The Orazio Palace in Rome, a project by the Studio ColliDanielaArchitetto, was inaugurated last June in the Prati district on a total area of ​​4,000 square meters spread over nine floors. There are 65 rooms, including six suites, and many attractive public spaces, open not only to hotel guests but also to the whole city: a hall, library, lobby bar, garden and gym and the Ozio restaurant on the rooftop which has a skybar lounge.

“The hotel is inspired by the light of Rome at the magical twilight hour”

The Orazio Palace is for meeting, working and gourmet experiences, but above all it is an opportunity to rediscover Rome for those who live in the Eternal City or know it and want to return to delight in the architecture, colours and images of a beauty crystallized down the ages. The hotel project is inspired by the light of the Eternal City at twilight: «It is a clear, golden light - comments Daniela Colli, owner of the architectural studio – that defines contrasts, contours and plasticity, enhancing shapes and materials with saturated colours. Our project wants to celebrate the changing nature of the Capitoline sky at the magical twilight hour.” 

This exciting tour of Puglia begins along the Adriatic ridge, on a 150-kilometre cycle path starting in Siponto, passing the Margherita di Savoia salt pans, which has been a protected nature reserve since 1977, and the splendid villages of Trani, Bisceglie, Molfetta and Giovinazzo. After a stop in Bitonto, the city of olive oil, the trail ends in the old heart of Bari Vecchia. 

Trulli, age-old olive trees and the city of Brindisi

The A Painted Ride itinerary starts from Bari and continues south passing the characteristic cone-shaped trulli dwellings that are reflected in the thousand shades of the sea. In Polignano a Mare you continue straight on towards the seafront of Monopoli, and from here to Ostuni you pass majestic centuries-old olive trees. The end of this trail is in the ancient city of Brindisi, gateway to the East and once a stopover for crusaders travelling to the Holy Land.

The beautiful beaches on the Ionian coast 

The Riding past Two Seas cycle tour takes you away from the Adriatic towards the Ionian Sea. The starting point of this exciting coast-to-coast trail is Ostuni with its cluster of white houses. It then leads past towns in the Taranto Murgia area, coming to the Ionian coast near the Saturo Archaeological Park. From here the itinerary becomes a lot less strenuous, along the beaches of some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Puglia, before ending in Gallipoli in the Salento region.

Trails through historical vineyards  

Messapi Wine is a simple but emotional itinerary starting from Grottaglie with its ancient cities of Messapian origin, and from Manduria the cyclist rides past Primitivo and Negroamaro vineyards. The route had two variants: one that plunges through the vineyards between Brindisi and Guagnano, including those in Cellino San Marco  belonging to the singer Albano Carrisi, while the other cuts through the Manduria vineyards before reaching the sea near the estuary in the Chidro River Nature Reserve.

Cycling from Lecce to Otranto

For those who love silence and beauty this trail through nature begins in Lecce and ends in Otranto. From the fortified village of Acaya to the beauty of the Le Cesine oasis, for several kilometers you are cycling through woodlands before you come to the beaches of San Foca and Torre dell'Orso and then continue past the Alimini lakes before finishing this exciting trail under Otranto’s bastions.

With an investment of over €20 million the first stone has been laid for the construction of the new Jumanji attraction, The Adventure. The attraction is scheduled to launch in 2022 and personalities who starred in the Jumanji films attended the ceremony with three actors then laying the symbolic first stone.

A new dark ride for families and teenagers

"This is an important investment for the creation of a unique attraction, it is not just a spectacular ride, it is also a high-tech gem. We believe that this new dark ride for families and teenagers will be greeted enthusiastically by our Italian and foreign visitors,” said Gardaland CEO Aldo Maria Vigevani. 

Tackling a mighty stone giant to return a sacred stone 

Jumanji The Adventure will be located right in the heart of Gardaland and be for adventurers of all ages: a real mission to save the kingdom of Jumanji from a curse. Visitors will tackle the jungle in a jeep-shaped vehicle making their way past dangerous animals, obstacles of all kinds and a mighty stone giant who will stop at nothing to block their way. It will be a real race against time to return a precious sacred gem to the legendary temple and save the world of Jumanji.

