Villa Chianti Castellare de' Sernigi is a cosy, finely restored holiday home for stays in the tranquillity and relaxation of Chianti, in the Tuscan countryside. 

The villa has seven guestrooms and two living rooms

Thanks to meticulous restoration, this 15th-century historic residence, located between the provinces of Florence and Siena in the heart of Chianti on a ridge overlooking valleys rich in history, has been brought back to its original splendour.  With seven rooms, two spacious and bright living rooms, a large dining room and a super-equipped kitchen, Villa Chianti Castellare de' Sernigi in Chianti is an environment rich in comfort and services, with a large garden with a swimming pool, and a hot tub for 4/5 people where one can relax surrounded by olive trees, vineyards and cypresses.  

“An independent cottage for eight people”

Bought at the end of the 1950's by the Corti family this historic Tuscan home is still in the family and today Annagloria Puccetti Corti and Enzo Corti personally welcome guests. 

“In the garden we have built an open-air theatre out of 100-year-old wood where we organize musical events followed by buffet dinners with excellent local wines. Currently we are renovating a house beside the villa which will have four bedrooms, its own pool and garden. It will be rented as an independent cottage for eight people or as a guest house of the villa, which will then have the potential of 11 rooms for 22 people. There are not many houses with this kind of capacity in this part of Tuscany." 

A paradise for sports lovers

Activities at Villa Chianti Castellare de' Sernigi in Chianti include weddings and ceremonies, cooking, painting and yoga classes, grape harvest and mushroom and truffle hunting, food and wine tastings, shopping in local towns and outlets.  There is a concierge service, a sommelier and a personal photographer, and for sports lovers the possibility of cycling, walking, hiking, skiing, swimming, sailing, horse riding, hot air balloon rides, tennis, golf and fishing.

A full immersion in Tuscany’s heritage and wines

 "We also bring guests to visit local artists like crystal blowers (85% of the crystal in Italy is produced in nearby Colle) and silversmiths, a ceramist, painters and a hand-printer of fabrics. Then there are the vineyards, the olive harvest, visits to an oil mill and to wine cellars, from the most famous to small family wineries which produce excellent wines!

Annagloria Puccetti Corti and Enzo Corti can also organize guided tour guides, massages, wine tastings, pizza and ice cream courses and classes in making Florentine paper... the list is endless. And they can arrange for Helichianti helicopters to take guests to and from nearby airports, and on visits to the most fascinating locations in Tuscany.

Latam is to boost its flights to Milan and ROme from January 2024, following the successful first year of its Sao Paulo to Rome route. 

Latam operates on 90 airports worldwide

During Its inaugural year, Latam transported 123,000 passengers between Brazil and Rome on 338 flights operating between Guarulhos and Fiumicino airports. The route was served by the Boeing 777, Latam's largest aircraft with a capacity for 410 passengers, and it maintained an impressive average load factor of 91%. Currently, Latam holds the title of the airline connecting Brazil to the world most comprehensively, with both direct and non-direct flights to 90 airports worldwide.

“Improved efficiency and competitiveness”

Aline Mafra, sales and marketing director Latam Brazil, commented, “Latam has significantly improved its efficiency and competitiveness in recent years. Consequently, we are now the airline with the most extensive connections between Brazil and Italy, offering direct flights to Rome and Milan from our Guarulhos hub. We are pleased with the performance of the route to the Italian capital, and as a result, we have decided to expand our operations between the two countries.”

An increase in flights and an accent on Brazilian cuisine

From January 2024, Latam will increase the flight frequency on the Sao Paulo-Rome route from three to five flights per week, and the Sao Paulo-Milan route will also see an increase from four to five weekly flights. At the beginning of this year Latam introduced the Brazilian Flavour programme with renowned chefs from various regions of Brazil. Every three months, the airline offers a signature dish created by these culinary professionals on international flights in the premium business and economy cabins, particularly those departing from Brazil and lasting over 7 hours, such as the routes connecting Guarulhos Airport to Rome and Milan.

