Events, conferences and congresses are set for recovery thanks to the Green Pass and to a decree regulating social distancing. "It’s great that the regional conference approved the changes we requested to guidelines for overcoming social distancing constraints in conference and congress halls,” said Maria Carmela Colaiacovo, President of the Italian Confindustria Alberghi Association

“We hope the minister will sign the decree as soon as possible”

This is another important step forward for the normalization of the hotel sector with a return to a full range of services for meetings and conferences. "Now we hope Minister Speranza will sign the decree as soon as possible, implementing the guidelines and allowing us to return to that sense of normality our companies require,” said Colaiacovo  

This summer the Emilia Romagna region attracted chiefly French, German, Dutch and Swiss visitors, and every year from September its appeal are the many events and festivals focussing on its famous foods and wines like the Gastronomic September in Parma and the Wine Festival in the Piacentino region. There is something too for music lovers with the annual Verdi Festival which always draws international visitors.

It is a central festival for us, this is 100% the land of Giuseppe Verdi.  In one weekend you can see four operas in Parma and Busseto - said Cristiano Casa, Parma’s Councillor for Tourism. 

Emilia is a land just waiting to discovered, and it is wonderfully authentic. This is the land of food par excellence with products like Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, Culatello di Zibello, Salame Felino, Balsamic Vinegar, Piacenza’s cured meats and excellent wines.

We also have our three great art cities, and this year Parma is the Italian Capital of Culture. Our theatre season opens in early December with the Regio in Parma, the Municipale in Piacenza and the Valli in Reggio Emilia as well as in the many boutique theaters around the provinces. 

“At the World Travel Market the focus will be on food and castles”

 
At the World Travel Market we will be focussing on two elements: food and castles. We have 50 castles; they can all be visited, and there are excellent services and stunning landscapes around them.  Then we have trails like the Via Francigena and outdoors activities in the Apennines mountain range and along the Po river. In 2022 we will present the region as a place of “slow mix” made for unhurried holidays. We’ll promote this at trade fairs and through the Internet which we have found gives an excellent return.  The region is also very well linked with excellent high speed, Intercity and regional trains. By car we are on the main north-south motorway axis, and we are equidistant from Bologna and Linate Airports

Scalapay,  the “buy now, pay later” payment system,  has announced a new strategic partnership with Hoteldoor for the management of sales and guest relations. Businesses entering the platform, which is already used by over 500 Italian hotels, will now have access to the services of Scalapay.

An exceptional performance marketing tool for hotels 

"We are thrilled that Hoteldoor has integrated Scalapay into its services,” said Scalapay’s Travel Director Matteo Ciccalé. “This summer showed that our system is not only useful to the consumer, it is also an exceptional performance marketing tool for hotels. Now they have a new channel with rapidly growing numbers of members and consensus in Europe. Businesses that have already chosen Hoteldoor will now have an additional tool with which to build loyalty and reach out to new customers.”  

Making it easier to turn quotes into reservations

“With Scalapay it will be easier to turn quotes into reservations,” added Hoteldoor’s CEO & Product Owner Andrea Borghetti. “We estimate that the conversion rate could increase, with considerable advantages for leisure type properties.”

Over 1,000 travel agencies have registered with the Flypoint portal in just a few months and are now working with this MultiGds online booking tool, a complete system that uses innovative technology to simplify flight sales.

A multi-GDS for cruises backed by specialized booking staff  

“And now it is doubling,” said Primarete’s President and Cruisepoint’s patron, Ivano Zilio. “This platform is a robot that gives agencies an immediate response in real time, rooting through thousands of prices without using the various cruise booking sites. With just a click it provides the best solution and offer. Cruisepoint.it is a multi-GDS for cruises where agencies can option or confirm a cruise, and make the payment either by card or by bank transfer online. It is important to remember that behind all this there is highly professional booking staff who are specialized in cruising.

We have set up an Italian sales network with commercial and web vision. It is a something new, and others will follow shortly. Despite the pandemic we have set up an Italian sales network with commercial and web vision, thus not disappointing those who passed us the testimonial from the tour operator Columbus. With the pandemic the era of change in our industry has accelerated and this is why the Primarete Group decided to sell its shareholdings in Travelbuy and Pinguino Network to invest in other distribution projects that we will soon put on the Italian and other markets. 

"Organized tourism companies are facing this 2021 with great difficulty, as much as it has happened for 2020. For this reason, requesting the Minister Garavaglia to extend the refreshments for travel agencies and tour operators, postponing the restart will not be possible".

Thus Gianni Rebecchi, national president of Assoviaggi, the association that travel agencies and organized tourism companies Confesercenti.

"Immediate interventions are needed - continues the president - from the urgent extension of the social safety nets - introduced by the previous government to deal with the health emergency - at least until June 2022, together with renewed tax credits for companies in the sector to avoid new closures and layoffs ".