Rome as a destination to be experienced and not just admired: this is the aim of the new promotional campaign Rome is created by CNA Roma, the National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises of Rome, in collaboration with Invidio Srl, and Integrare Srl.  

More nights, more dreams. A campaign to boost quality tourism 

"We face a major challenge, that of bringing Rome and the Lazio region back to the center of national and international tourist flows. In recent months we have worked in synergy with all the stakeholders, in particular with the trade associations, on the More nights, more dreams campaign,” said Tourism Councillor Valentina Corrado. The aim, said Stefano Di Niola, Secretary CNA Roma, is to boost quality tourism and bring added value to the thousands of businesses in related industries that offer goods and services. “CNA Roma will continue to work with local administrations on a communications and promotional strategy, as well training and advising companies.” 

Today’s tourist wants to feel like a Roman

“We have to try to see Rome with the eyes of the tourist who is better informed and has studied the destinations and itineraries that interest them. He wants a more authentic experience, and to be able to interact with locals. He wants to feel like a Roman,” said CNA Turismo’s President Marco Misischia. The video will be used at events and trade fairs and broadcast on CNA Roma’s official digital channels in Italian and in English as well as on Youtube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeDpNFXOQsA 

Telepass and Dolomiti Superski have joined forces to expand the TelepassPay Skipass service to all the ski areas in the Dolomite association, for a total of 1,200 kilometres of new slopes.  The two partners are also jointly promoting resorts in the Dolomites through marketing and visibility projects.  

No more queues and 3,000 kms of slopes on a single subscription

Starting this winter thanks to this partnership with Dolomiti Superski it will be possible to enjoy days on the snow without queuing or having to pass by the ticket office as you will be billed directly on your Telepass account at the end of the month.  

The TelepassPay Skipass service is currently active in seven regions (Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Molise, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto), for a total of over 40 ski areas. Thanks to this partnership the TelepassPay Skipass covers the largest network of ski facilities available on a single subscription, with over 3,000 km of slopes.

Telepass facilitates people on the highways, in cities and in the mountains

"The goal of Telepass is to facilitate the movement of people, whether for work or for fun on the highways, in cities and in the mountains. From the moment they pass the toll booth on the motorway we want our customers to move safely, quickly and sustainably even on the slopes. We integrated the 12 Dolomiti Superski areas, thus bringing the highest number of ski slopes in all of Italy onto a single Skipass,” said  Telepass CEO Gabriele Benedetto.    

The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car is an all-Italian technological and engineering marvel that defies the laws of nature on a journey between the mountains and the sky from Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner (3,466 m). This climb is a truly extraordinary 360 ° vertical ascent experience within everyone's reach. 

Ascending to the highest peak in the Alps

Inaugurated in 2015, and with three stations, the beautiful glass and steel structures blend harmoniously into the surrounding environment. The dream begins at 1,300 meters asl in Courmayeur with the ascent to the highest peak in the Alps.

In the first station of the Skyway Monte Bianco you will find a bar where you can stop for breakfast or a quick lunch, large outdoor and indoor parking areas, bus parking and luggage storage. Entrance tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in this station or online.

A terrace with 180° views of Mont Blanc

From the Pavilion The Mountain station at 2,173 meters asl you see the mountain in all its beauty and some truly breathtaking views of unspoiled nature. There is a 

large terrace with a 180 ° view of Mont Blanc and the Val Veny valley. Inside the Pavilion station there are refreshment areas and also rooms for private events that can accommodate up to 150 people. 

High-altitude wine and a botanical garden

Absolutely not to be missed are the Cave Mont Blanc which experiments with high-altitude winemaking, the boutique where you can find just the right gift or souvenir and Hangar 2173 in the old station, where you can learn all about the history of cable cars. In summer, the Saussurea botanical garden with its 900 species from all over the world is worth a visit, the Skyway kids playground welcomes young visitors, and in winter the snowshoe area offers the opportunity for some wonderful cross-country outings.

