Cagliari Airport is heading towards a record season, with an overall growth of some 7% compared to summer 2024 and over 1,400,000 seats available on international routes.

Cagliari Airport has 39 airlines operating to 25 countries 

A note from Sogaer, which manages the Sardinian airport, lists as 109 the connections operated by 39 airlines to 25 countries: 75 scheduled connections (31 domestic and 44 international) and 34 charter flights. Cagliari is “consolidating its expansion strategy in the Scandinavian market. After the success of the flights to and from Gothenburg, introduced in the summer of 2024, the summer of 2025 will see the activation of two new routes: Stockholm, operated by Ryanair with two weekly flights, and Copenhagen, served by SAS also with two flights.”

Most European markets will have additional flights 

“The international network will see Ryanair connect the Cagliari airport with 12 countries for a total of 21 destinations, out of the 40 total operated for the first time in Cagliari by the Irish carrier – continues Sogaer, -  There will also be an increase in the number of flights to Great Britain with British Airways EuroFlyer, which will serve London Gatwick airport up to ten times  weekly, and Vueling, which will increase operations to Barcelona by more than 20%. Edelweiss has also significantly increased its programme on the Cagliari-Zurich route, which, following the success of the route operated for the first time in the 2024/25 winter season, will include a daily connection during peak season. Smartwings will increase the number of flights offered on the Cagliari-Prague route by more than 50% compared to summer 2024, reaching five weekly flights. Austrian Airlines is also growing, increasing connections to Vienna by 25%.”

The low-cost carriers are also increasing flights 

Still on the international front, there will be significant increases in Ryanair flights to Porto and Palma de Mallorca (double the number of flights), Budapest (an increase of over 60%) and Poznan (an increase of 35%). Easyjet will double the number of connections to Lyon, while Volotea will increase flights to Marseille by 80%. Also on the German market, Eurowings will increase flights to Stuttgart by more than 20%’.

New domestic routes for Ryanair and Aeroitalia

On the domestic front, the “opening of new routes to Pescara by Ryanair and Catania by Aeroitalia stand out, as well as a significant increase in connections under the territorial continuity scheme which will see Aeroitalia operate 20 flights a day to and from Rome Fiumicino and up to 16 flights to and from Milan Linate, for a total of over a thousand flights per month under territorial continuity.”

In 2024 Cagliari Airport handled over 5 million passengers 

As for charter flights, among the 34 total connections this summer, the main new additions at Cagliari Airport will be LOT, which will operate to Warsaw, and SkyAlps, which will expand its network by operating to Innsbruck. Also confirmed are Tunisair's connections to Tunisia and People's Viennaline's to Altenrhein in Switzerland. Sogaer is expecting a record-breaking summer season, after 2024 saw the airport reach the five million passenger milestone.

As anticipated at the end of the year, the Pacini Group's new property in Rome has opened its doors.

The charm of the 19th-century Grand Tour

Following two years of intense work, The Goethe Hotel is the complete renovation of an ancient building in Passeggiata di Ripetta, between Piazza del Popolo and the Ara Pacis, and owned by the S2C insurance company. Inspired by the intellectual and artistic legacy of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the property aims to bring back to life the charm of the 19th-century Grand Tour, thanks to the work of the Pacini Group project management team, in collaboration with the Chiara Caberlon Studio and the architect Claudia Benzi.

Vintage memorabilia and a library

The 27 rooms and suites are a tribute to romantic travellers: velvet is predominant, with different colours that adapt to the environment, and in each room there is a desk and the right atmosphere to experience their own personal Grand Tour. In the hall, guests are welcomed by the Infinite Library: a circular area designed to pay homage to culture and curiosity. The space also includes works of art and objects linked to Goethe, including 19th-century binoculars, a traveller's flask and paintings of the great German poet. There are many details to discover, such as vintage trunks that become minibars, or wardrobes that, when opened, offer guests glimpses of works of art and objects reminiscent of a Wunderkammer.

