Bologna Airport is becoming increasingly passenger-friendly, with the completion of works and theopening of new areas.

New waiting areas and automated kiosks

These new waiting areas for Extra-Schengen arrivals are on the first floor while work on the reconfiguration of the ground floor of the Passenger Terminal involved a total investment of some €4 million. According to the daily paper Il Resto del Carlino, a 400sqm extension has been built on the first floor of the terminal, while eight new passport control boxes and eight new ABC gates have been installed on the ground floor. These spaces were created to position the new automatic kiosks for the activities envisaged by the European “Ees-Entry/Exit System” regulations, which will start on 12 October.

1000 parking spaces in the new multi-storey

The Marconi Airport is thus ready to apply the new system of digital registration of biometric data of citizens of non-EU countries, entering or leaving the Schengen borders, and it is one of the few Italian airports where it is now possible to carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage. The P6 Smart multi- storey car park with one thousand parking spaces has also opened, with a second lot is expected in 2026 and it is now possible to receive support on airport services directly on Whatsapp.

Over one million passengers in August

August, after April, May, June and July, turned out to be another record-breaking period with passenger traffic exceeding one million to 1,108,983. Almost 80 per cent of this total was attributable to international traffic with passengers on international

 Mention “Sardinia,” and visions of sun-drenched beaches and secret coves, worthy of a thousand-and-one nights, spring to mind. The island-and-beach pairing is an enduring classic, its appeal constantly renewed and confirmed, and Cala Goloritzè, one of the “pearls” of Baunei in the Ogliastra region, made it to number one in the 2025 World's best 50 Beaches ranking. Enchanting scenery, both on the coast and inland, however, does not tell the whole story. Sardinia also boasts a fascinating history, partly shrouded in mystery, that has left unique legacies, such as the Nuragic Age. Recently the domus de Janas necropolis, dating back to the 4th-3rd millennium B.C., was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A prestigious recognition that will be presented in Rome on 25-26 September at the World Tourism Event.

Sardinia’s millenary heritage is also expressed in the art of manufacturing, an extraordinary promotional vehicle that the Region of Sardinia will enhance with the relaunch of the ISOLA brand and the virtual showcase of artistic handicrafts. From knowledge to flavours: the island is home to good food and excellent wines which are one of the “secrets” of the Sardinians' elixir of life. Environment, well-being, sustainability, quality of life, food and wine and longevity, are all elements of irresistible allure with which Sardinia will make its mark on the international stage in 2026.

Tradition is identity.  There are events that have been repeated identically for centuries, which have now become a major tourist attraction, and they are a key area of investment for the Sardinia Region and set to yield results in both the short and medium term. Efforts are underway to amplify the island’s early-year events, turning the spotlight on Sardinia and creating a compelling reason for travelers to set their sights on it. Starting with New Year's Eve then continuing with Carnival, or rather the many carnivals, because each town has its own, and on into Holy Week, when from Palm Sunday to Easter Monday it is possible to fully immerse oneself in engaging experiences. Then cone the island’s flagship events.

Protagonists of these events are cities such as Alghero, Cagliari, Nuoro, Olbia, Oristano and Sassari as well as smaller picturesque towns. Promotions in 2026 focus on a cluster of 15 certificates like the “Orange Flag” and “Italy's Most Beautiful Small Towns.” These small towns offer a glimpse of authentic Sardinia, where living memories tell stories of local knowledge and flavors, embodying a model of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and celebrating the slow appreciation of both tangible and intangible heritage. The emblem of slow tourism is the Noi Camminiamo in Sardegna (We Walk in Sardinia) project, which has its highlight in the event at the beginning of October. The itineraries proposed for this 4th edition will highlight the walking tourism offerings for the upcoming year.

Slow tourism is one of the two players chosen to accompany the discovery of the territory. The other is active tourism. Sardinia is an “open-air gym” where enthusiasts practice their favourite outdoor activities in inimitable settings. After the successful campaigns of the last two years, in 2026 the island will once again be promoted as an outdoor hub. Direct marketing will be based on a series of itineraries taken from guidebooks produced by the Region. The programme will be enhanced by itineraries drawn also from newly released publications, expanding the portfolio to include archaeological and cultural trails, wine and culinary routes, walks, and charming village experiences. Finally 2026, The Year of Sardinian Emigration to Argentina, will see the feedback from the promotional activities carried out this year by the network of the nine Sardinian clubs in Argentina.


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In the heart of South Tyrol, Northern Italy, in the Schnals Valley (Val Senales), the ancient tradition of transhumance comes alive every September. 

Sheep are treasured companions to local farmers

The Schnals Valley embraced by towering Alpine peaks is just about 40 kilometers from the city of Merano, renowned for its thermal baths and elegant blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. In this valley sheep have been treasured companions to local farmers for centuries, offering vital support in the harsh mountain environment.  

A 44-kilometre endurance test

Transhumance in the Schnals Valley is not merely a migration of animals; it is a spectacular journey steeped in history and culture. Each summer, at the dawn of the warm season, the shepherds guide over 4,000 sheep on an arduous trek from Italy to Vent, a village in the Ötztal Valley in neighbouring Austria. The route of approximately 44 kilometers climbs 3,200 meters in altitude, crossing mountain passes and glaciers and is an endurance test for both the shepherds and the sheep.