Jet2.com is expanding its reach from Edinburgh Airport for summer 2024 with the addition of Rome flights.

“We look to the future with great confidence”

The new flights to Rome Fiumicino will operate from 8 March with two flights a week, on Mondays and Fridays, operating all summer and continuing through winter 24-25, thus covering the whole year. "The demand for flights and city breaks to Rome remains strong, so we are responding with a new route from Edinburgh Airport to this popular destination,- says Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays. - We are now offering holidaymakers even more choice. We have established fantastic relationships with the airport, hoteliers and industry partners, and we look to the future with great confidence.”

A seventh Jet2.com plane based at Edinburgh Airport 

Jet2.com's commitment to Italy also includes the expansion of frequencies on existing routes with Naples (up to two flights per week) and Verona (up to two flights per week). In total, during the peak traffic periods of summer 2024, Jet2.com will operate up to 96 weekly flights to 32 destinations from Edinburgh Airport. There will be almost one million seats for sale from the airport, a figure that represents an increase in capacity of more than 20% over summer 2023. "The demand we are seeing from customers and independent travel agents remains strong, so we have responded by expanding our operations at Edinburgh Airport with new routes, additional capacity and a new aircraft based there - the seventh - for summer 2024.” 

How has the perception of Italy changed abroad since the pandemic?

Italy remains a highly attractive destination. It never lost its charm. The pandemic gave us room for thought, and for how we can modernize what we have to offer. Italy is still a favourite. After a sold-out summer, the first weeks of September are seeing significant hotel occupancy levels. The weekly trend for September and October is of over 41.1% bookings, putting us ahead of competitors like Spain and France. Domestic tourism in our art cities is also showing increasing levels of satisfaction. The main international flows in September are from the United States (19%) and Germany (5%), with a drop in domestic bookings for October and November.

How can Italy become even more competitive on the international stage?

It means not just intercepting trends but also guiding them, and ENIT does this by participating in international fairs and acting as the driving force behind the Italian regions.

How is ENIT working to promote sustainable and responsible tourism?

We are active not only with best practices and promoting sustainable tourism through specific events and by developing outdoors activities and the blue economy. We lead the EU Eco Tandem ENIT Project which facilitates and supports the ecological transition of tourism businesses. There is a lot of demand for outdoor tourism and the Italian lifestyle.  

Why is ENIT's proximity to industry players important, and how are you strengthening this relationship?

Direct networking remains a barometer to gauge the tourism industry's vitality as well as a stimulus for exchange. It allows us not only to maintain proximity to stakeholders but also to enhance both direct and indirect collaborations.

On which markets is ENIT focusing? 

ENIT is present on every continent with its own offices, which allows for an organic and informed view of the markets and the ability to tailor offerings to specific needs.

In terms of tourism promotion, which digital and technological strategies have you adopted?

Key strategies include providing user-friendly web platforms and mobile apps for planning and booking travel. We use data analysis to better understand travellers' preferences and offer personalized recommendations. We integrate VR and augmented reality AR to offer a more detailed view of destinations and attractions, and also geolocation to provide real-time location-based information, as well a  digital payments.   

What appeal will Italy have in the next two years? What new markets can we expect and how will events be exploited?

Travelers will increasingly look for eco-sustainable experiences such as rural, agritourism, wine, food and wellness activities, and also those with Gen Z appeal. Cultural tourism is an integral asset and will continue to attract as will hiking, cycling, and water sports while luxury is another focus. 

The annual autumn foliage is a truly exceptional and enchanting experience, engaging not only the eyes but all the senses. 

An eco-conscious approach that blends into the landscape

The exquisite foliage phenomenon reaches new heights when enjoyed in the cosy setting of Tennes Lodges & Chalets in Racines – a splendid 5-star retreat nestled in one of Italy's northernmost valleys, hugging the Austrian border. Melding seamlessly with the natural surroundings the Tenne Lodges, designed with an eco-conscious approach, employ wood, stone, and glass to harmoniously blend into the landscape.