Views of the highest peaks in the Alps

The Sky Punta Helbronner (3,466 m) stop is the highest point of the ascent. Once you reach this third station you become part of the landscape. From the circular terrace the view is 360 °, extending over the "four thousand" peaks of the Western Alps: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Gran Paradiso and the Grand Combin.

Europe’s highest bookshop and a high-altitude bistrot

Here the highest bookshop in Europe welcomes readers and travelers, the Mont Blanc is a cozy room from which to admire the scenery even on cold and windy days, while the  Sky Vertigo gives the sensation of walking in space, and the Panoramic Bistrot is the perfect spot for a high-altitude lunch break.

Experiential tourism and a series of tourism proposals in the Latium region were discussed at an event entitled Rome is, new travel experiences in and around Rome organized by CNA Roma for a group of Italian and international stakeholders, journalists and buyers.

“We have created new destinations and travel experiences”.

"We are facing a real challenge. We have to bring Rome and our region back to the center of tourist flows,” said Regional Tourism Councillor Valentina Corrado. “In recent months we have worked with stakeholders, and in particular with the trade associations, to create and enhance new destinations and travel experiences.”

Stefano Di Niola, Secretary CNA Roma said the strategic vision is for a new industrial model capable of enhancing interconnections and creating a virtuous circuit of players who can provide quality hospitality.

Enhancing the activities of key players 

"We have worked to enhance the activity of thousands of hospitality artisans and other players,” added Marco Misischia, President CNA Turismo Roma. “From small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in key sectors for tourism, such as travel agencies and tour operators, to the food, catering and crafts industries.”

Solutions for overtourism 

Repeater and quality tourism, longer stays, the redistribution of flows, seasonality, the need to stretch overnight stays, avoid hit and run tourism, and the opportunities offered by experiential tourism were all debated. As was the overtourism in Italy’s great art cities that forced administrations to adopt solutions like turnstiles, entry tickets, and tourist tracking.  Experiential tourism and diversified seasonal proposals are two ways to overcome these issues, it was said.

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In these times of social distancing small hotels are much in demand as they can guarantee privacy as well as total immersion in some of Italy’s most stunning beauty spots, without forgetting the comforts of a large hotel.  A farm with a view of the Dolomites, a wine resort surrounded by vineyards, a traditional residence in the lush Sicilian countryside, castles and noble palaces - there is so much to choose from! Each one is unique, and in common they have just a few rooms and no shortage of private spaces. Small is beautiful for exclusive and pampering holidays.

Oh what a beautiful castle!

History books tell the story of  Baron Rovero di Champeaux who built the fortified village of Campello Alto near Perugia  just a thousand years ago. Relais Borgo Campello in a Game of Thrones location consists of a castle and an ancient monastery with ten exclusive rooms and olive groves that wind between Assisi and Spoleto. Relais Borgo Campello Tel. 3204549321

A star-filled sky in the Dolomites

Twelve Skyview Chalets at the Camping Toblacher See overlooking Lake Dobbiaco for a total immersion in nature in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The glass cubes have 360 ° views of the starry sky (hey have glass roofs)  private infrared saunas and Jacuzzis and breakfast is served directly in your chalet. Skyview Chalets Tel. 0474 973138

A triumph of Sicilian Baroque

Baglio Occhipinti is a country relais in an ancient baglio, a traditional Sicilian rural residence. With only twelve rooms it has a private garden, views of the vineyards and the Iblei mountains and nature lovers will appreciate the organic garden as much as wine lovers will the cellar. You can laze by the pool or practice yoga, and if you are off for a day trip in the environs your hosts will prepare a vintage basket with meats, cheeses, wine and traditional grain bread. Baglio Occhipinti, Tel. 349 3944359

