food traditions, coastal beauty, and authentic local communities - has convinced many B2B partners to integrate the festival into their catalogues. According to Donato and Macri, dozens of new itineraries have been designed around the festival, with agencies reselling the experience as a standalone product or as part of broader regional packages. From culinary tours and cultural routes, to slow-travel itineraries and diaspora tourism options, the Calabria Food Fest has become a catalyst for fresh travel ideas that extend far beyond the event itself.

Calabria and Italea: a strategic partnership

Giovanni Maria De Vita emphasized the alignment between Calabria Food Fest and Italea, which promotes travel experiences related to Italian heritage and roots. Calabria, a region deeply connected with global migration, is particularly significant for diaspora travelers seeking to reconnect with cultural identity through food, local traditions, and community events. The collaboration showcased at WTM London demonstrates how Calabria Food Fest is not only an entertainment and cultural event but also a strategic tool for boosting Italy’s global tourism offer.

Calabria: a region rising on the global stage

This year’s presence at WTM London confirmed what industry professionals have increasingly observed: Calabria is becoming one of the most intriguing regions for international markets. Its combination of authenticity, biodiversity, culinary excellence, and unspoiled landscapes is resonating strongly with travelers seeking meaningful and experience-driven journeys. With the growing international traction of Calabria Food Fest, the region is positioning itself as a must-see destination for cultural travelers, food enthusiasts, and global tour operators looking for fresh, compelling products.

This autumn, creativity takes center stage at Casa Monti, a refined boutique hotel in the heart of Rome. 

The hotel becomes a living art gallery

In Rome’s central Monti district Casa Monti, a short walk from the Colosseum, an elegant 5-star blend of hospitality and contemporary art, has launched its “Autumn Residences:” two new artistic projects that transform the hotel into a living art gallery.

A suite inspired by light and landscapes

The first project features French artist Ben Arpéa, who has reimagined the hotel’s Roman Suite as an immersive artwork. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean light and landscapes, Arpéa blends textures, natural pigments, and serene hues to create an installation that blurs the boundaries between art and design: Guests can book private visits to experience the suite, where art books, sketches, and personal objects reveal Arpéa’s creative process. A signature candle, scented with the aromas of Provence, completes the sensory journey.

Ph credits Serena Eller Vainicher

The understated luxury and artistic soul of Casa Monti 

Neapolitan artist and designer Giotto Calendoli brings a different kind of artistry to Casa Monti with “Stolen at Casa Monti,” a capsule collection that channels the hotel’s intimate and authentic spirit. His collection of clothing and lifestyle objects—plush bathrobes, soft sweatshirts, handcrafted hats, dessert plates, and bottles of extra virgin olive oil—celebrates craftsmanship and the art of living well.  Each piece captures the warmth, spontaneity, and understated luxury that define both the artist’s creative world and Casa Monti itself.

A spa, restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar

Beyond this inspired art, Casa Monti remains an ode to Roman dolce vita. The 26 rooms and ten suites, each between 20 and 55 m2, are individually decorated with eclectic elegance and contemporary twists. The spa, with its panoramic rooftop views, has three treatment cabins and a Jacuzzi, while the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and refined Mediterranean menus. The ground-floor bar and patio invite conversation and relaxation, and the rooftop cocktail bar provides a spectacular vantage point over the timeless skyline of Rome’s bohemian Monti district. For information: https://it.casamontiroma.com