A journey of taste dedicated to Italian traditions

The Affinity - Kitchen & Alchemy restaurant and lounge bar is all about the links between the various ingredients, for a journey of taste dedicated to Italian traditions, and using local products. The Goethe Hotel also has a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, inspired by the other side of the Mediterranean with its more exotic and distant atmospheres. The Goethe Hotel is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World affiliate. 

The second season of the Metropole Hotel in Taormina, managed by Bzar, opens with the inauguration of Villa Conrad, a private residence.

Reminiscent of the 19th-century Grand Tour 

Located a few steps from the hotel, the building is a testament to the British presence in 19th-century Sicily and has now reopened as the private residence of the Metropole. From the moment you enter through the majestic stone portal, this historic residence, which belonged to a British non-commissioned officer, tells of the splendour of the Grand Tour, of which Taormina was an essential stop. 

Eight new suites, and the villa can be taken exclusively

The ogival windows, the original Hellenistic bas-reliefs and the lush, centuries-old Mediterranean gardens frame eight new, completely renovated suites, with essential lines and bright colours. On request the villa can also become an exclusive location, with a personal concierge and a butler, as well as the possibility of having a dedicated chef for lunches or dinners to be enjoyed immersed in the Orange Garden.

A fresh new look for The Metropole

The Metropole has also been given a new look thanks to a restyling of the indoor and outdoor areas, fully respecting the historic building in Corso Umberto, which date sback to the 13th century. The furnishings are designed by Molteni, B&B, Flos, Poltrona Frau and Ethimo, and the local touch is ever present, thanks to the art of Alessandro Florio that adorns the walls of the public areas.

Two restaurants with Bay of Naxos views

For the coming season the gastronomic offer will also change under the helmsmanship of the executive chef Gaetano Procopio who, after various experiences in the kitchens of Michelin- starred chefs such as Heinz Beck's La Pergola, brings his own personal vision of traditional Mediterranean cuisine to Taormina. The gourmet restaurant La Terrazza and the Bellevue, are on terraces overlooking the Bay of Naxos and there is all-day dining.

Easter, which is just around the corner, is a period of great mysticism in Umbria, with important events taking place during Holy Week. 

A procession in the town of Saint Francis

Experiencing Holy Week in this land of ancient spirituality, which has given birth to many saints, is a unique experience. In towns and villages with their narrow streets and lively squares, as in the larger towns, people gather in prayer. On Good Friday -18 April - a procession of the Dead Christ takes place in Assisi which has always been steeped in mysticism. The procession starts from the Cathedral stopping at the Basilica of San Francesco.  

Symbolism plays its part in the celebrations

Similar events are also planned in the Valnerina area, in Cascia, Monteleone di Spoleto and Norcia. The latter is particularly evocative with 400 participants in a procession that winds along the city walls where the scenes of the Via Crucis are dramatically represented in tableaux vivants.  In Gubbio the Good Friday procession has its roots in the 13th century. The sacconi (big-bellied men) lead the procession, followed by the brothers carrying the skull symbolizing Golgotha and the symbols of the Passion. During the procession, large bonfires are lit at various points along the route. 

Food and wine traditions are widespread 

But in Umbria Easter is also about conviviality, the desire to be together, both in the squares and at the table. On Sunday it is customary to challenge each other to the last egg, an unusual competition with the players taking turns to hit their opponent's egg.  Easter in Umbria is also where food and wine come into play, starting with the undisputed queen of this holiday: the Easter cake, also called Easter pizza in the Terni area or crescia in the Gubbio area. 

Lunches with pasta and lamb, and sweet Easter cakes  

In Umbria, even today, Easter Sunday is celebrated with a special breakfast of cheesecake, capocollo cured pork, and hard-boiled eggs. On the morning of Holy Saturday, families usually prepare a basket containing the typical savoury pie, salt, eggs, some cold cuts, bread, wine and ciaramicola, a typical dessert in the Perugia area. The day continues with a large lunch that includes homemade pasta such as agnolotti filled with meat, tagliatelle, tortelloni from Norcia or strangozzi from Spoleto, depending on the area or family tradition, while the typical Umbrian Easter main course is lamb. Typical of the Orvieto, Valnerina and Trasimeno areas is the preparation of the sweet Easter cake, rich in spices and candied fruit. And of course there is always an Easter dove. 