A tranquil farmstead with just two suites

The Grottner farm in Novale di Fiè, in the South Tyrol has just two suites – a mix of ancient traditional and ultra-modern design - in the historic rural building and in the turret. Relaxation and privacy are guaranteed, as are tranquility and solitude. The guests can enjoy the wellness center, the spa, the whirlpool and the outdoor swimming pool with views of the Dolomite mountains, of the 5-star Romantik Hotel Turm in Fiè allo Sciliar (BZ) and choose whether to breakfast on the farm or in the hotel. There is also a free shuttle for those wishing to dine at the Turm. Maso Grottner, Tel. 0471 725014, www.romantikhotels.com

Florence. A 14th-century hotel in the heart of the Tuscan city

The Romantik Hotel Casa Thiele alla Signoria is in a 14th-century palazzo overlooking the pedestrian area of ​​Via dei Calzaiuoli in downtown Florence. With only five rooms social distancing is assured, as is a warm welcome and gracious hospitality. In a mix of history, art and beauty, the rooms in the tower house have original wooden ceilings, Tuscan terracotta floors and ancient stone walls with reproductions of famous paintings by Raphael, Paolo Uccello and Giotto.

From the hotel guests can set out to discover Florence but also the poignant beauty of the Chianti district with its famous and wine cellars. Romantik Hotel Casa Thiele alla Signoria Tel. +39 055 0937333.

The pandemic had disastrous consequents for tourism on both national and international levels, but car rental was one of those sectors that held up better than most And now it is bouncing back.  We talked about it with Franco Tomasi, managing director of Noleggiare.

It seems that car rental is one of the sectors that has picked up very fast. Can you confirm this?

“Yes, after a very stagnant early part of the year, things went very well this summer both in terms of volumes and turnover. The agencies that were most successful were those in seaside resorts, in particular in Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria and Apulia. Unfortunately agencies in airports like Fiumicino and Malpensa are still suffering, but we are optimistic there will be a gradual but consistent recovery. In fact we are already beginning to see it.”

What is the reason for this extraordinary rebound?

“It’s due to the rebound in tourism, especially domestic tourism but also that from neighbouring countries. I’m referring in particular to the non-intermediated individual tourist who rents a car to be independent and organized. Within the tourism supply chain car rental is one of the most easily accessed services, thanks also to the numerous sales channels available.”

 How has the car rental customer changed?

“As I said, the car rental customer is increasingly independent and books directly on car rental company portals or through a booking broker. He is increasingly aware and informed, demanding and contemporary. But let's not forget the importance of the B2B supply chain partners, who, as always, will be decisive when international flows start again.”

What digital innovations will you be introducing to make the service more efficient?

“For some time now we have had an efficient and modern reserved area for our partners, allowing them to manage the rental quickly under reserved conditions and to source reports in real time. For the end customer some months ago we successfully launched the web check-in option. This makes it quick and safe to make a rental through the agency. Our new app will be launched shortly with these and other innovative services, speeding up and facilitating access to our services.”

Land of Fashion is an outlet leader in Italy with over 150,000 square meters of villages in many popular destinations. Like all Italian and European businesses it was hard hit by the Covid pandemic, and to get a clear picture of how things are now  we spoke to Hubsolute's Chief Business Development Officer Mauro Acquati. 

At what stage is the recovery? What are your current numbers? 

“Overall we are better than 2020 but worse than 2019. At this stage of the recovery we can say we are somewhat satisfied. Since May we even exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, and the 2021 closing forecast will bring a similar growth rate to 2020, although it will not reach the overall performance of 2019.”

Which outlets are working best with tourists?  

“Our villages are in destinations with a strong tourist vocation. The villages of Franciacorta and Mantua get the spin-off from Lake Garda. Palmanova benefits from travellers heading to the north-eastern coast. Valdichiana is in the heart of Tuscany, and Molfetta exploits the growing popularity of Apulia. All our villages had a very satisfying summer.”

What are Land of Fashion’s prospects in a market that now seems to have turned the corner?

“We are strong players, we work at local levels. Our customers have remained faithful and are rewarding us. This has also allowed us to add to the brands with new openings and with others in the pipeline. We are positive and we hope to come out stronger and with a great future ahead of us.”   

Have you gone back to pre Covid numbers?

“Yes, as a trend. But the first part of the year weighs on the overall result.”