Caldana Europe unveils the true value of Italy 

"We are at WTM to promote products that are not so popular abroad- said Gilda Ventura, of Caldana Europe Travel.  -We want to go beyond classic Italy by offering a range of products from active to leisure holidays, with a focus on quality.”  Caldana offers slow tourism products in the Trentino and the Dolomites for unique experiences in unspoiled places, “These allow visitors to make contact with nature and with locals which is the true value of Italy. Our main markets are North America, Brazil, China and the Arab Emirates, and for 2024 we already have good group programming.” 

Special evenings at the Avanspettacolo Venezia Cabaret Dinner Show

ItaliAbsolutely also met Mauro Furlan, Art Director of Avanspettacolo Venezia Cabaret Dinner Show. "Post- pandemic we have had a strong international response: we are now a reference point for tourists from all over the world who want to spend a special evening of entertainment in Venice. We are at WTM today to make new contacts and grow our Incentive segment, which is already active internationally."

Italia Highlights DMC represents the Etruscan Coast DMC

Italia Highlights DMC operates mainly Central-Northern Italy and Switzerland, and director Luca Carnesecche said the highlight of their year was winning the tender, together with two partners to officially represent the Etruscan Coast DMC. “This year we have exceeded expectations with growing numbers from North America, and we confirm the 2022 numbers for our Relais dei Molini in Castagneto Carducci in Tuscany”. Carnesecche  says that for next year they are already seeing +20% growth over 2023 figures. We propose many experiences like very original winery visits with the sommelier branding customers’ wine, cooking classes with a focus on traditional recipes, trekking, biking, truffle hunting and treasure hunts." 

Italy Car Rent is adding outlets in airports and stations

Andrea Lo Faso commercial director of Italy Car Rent said he was at WTM to meet international partners. “Our reference markets, in addition to Italy, are Germany, France and England, we are looking to increase non-European markets. In 2024 we will expand our network in airports as well as in  Florence and Naples’ railway stations.”

Campagna Amica Foundation specializes in agritourism stays

At the WTM to promote lesser known Italy and experiences in rural areas, Carmelo Troccoli, director of the Campagna Amica Foundation said that Italy has more than 5,000 I small towns with rural areas for green tourism, and small farmsteads that offer agritourism accommodation and tastings of local products like oil, wine, beer, cured meats and cheeses.  “This is the Italy tourists are asking for, and we want to promote it. Last year there has we had a 60% in agritourism stays; through agricultural activities we are able to create a much more sustainable economic system which in turn, grows the local economy.” 

Piedmont welcomes the new Cuneo-Rome Fiumicino flights

This winter thanks Sky Alps fights resume again from Cuneo’s Levaldigi airport to Rome Fiumicino, which is a major hub to international destinations, as announced by Geac, Cuneo's management company through Anna Milanese, director of Cuneo Airport. Beppe Carlevaris, president of the board of directors of Visit Piedmont, also spoke about new strategies for tourism in Piedmont, illustrating events and initiatives aimed at  developing tourism to the region. 

The new Omnia Convention Centre in the Shangri-La Roma has 13 meeting rooms and is on 1,800 sqm. 

“We are bringing a landmark back to the city”

"We are particularly proud of this project," says Omnia Hotels Group CEO, Francesco Lazzarini. "The redevelopment of the Shangri-La allows us to bring an important landmark back to the city, and with all the necessary services.”

Two plenary rooms and a dedicated entrance

The multifunctional spaces of the new Omnia Convention Centre consist of two plenary rooms, that can be divided into three spaces, a hall on 400 sqm with large windows, a large kitchen, and an outdoor area with a terrace. All this on the site of the former indoor swimming pool and a 10 x 3 ledwall screen, and a dedicated entrance directly from Viale Oceano Atlantico. For information: https://www.shangrilaroma.it

The Statuto Group acquires the new Six Senses in Rome for €245 mln, helping to galvanize the real estate market in these final months of the year. 

An investment of €2.6 million per room

The acquisition is the most significant in terms of room rates ever recorded in Rome. According to the 2023 edition of Ithic, organized in Rome by Teamwork-Thrends, the Statuto Group acquired the new Six Senses Rome from Orion Capital Managers for €245 million, corresponding €2.6 million per room. 