Ryanair is relaunching at Trieste Airport where, for summer 2025, it is proposing 35% growth with three new routes from Lamezia, Prague and Stockholm.

Increasing frequencies on nine routes

The low-fares airline will also increase in frequencies on nine routes, including those from Barcelona, Bari, London, Cagliari and Olbia. At Trieste Airport the airline will therefore base an additional aircraft (an investment of $100 million) for a total of two, supporting over 800 jobs in the region. The objective is to transport 1.1 million passengers a year across the network's 21 routes.

“Ryanair has doubled traffic to 1.1 million passengers a year”

“We have worked closely with the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and Trieste airport since we started operating here in 2001, and President Fedriga's decision in 2024 to abolish the municipal surcharge marked a turning point for connectivity in North-Eastern Italy,- said Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson. - This move has allowed Ryanair to double traffic to 1.1 million passengers a year. As part of this continued growth, we will open an unrivalled 2025 summer operation.”

Ambitious goals for Italy include 80 million passengers a year

“The success of the region highlights the transformative impact of reducing access costs, and the time has come for other regions such as Veneto, Lombardy and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily to follow suit by abolishing the municipal surcharge to unlock their full tourism and connectivity potential. To boost growth and competitiveness, the Italian government should immediately abolish the municipal surtax in all regions to stimulate growth and reduce tariffs. Only in this way will Ryanair be able to achieve its ambitious goals for Italy, including 80 million passengers a year, 15,000 new jobs, 40 additional aircraft (a $4 billion investment) and over 250 new routes. Ryanair is asking the government to abolish the surcharge to encourage growth in tourism and employment throughout Italy, all year round”

The Ginobbi Group management company, already at the helm of the 5-star Palazzo Ripetta in Rome, is now to manage private villas.

Private residences in Positano

Through an exclusive partnership with Torre Sponda, a collection of five private residences in Positano, the Ginobbi Group is entering the business of managing private villas. “Positano is one of those world-famous destinations, endowed with a timeless charm and often present among the favourite destinations of our clientele,- says Giacomo Crisci, president of the Ginobbi group.

Casa Angelica Positano

Villas set in Mediterranean gardens

Purchased by Alfred Pattinson in 1905 and now owned by Raimonda and Fausta Gaetani, Torre Sponda consists of villas with one to five bedrooms and sea views, as well as Mediterranean gardens, panoramic terraces and a private swimming pool. “My aim, as an interior designer and co-owner,- says Fausta Gaetani,- was to pay homage to the history of this extraordinary property, combining our family tradition with the authentic essence of the place.”

The Tower was built to protect the city

The tower, which is one of the villas, has been restored and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This centuries-old building is now a contemporary witness to what was once a 13th century Saracen tower erected to protect the city.

The Soma & Anima Spa at the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort in Sesto, near Bolzano, offers a new wellness experience dedicated to the five senses. 

Music, mindfulness, therapies and the ritual of taste

A regenerating treatment in five steps dedicated to the five senses is offered by the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort. The journey begins with a relaxing melody, which progressively leads to a state of deep peace. To complete this state of well-being, aromatherapy stimulates the sense of smell thanks to essential oils, followed by the energy of colours, through chromotherapy. Pressure therapy then releases tension from the body and eliminates toxins, and finally, a warm and enveloping herbal tea awakens the sense of taste.

ph credits Hannes Niederkofler

An Early Bird summer offer and gift vouchers for exclusive wellness experiences

With the Early Bird Summer offer, 10% discount on a summer stay of at least three nights (excluding the period from 10 to 18 August 2025) for bookings made by 30 April 2025. Bad Moos gift vouchers offer options for couples and advantageous packages. “Love is in the air!” includes a romantic candlelit bath in the Alpine Bad Moos Spa Suite with prosecco and snacks. “Beautiful Day” includes a rich breakfast buffet, a daily entrance to the Saunarium and an afternoon snack. Or, a delicious gourmet dinner for two. 