Five travel ideas, five ways to discover the landscapes, art and cuisine of Italy’s Maremma region. These itineraries of taste in the Grosseto area are from the Artex Artour Toscana Project and are aimed at travellers (and Tuscans) who want to get to know this region. 

Five itineraries showcasing art, food and wines

The routes are removed from mass circuits and promote slow, conscious, sustainable cultural tourism, showcasing the area’s artistic and monumental heritage and its excellent food and wines. The five itineraries on the Artour Toscana website (http://toscana.artour.it) start with a presentation, followed by a description of the companies offering typical products and a geo-localized map of the route and places of interest.

Ancient traditions and a beautiful countryside

The Yellow Gold of Maremma winds for 25 kilometres from Scarlino to Pomonte, past fields of organically cultivated wheat, an ancient tradition that today risks extinction. Tasty stops are recommended at the Poggio Tondo farm in Pian D'Alma, the Maremmano pasta factory in Roccastrada, the Dolci Tradizioni shop, the Sicas pasta factory in Grosseto, at the Tommaso Giordana farm in Magliano in Toscana, the Il Panaio in Roccalbegna, Naturalmente Toscano in Semproniano and the Grani di Toscana agricultural cooperative in Pomonte. 

The finest olive oil, typical wines and Goji berries

Wine, oil and products of the Maremma: from traditions to innovations is a tour through areas producing extra virgin olive oil, a tradition dating back to the Etruscan era, and the Morellino di Scansano wine which is produced exclusively in the hilly area between the Ombrone and Albegna rivers in ​​the province of Grosseto. Thanks to the Maremma’s ideal climate another local product is the Goji berry, the so-called fruit of youth. Along the 39-kilometre itinerary from Roccatederighi to Ansedonia the local companies include the Magìa agricultural company in Giuncarico, the Ampeleia agricultural company in Roccatederighi, the San Lorenzo agricultural company in Cinigiano, the Pian di Maggio winepress in Vallerona, the Bragaglia farm in Montiano, the Ponte Capalbio farm in Capalbio and the Maliosa farm in Manciano.

Snail breeding, and craft beer from geothermal steam

The La Maremma Pisana tour is an exploration of the Upper Maremma that includes a large part of the province of Livorno south of Florence. The 41 kilometres between Capannoli and Venturina Terme are an area dedicated to the production of wines, wheat and olive oil but also niche cultivations like snail breeding and the first craft beer in the world using geothermal steam. Stops are at the Arcenni Tuscany snail breeding facility in Capannoli, the Vapori di Birra brewery in Sasso Pisano, the Ghimbergo farm in Suvereto and the Orzo Bolgherese di Cecina agricultural company. 

Exploring the land of ancient Etruscans and Romans

Massa Marittima and the Palazzo dell'Abbondanza is a tour showcasing the dedication, and sacrifices lavished by its inhabitants on this harsh and inaccessible territory as early as Etruscan and Roman days. The 15-kilometre route winds through Massa Marittima with the Fonte and the Palazzo dell'Abbondanza (a former granary) and, in its environs, the farms of Gabbricci Anna Maria, Camporuffaldo, Angela and Antonio Saba, Braglia Daniele, and the La Cura, MorisFarms and Podere Riparbella companies.

Butteri cowboys, fishing and gourmet stops

Tasty Suggestions of the Maremma Coast is a 51-kilometre route along the coast from Grosseto and Monte Argentario, and as far as Giglio Island: a land of butteri cowboys, spirulina algae crops, freshly caught fish and a fine liqueur made from myrtle berries. The gourmet stops are the Severino Becagli-Spirulina Made in Tuscany company in Grosseto, the Le Spighe agritourism, the I Pescatori d’Orbetello in Orbetello, the Il Casalone farm in Orbetello Scalo, and La Paloma al Giglio.

After Zurich, Helsinki, Paris, London, Nuremberg and Berlin, Foxtrail has finally arrived in the Eternal City. With its urban adventure formula, which is a mix between an outdoor escape game and a treasure hunt based on interactive clues, Foxtrail is the new way to discover Rome while having fun.

Urban adventure walking and biking trails around the Eternal City 

Forget all those guidebooks on the best places to see in Rome and let Foxtrail help you discover the city. For now there are three walking trails and two biking trails (more are coming soon) around some of Rome’s most beautiful areas like Trastevere, Villa Borghese and Villa Ada. Book your group (from two to six people), your slot (or more slots if you are a big group) and start exploring. There are departure slots every 30 minutes so you won’t meet other groups along the trail, and you can even book last minute on the same day!