Terraces with marble recliners and a rooftop restaurant-bar

The property, acquired by Orion's European Real Estate Fund V in 2018 for €95m, opened in March this year. Designed by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola with a style that interweaves classicism with the contemporary, the hotel boasts 96 rooms, some of which feature marble triclinia recliners on their terraces overlooking Via del Corso. Completing the offer are the Bivium restaurant-bar as well as the Notos Rooftop, both of which have been inspired by local culinary traditions.

For visitors to Rome the easiest way to discover the wonders of the Roman Hills is on one of the Castelli Romani Let's Go! tours.

A new way to discover what’s outside the Eternal City

Using the hop-on hop-off formula, well known in large cities but never before applied to an outlying tourist area, these itineraries are curated by Marco Benazzi's tour operator Don't Stop Me and promoted by partner Castelli Romani DMO. They are the handiest and most comfortable way to explore the many charming towns and attractions in the Castelli Romani, which are the hills that encircle the Eternal City

Ariccia

Hop-on and hop-off at planned stopping points 

The customizable itineraries, departing from Piazzale Appio at the San Giovanni Metro station in the centre of Rome, allow visitors to hop-on and hop-off on request at the various planned stops. This is a great way to discover the vast wealth of attractions awaiting outside the city, from the remains of ancient Rome, medieval villages, noble palaces and underground passages, to catacombs, volcanic lakes and nature trails. And also a unique chance to taste local specialties and wines in wine cellars, trattorias and restaurants which serve 100% farm-to-fork products. 

Two itineraries to choose from…or do both! 

In addition the hop-on hop-off tours also promote local handicraft activities and the numerous festivals that are organized in the various Roman Hill towns almost weekly, during which it is possible to enjoy some truly authentic experiences. There are currently two itineraries: the first, departing on Saturdays stops in Frascati, Grottaferrata, Marino, Castel Gandolfo and Castel Gandolfo’s lake, while the second, scheduled for Sundays stops in Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Genzano, Lanuvio, Nemi and Castel Gandolfo. After each stop, the hop-on hop-off bus continues and returns after about two hours to move on to the next stage of the route. During these stops visitors can customize their time with visits, activities and experiences, many of which are exclusive. For information: www.letsgotour.it/tourdeicastelliromani,  www.visitcastelliromani.it

Renew, get back in the game, set a new course. Dimsi, a Sicilian company, founded in 1985 and deeply rooted in the world of hôtellerie and incoming tourism, has consolidated its position as a leader among Sicilian tour operators over the last decade. This can be attributed to Julian Zappalà, the enterprising scion of the industry who, in 2014, took on the challenge of reshaping the company's destiny.

Julian Zappalà 

Now general manager of Dimsi Incoming Operators - Dimensione Sicilia, Zappalà shares his perspective on the company's evolution: "My team and I embarked on a journey of rejuvenation, crafting a forward-looking, digital, and smart project. We specialize in curating tailor-made travel experiences, personalized to the dreams and desires of our clients. Sicily, with its multifaceted beauty, serves as the canvas for our adventures."

Indeed, Dimsi offers an array of unique experiences, from sharing a meal with a Sicilian family to sensory escapades and adventurous activities on the awe-inspiring Mount Etna which is Europe’s most active volcano. They also offer exclusive boat charters to the Aeolian Islands, each experience custom-crafted to meet the client's vision. "Specializing in bespoke travel itineraries for groups and individuals, thematic tours, luxury travel, incentive trips, and conferences, we serve a global clientele with unmatched competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm," Zappalà affirms. 

The core mission of Dimsi Group is to transform traveling into an unforgettable experience on Italy’s second-largest island. “Among our signature offerings the guided tours under the Sicilian Secrets brand have weekly departures and diverse itineraries. They can also be combined with other splendid regions of southern Italy, such as Puglia and Campania as well as with the Amalfi coast, Lazio, and even Malta. Dimsi's repertoire extends to eco-tours with rental cars, self-drive adventures, gulet cruises to the Aeolian Islands, and a plethora of holiday ideas catering to every traveler's needs and preferences.”