2nd-3rd June 2025

Intercontinental London – The O2 

The travel landscape is moving at a tremendous speed. Now more than ever, travel professionals need to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to trends, insights and consumer demands to ensure that they are future ready as well as being able to respond quickly and efficiently.

Destinations Exchange Europe is the premium event organised by the European tourism association (ETOA) in collaboration with City Destinations Alliance (City DNA). Taking place in London over two days, it serves up a range of pop-up experiences – including knowledge sessions, commercially focussed meetings, networking opportunities and actionable insights, which ensure innovation and collaboration when it comes to product development and operational issues.

Amongst other areas, the practice of optimising capacity whilst driving innovation in new product will be explored. Cultural tourism continues to be an important part of Europe’s visitor economy long-term, and a range of practical solutions is required to make this happen.

Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA said:

"Destinations Exchange Europe provides a mix of commercial meetings with strategic insights. ETOA arranges one-to-one meetings between operators and those who wish to deal with them, and supplements this with discussions on how Europe’s cities and regions can develop their offer.

The industry is changing at speed. The commercial and operational environment is in flux. Cities are closing themselves to groups, placing restrictions on rental accommodation and imposing tourism taxes. Markets are in flux. Distribution is changing. In these situations, it is important to keep everyone informed.

We look forward to meeting with established and new contacts at Destinations Exchange Europe 2025."

ETOA is the trade association for better tourism in Europe, working with policy makers towards a fair and sustainable business environment. Along with 1,100 members serving 63 origin markets they are a powerful voice at local, national, and European levels. Their member reach includes tour and online operators, intermediaries, tourist boards, hotels, attractions, and a range of tourism providers – from global brands to local businesses.

ETOA also works with partners and members to serve up a range of on-the-point reports and insights that help businesses to understand the European travel landscape more deeply.

City Destinations Alliance is a knowledge sharing network for cities and urban regions working to unfold the potential of the visitor economy.

Why Destinations Exchange Europe?

At Destinations Exchange Europe, collaboration is everything and destinations and tourism suppliers have the perfect base to meet with international buyers to develop products, itineraries, and business plans with focus on operators and tourism buyers serving intra-European and international clients.

Long-haul cultural tourism complements domestic European seasonality and spend, but it also adds competitive pressure to current capacity. Anti-tourism sentiment is growing and there is a strategic requirement to address cause effect to make the case for better tourism.

With a strong focus on maximising mutual benefit and minimising adverse impact, Destinations Exchange Europe 2025 provides ETOA’s diverse network of operators, DMOs and their supply chain with the opportunity to develop and share innovative ideas.

Prime location

This year, the event moves to Intercontinental London – the O2 – a luxurious venue – easily navigable and situated in a central location.

The event has been diligently organised to ensure that buyers can connect with chosen suppliers in a time efficient way, due to geographically arranged areas, which makes finding the next appointment easy.

Destination specific

For 2025, the focus will be on European destinations and the many projects and campaigns that have been undertaken to improve both locals’ and visitors’ experience as well as the perception of cities and countries.

Delegates and visitors will get the opportunity to hear firsthand about successful and innovative campaigns that have helped destinations to achieve stand out and success. There will also be an opportunity to discuss how planning and optimising key learnings can create successful campaigns and initiatives.

Crucial areas of best practice destination management will also be explored including what makes cities and regions truly attractive to a global audience, what is the benchmark of destination management and how national and local collaboration can result in success.

There will also be an Operators Panel on product development - the perfect opportunity for operators and DMCs to connect best practice to market ready products to optimise ideas and ensure that these are implemented with minimum fuss and maximum return on investment.

Even though so much business is conducted online, the power of in-person events cannot be underestimated. During and after the event, attendees can also join a variety of networking opportunities.

In today’s travel environment, timely information, an understanding of insights and trends and the ability to collaborate with the right people and businesses are crucial. So is ensuring that you’re able to get all these elements in a time and cost-efficient way.

With a definitive appointments programme, discussion programmes and numerous networking opportunities, Destinations Exchange Europe 2025 is your ticket to successful B2B networking and meetings which ensure that the industry is future-ready.

For more information, visit Destinations Exchange Europe 2025.