Delighting in the Indian Summer

Through luminous windows the forest seemingly permeates the Tennes Lodges & Chalets living spaces, illuminating them with the vibrant hues characteristic of this season – a phenomenon cherished over the centuries and commonly known as an Indian Summer. In a bid to offer an exclusive and sophisticated sojourn that fully immerses guests in this magical period, Tenne Lodges & Chalets has a unique package. The Golden Leaves offer, available from 10 September to 29 October 2023, invites you to relish the mountains in an unconventional and romantic way, capturing every nuance with heightened intensity.

Outdoor activities and a wellness area 

This enticing offer encompasses a 5-night retreat inclusive of half-board, commencing with a lavish breakfast comprising of delectable homemade and locally-inspired sweet and savoury treats. As the day winds down a delectable gourmet menu awaits at the refined restaurant. Guests can partake in guided tours, indulging in leisurely strolls or invigorating mountain bike expeditions along pathways and woodland trails that cater to different levels of difficulty. The well-appointed wellness area boasts a fully equipped gym and a rejuvenating swimming pool, both available for complimentary use. Package rates commence at €895 per person.

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IMEX America, scheduled for 17-19 October 2023 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, is one of the most important international events showcasing congress and incentive travel. 

ENIT will be present with four regions and 30 exhibitors

ENIT will be present at the 3-day event with its own booth and, together with Italian regions, will promote Italy to international buyers. With over 4,339 buyers from 65 countries, purchasing power exceeding $1 million, 3,300 exhibitors, 12,068 total attendees, and 62,000 meetings, IMEX America is the largest trade show in the United States for global meetings, events and incentive travel. ENIT will be present at the 2023 edition at a booth with 30 exhibitors and four regions. 

The Italian exhibitors

The Italian exhibitors will be: Anvideas, Aries Hotels Milan, Rome and Bologna, Auditorium Parco Della Musica Ennio Morricone, Be Unique In Italy By Itc, Cassata Travel, Emi Dmc Italy, Escapade, Essence Of Sicily, Fiera Di Roma, Firenze Convention Bureau, Fly2Europe Travel, Goto Sito Srl, Italy, Convention Bureau Italia, Ldc Hotels Italy, Lindbergh Hotels & Resorts, Micodmc - Allianz Mico, Milan Convention Bureau, Yes Milan, Mutika Emc,  Norma Vacanze, Ovation Italy, Palazzo Carradori, Park Hotel Villa Grazioli , Pr Incentives Dmc In Italy, Rome Convention Center, Sicily Lifestyle, Sicilyevents - Dmc, Sina Hotels, Ulisse Tour Operator & Dmc, World Tourist Saistours, CB Roma e Lazio, I2 Travel, and with the Marche, Sicily, Lazio, and Lombardy regions.

Italy is 3rd in the world for hosting conferences

ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association, is returning this year with its ranking of countries and destinations that host the most conferences. Italy has moved up three positions and is now the 3rd country in the world, and the 2nd in Europe for the number of organized conferences, (over 522 events). 

Many Italian cities have moved up in the world ranking 

The growth of the business segment, combined with leisure, saw an increase of 31% in 2021, and in 2022 some 85% of all meetings, approximately 9,000 out of over 10,500, were being held in person. In the world ranking Italy as a whole and the main Italian cities, placed very well. Rome is in 14th place with 79 Meetings (18th in 2019), Milan is 18th with 66 meetings (32nd in 2019), Bologna jumps to 35th place with 45 meetings (110th in 2019) and Florence to 60th with 31 meetings (88th in 2019). In the European ranking Rome is in 13th place, Milan in 17th, Bologna in 27th and Florence is in 41st place. 

Three new 5-star hotel openings in Numana, Sirolo and Senigallia in the Marche.

The Vista Place Hotel is Numana’s first 5-star

Following announcements of 5-star openings in Genoa (with the Bristol Palace and two new 5-stars) now it’s the turn of the Marche. The Vista Place Hotel in Numana is the first five-star hotel in the town, and in the province of Ancona. Following the renovation of the former Hotel Sorriso, a 3-star hotel with 38 rooms, the new hotel has 33 rooms, a restaurant, rooftop swimming pool, bar, car park and private beach. 