A mix of technology and creativity, and fun for all ages

Unlike a classic treasure hunt, Foxtrail has permanent trails that can be enjoyed 365 days a year, from 9am till sunset. Each trail combines technology and creativity with interactive installations and clues that take you into many of the city’s off-the-beaten track areas.  Who is Foxtrail for? Everyone, and for all ages! Whether you’re travelling with children with your partner or with a group of friends this urban adventure is just the thing for you. And Romans, this is something for locals as well! Each trail lasts around two to three hours and all you’ll need is your map, paper and a pencil! And if for whatever reason you can’t make it, Foxtrail has a real-time helpline to ask for suggestions and solutions. Move, Think, Play! All info at www.foxtrail.it

Procida, which is one of the Fleagrean Islands in the province of Naples, and has just over ten thousand inhabitants, will be the Italian Capital of Culture 2022. This is the first time the recognition goes to an island rather than a provincial or regional capital. 

“The island’s landscape and heritage are extraordinary”

The motivation: “The cultural project presents excellent elements of attractiveness and quality. There is well-structured local and regional public and private support. The heritage and landscape are extraordinary. While the laboratory dimension with social aspects of technological diffusion is dedicated to the Tyrrhenian islands, it is also relevant for the smaller Mediterranean islands. Thanks to this the project could break the mould and become a model for sustainable development based on island and coastal areas. The project can also transmit a poetic message and is a vision of culture that extends from a small island as a wish for everyone in the months ahead.”

The Procida project endorses the island as an example of relational dynamics

Procida, Non-island culture is the title of the candidacy dossier that highlights how "island land is a place of exploration, experimentation and knowledge, a model of cultures and a metaphor for contemporary man. The power of imagination and concreteness of vision show us Procida as an example of relational dynamics and of practices of inclusion, as well as of care for the cultural and natural heritage.”  The procida2022.com website lists 44 cultural projects, 330 days of programming, 240 artists, 40 original works and 8 regenerated cultural spaces that are scheduled for next year.  

The programme for the Cultural Capital year focuses on five elements

- Procida invents. Projects for artistic processes and events: exhibitions, cinema, performances and site-specific works

- Procida inspires. Projects promoting the island as a source of inspiration, both as a real place and as an imaginary space

- Procida includes. Social inclusion projects that use the languages ​​of art as tools for the expression of the individual in relation to the community

- Procida innovates. Projects promoting the relationship between culture and innovation, fostering moments of confrontation between the national community of innovators and the local community, and a strategic rethinking of their cultural heritage

- Procida learns. Projects promoting the strengthening of an educating community, through the creation of open alliances aimed at involving all public and private parties

“In 2022 culture and tourism will be as important and strong as they once were”

"This is a complicated year for everyone,” said Minister for Cultural Heritage and Tourism Dario Franceschini at the proclamation ceremony.  “We are doing our best to support cultural and tourist activities in every possible way, and today’s designation as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022 is a signal for recovery. In 2022 we will be back to normal and culture and tourism will be as important and strong as they were before the pandemic.”

Poltu Quatu, in the province of Olbia-Tempio on the north-east coast of Sardinia has had a highly successful summer season with very high occupancy rates. Poltu Quatu, from the Gallura dialect for "hidden port", is a small fishing village with a wide range of activities and services on a natural fjord of wind-sculpted rocks on the Costa Smeralda coast, facing the Maddalena Archipelago.

Rooms, suites and 66 apartments in the new The Reserve unit 

The heart of the village is the Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, which opened in 2002 and is styled like a  typical fishing village. An oasis of peace and tranquility, it has 143 rooms and suites, 66 The Reserve apartments, restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a wellness and fitness center, a private beach, tennis courts, new padel courts, and a congress center.  On the nearby promenade there are boutiques, restaurants and a bar at the private Blue Flag Marina dell'Orso tourist port, which has  305 berths and related services.

Ending the season on a high note 

We are happy with the results so far and will close the season on a high note - said Rafael Torres, ceo Girama Hospitality Management, which is managing Poltu Quatu this year in collaboration with associated companies -. Both the owners and the staff played a vital role in the success of the season at such a difficult time, making Poltu Quatu an exclusive point of reference for the Costa Smeralda.

Italians, but also European and American guests

From its opening at the end of May up to the closing scheduled for 10 October the number of visitors has almost doubled over last year with an average stay of 4/5 days and with a prevalence of couples.  Over 60% of guests were Italians (even outside the usual August period), followed by other European countries: France (over 7%) , Germany (almost 4%), Switzerland (2.86%), UK (2.24%), Holland (1.97%), Belgium (1.79%), Romania (1.43%), Spain (1.25%) and with 4.83% of Americans. Last-minute booking and same-day bookings were a regular feature, even for the best suites, and often made directly at the reception desk late in the evening. 

A new private beach and port for 2022 

The 2021 season kicked off with new totally refurbished rooms, and the new The Reserve Poltu Quatu unit,with 66 apartments designed as a private retreat, while more new projects are already under way for the 2022 season. From the collaboration with prestigious international brands for catering and entertainment, to the creation of an exclusive private beach in a protected bay a short distance away, and a new port.