Visitors are welcome to join the event

By mid-September the flocks return to their native pastures in Italy, and this homecoming is celebrated with traditional festivities, where the valley’s restaurants serve local specialties and the sound of folk music fills the air. The 2025 transhumance sees two main returns: on Sunday, 7 September when some1,500 sheep will depart from Malga Rofenberg in Vent and arrive in Maso Corto between 3 and 4 p.m. The second return is planned for Saturday, September 13th, ending at Lake Vernago. Visitors are welcome to join this event, either by following the route from afar or by taking the Roter Kofel chairlift and glacier cable car, which open early to allow spectators to accompany the sheep on their final descent.  

Where to stay in the Schnals Valley

The Smart Hotel Firn is a 3-stars in Madonna di Senales. From this hotel, hiking paths, alpine pastures and typical mountain huts are immediately accessible, and after a day outdoors or spent skiing, there is nothing better than a well-deserved break in the sauna or in the regenerating waters of the indoor pool.  Another property is the Glacier Hotel Grawand which during the summer season is the ideal place for a good lunch with traditional dishes, and which, from 19 September 2025, will open its rooms to guests and athletes for the entire winter season.  

Finnair is to add two new destinations in Italy for summer 2026, with Catania and Florence as part of its network expansion to Southern Europe.

“Finnair will operate to a total of eight cities in Italy”

Geoffrey Carrage, Finnair's Regional Manager Southern Europe, said, "With the addition of Florence and Catania to our summer 2026 schedule, Finnair will operate to a total of eight cities in Italy, demonstrating the strong commitment and confidence we place in this market. These new routes will offer passengers not only easier access to Finland's natural wonders during the summer season, but also convenient connections to our extensive global network in Northern Europe, Asia and North America through our efficient hub in Helsinki."

Two weekly flights to Florence and three to Catania

Operations on the Helsinki-Florence route include two flights per week, on Thursdays and Sundays (from 2 April to 18 October 2026) operated by a 100-seat Embraer 190. Catania will also be reachable from Helsinki with three flights per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays (from 31 March to 21 October 2026) operated by Airbus A320s and A-319s.

A growing European network

During summer 2026, the Finnish carrier's Italian network will therefore include the cities of Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, Verona and Bologna; in Spain to Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Barcelona, Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote on the Canary Islands; in Greece to Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes and Santorini.

Collini Rooms in Milan has joined the BWH Hotels Italia & Malta network under the WorldHotels Crafted brand.

Bookings will open in September

Starting in September on the BWH booking channels the property and located in Milan’s Mecenate district, the property will welcome guests to the contemporary soul of the Lombard capital. The 4-star hotel is part of Collection Crafted, an exclusive selection of independent lifestyle hotels by WorldHotels, designed to celebrate creativity, art and an experiential approach to hospitality.

Five suites and 50 Superior Rooms

The Collini Rooms, WorldHotels Crafted - 55 rooms, including five suites and 50 superior rooms – is a daring and visionary concept, in which art and design transcend the boundaries of the ordinary, transforming every stay into an immersive and unconventional experience. Every corner of the hotel tells a different visual story enriched by the frescoes created by the contemporary artist Federico Unia (aka Omer), which blend the sacred and the profane, classical art and pop culture into a dreamlike and colourful labyrinth.

“A complete and surprising experience”

“Our hotel was created to surprise, to welcome with style and personality, transforming guests' stay into a visual and cultural journey,- says Antonio di Meglio, director of Collini Rooms. -This affiliation allows us to further enhance our unconventional approach and dialogue with the city, which for us is a continuous source of visual and creative inspiration.” While maintaining a cheeky and unconventional aesthetic, Collini Rooms does not forego comfort and functionality, offering a complete and surprising experience, designed for curious travellers, business guests and even city dwellers.



A rooftop terrace with a restaurant

On the ground floor the lively Lounge Bar with a patio and outdoor garden is a corner of urban escape and perfect for relaxing or creative and informal meetings. On the sixth floor on the panoramic rooftop there is the breakfast room and an à la carte restaurant, where taste and creativity come together and the hotel also has a garage. Its strategic location, just a few minutes from Milan Linate airport and well connected to the city centre, makes it an ideal choice for any type of stay.

“An international brand celebrating independent hospitality and distinctive design”

"The entry of Collini Rooms into the Crafted Collection enriches the group's lifestyle proposal with a bold and distinctive vision - comments Fabrizio Doria, chief development officer of BWH Hotels Italia & Malta. -The artistic concept and position perfectly interpret the Crafted spirit, offering guests an authentic and original experience. With this affiliation, 7 WorldHotels properties are now present in Italy, part of an international brand celebrating independent hospitality and distinctive design.”

 

Aer Lingus will add Turin to its winter network with the introduction, from 21 December next, of a new snow flight.

The flights will operate every Sunday

The flights from Dublin will be operated every Sunday until March 2026, departing from Ireland at 07:00 and arriving in Turin at 10:25. They will then depart the Piedmontese capital at 11:15 and land back in the Irish capital at 12:50.

The new route is designed to attract Irish winter sports fans

The new route is designed to attract Irish skiers and winter sports enthusiasts to the peaks of Piedmont and the Alps. The introduction of the flight will also allow Piedmont residents to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Irish capital, a destination with strong tourist appeal. “This flight is an excellent sign of the Irish market's interest in Piedmont’s mountains; it is also a great tourist development opportunity for the entire region,” says Andrea Andorno, managing director of Torino Airport.

“Skiers will take advantage of Piedmont’s peaks”

"The new direct Aer Lingus flight provides access to one of the best known winter destinations in Europe, for the benefit of our Irish passengers,- adds Susanne Carberry, chief customer officer of the Irish carrier. - This flight brings novelty and excitement to every category of traveller: from skiers who will take advantage of Piedmont’s peaks to those who will want to discover the fascinating city of Turin, its history and its culinary and cultural riches.”