New 5-stars under construction and renovation

Managing the property is the Gest Group, already at the helm of 13 properties between Civitanova and Ancona in the Marche. The same company plans to operate a further 5-star currently under construction in Sirolo. This too is a conversion project, involving the former Conchiglia Verde Hotel, a 3-star with 25 rooms. It is scheduled to open next year, as are ten luxury suites with a private spa and personal trainer, scheduled to open in February in Monte Baldino, a small promontory overlooking the sea not far from Portonovo, and also managed by the Gest Group.

The Marche region gets new 5-star properties

On the Senigallia seafront the Hotel Eleonora, acquired in September 2022 by the Roman real estate developer Zanzuri, owner of the group of the same name, will reopen in 2024. The property was in a state of disrepair, having been foreclosed three years earlier, following the bankruptcy of the then developer-manager. The aim now is to transform it into a five-star boutique hotel. Prior to this the 5-star luxury sector in the Marche region could count on just three hotels: the 18-room Villa Lattanzi in Fermo, the 52-room Excelsior (Lindbergh Group) and the 27-room Grand Hotel Vittoria of the Vip Hotels Group in Pesaro.

The day is fast approaching for the debut of the Gran Meliá brand on 1 November in Milan.

The Gran Meliá will have 84 rooms, including 26 suites

Designed by Alvaro and Adriana Sans' architecture studio Asah, the Gran Meliá will open in Palazzo Venezia, the former Generali headquarters in Milan, in collaboration with Generali Real Estate. The Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá will have 84 rooms, including 26 suites and an 88-square-metre presidential suite. It will also have the Gioia patisserie on the street level run by master baker Fabio Bertoni, Giancarlo Mancino's cocktail bar. The Japanese restaurant Sachi will be helmed by chef Moon Kyung Soo, and the Isola restaurant will be on the rooftop dedicated to the cuisine of Sicily, Sardinia and Capri as well as a spa and several meeting rooms. 

The Meliá Group’s fourth hotel in Milan

The new Gran Meliá in Milan will be the Spanish group's fourth property in Milan, after the Meliá Milano, the Me Milano il Duca and the InnSide Milano Torre Galfa. The conversion has preserved the historic façade of Palazzo Venezia which was designed at the end of the 19th century for the insurance company's Milan headquarters and housed its offices until they were moved to the Generali Tower in CityLife.

The ADLER Group properties have two autumn yoga retreats programmed in Sicily and Alto Adige.

Adler’s 360° approach to wellness

A five-star resort in the heart of the Dolomite mountains, and a contemporary coastal resort in the Sicilian countryside: these two retreats are designed to benefit the mind body and soul, with a well-thought-out, 360° approach to wellness. ADLER retreats include 5* accommodation, use of extensive spa facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness equipment, gourmet meals, and a full programme of professionally guided yoga sessions.

Beatrice Mazza ‘s Sacred Feminine Yoga Retreat

ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges have an inspiring and diverse programme of yoga retreats suitable for all levels of experience including the Sacred Feminine Yoga Retreat with Beatrice Mazza at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA from 19 to 26 November.  At the Siculiana ADLER property on the Agrigento Coast, Beatrice Mazza will guide guests on their own personal journey to re-discover their feminine energy and power as a woman. At ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA  half board in a Junior Suite from 19 to 26 November for 7 nights is €1,419  per person.

Jutta Mele–Maurer’s Jivamukti Yoga Retreat

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN in Renon, Trentino Alto Adige will host a Jivamukti Yoga Retreat with Jutta Mele–Maurer from 26 November to 3 December. This is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings and is focused around Five Elements that express the core philosophy and foundation of Jivamukti Yoga. During this weeklong retreat guests will explore different classes including the unique Chakra Balancing Class together with Jutta Mele-Maurer. At ADLER Lodge RITTEN all-inclusive for 3 nights in a junior suite is from €759,00 per person, or 7 nights from €1,827 per person.