The Group's commitment to the hotel industry is a pivotal facet of its multifaceted portfolio. It has four business-oriented properties, all strategically positioned around the key tourist hubs of Sicily: the Ibis Styles Palermo President, the Catania Acireale, and the Palermo Cristal which are all part of the same franchise. Then there is the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre in Isola delle Femmine, a coastal gem which underwent a grand makeover in 2016. With its stunning seafront location, lush gardens, and state-of-the-art congress center, it ranks among the largest hotels in Sicily. To explore the world of Dimsi and discover the unparalleled travel experiences it offers, visit www.dimensionedìsicilia.com  

World Travel Market 2023 will reveal the latest worldwide trends with its Global Report to be released at the first day of the show on Monday 6 November. 

A spotlight on emerging and growing destinations for 2024 and beyond

The exclusive WTM Global Travel Report, compiled in association with renowned researchers at Oxford Economics company Tourism Economics, shows how leisure travellers’ needs and desires are changing – and shines a spotlight on emerging and growing destinations for 2024 and beyond.

WTM 2022

“Ensuring delegates stay ahead in the travel sector”   

“We’re thrilled to launch the first ever WTM Global Travel Report. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the travel community have the freshest insight into trends shaping the sector and will support discussions, meetings and planning taking place during the three days at WTM,- said Juliette Losardo, WTM London Exhibition Director. - The worldwide outlook and vast, informative findings will give delegates invaluable insights to ensure they stay ahead in the travel sector.”

WTM 2022

The Global Report will detail how the market has fared in 2023 and forecasts how domestic and international leisure travel will develop in 2024, delving into the drivers of demand in this post-pandemic era, examining how and why travellers are prioritizing their holidays above other types of expenditure, and considering the outlook for different demographics. The authors have also studied issues affecting the travel trade, which has had to deal with crises such as wildfires, strikes and staff shortages while the sector has rebounded.

The perfect way to make a tranquil escape from the bustle of the Eternal City is to head for Lazio’s lakes.  

Lake Bracciano, the jewel of Lazio 

When one thinks of Rome, images of historic sites, bustling streets, and ancient architecture come to mind. Few visitors to the Eternal City are aware of the serene and picturesque lakes that lie just a short drive away. They are a delightful contrast to the city and provide an idyllic opportunity to relax and recharge, with their medieval towns and historic castles, water sports and serene landscapes. Just 32 kilometers northwest of Rome, Lake Bracciano is the second-largest lake in the Lazio region nestled within the Bracciano and Martignano Regional Park. Visitors can explore the charming lakeside town of Bracciano and its well-preserved medieval Orsini-Odescalchi Castle. This is a popular wedding venue and has been featured in numerous films. The lake offers opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and swimming during the summer months.

Lake Bolsena is a volcanic wonder

Lake Bolsena lies to the south of Rome and is Italy's largest volcanic lake. Its crystal-clear waters and volcanic beaches make it a popular destination for swimmers and sunbathers. The town of Bolsena is a charming and historic destination known for its Etruscan and Roman heritage, and the stunning Basilica of Santa Cristina, houses precious religious art. Lake Bolsena offers fishing and water sports opportunities and is famous for its fish-based cuisine, particularly the local specialty, the pesce alla marinara seafood stew.

Lake Nemi nd Lake Albano are two hidden gems

Lesser known but equally enchanting, Lake Nemi is nestled in the Alban Hills, about 30 kilometers southeast of Rome. This small volcanic crater lake is surrounded by lush forests and provides a peaceful retreat for those in search of tranquility. The picturesque village of Nemi overlooks the lake and is famous for its annual Strawberry Festival that celebrates the local strawberry harvest. Lake Albano is another beautiful volcanic crater lake just 20 kilometers southeast of Rome and is a favourite getaway for Romans. The town of Castel Gandolfo ,which is perched above the lake, is known for the Papal Palace and its beautiful gardens, where the Popes traditionally spend their summers. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities like swimming, sailing, and hiking, or simply relax by the  lakeside, enjoying the serene surroundings.

Lake Vico is a true natural oasis

Lake Vico northwest of Rome, is a volcanic lake nestled in the Cimini Mountains and is part of the Lago di Vico nature reserve which is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by dense forests, this area is perfect for hiking and bird-watching. Water sports are also popular, with opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing.The town of Ronciglione, situated on the lake's eastern shore, is a charming medieval village with well-preserved architecture and a welcoming atmosphere.