Italy’s food and its art cities, followed by its sea are the top priorities expressed by international buyers interested in joining an Italiabsolutely fam trip. 

Over 150 international buyers want to join a fam trip

Requests are pouring in to join one of Italiabsolutely’s upcoming fam trips. Over 150 international buyers have shown interest by registering on the Italiabsolutely database from which the participants will be selected.

Italy’s food and wine were the runaway favourite 

Among the priorities expressed by international buyers food & wine, perhaps not surprisingly stand out, having been indicated as fundamental by no less than 94.5% of respondents.  Next are Italy’s art cities with 82.7%, while Italy’s sea product placed third at 74% ,and its mountains at 54.3%, underlining the emerging trend of mountain destinations even in the summer months. There was also substantial demand for experiential tourism (52.8%) as well as for outdoor tourism (42.7%), which has always been a major attraction especially for visitors from Northern Europe.

88.2% of the buyers who registered specialize in tailor-made

In terms of product specialization, 80% of the agencies and operators who registered said they are interested in individual and/or group travel, with 88.2% of the sample saying they specialize in tailor-made programmes, while 72.4% do tour packages according to the answers which were multiple choice. Another important factor was the turnover generated, with some 41.7% declaring between $50,000 and 500,000 and 17.3% declaring over $500,000 ,while 45.7%  replied that they bring an average 50 to 500 passengers a year to Italy, with another 25.2% putting the figure at over 500. 

Italiabsolutely reaches over 90,000 travel buyers worldwide

"Italy has always been a favourite with buyers from all latitudes,” says Daniela Battaglioni, CEO of Travel Open Day, the media group that owns Italiabsolutely.  “Our fam trips represent an important opportunity for them to experience Italy first-hand, which will allow them to propose Italian destinations in-depth to their customers. Our Italiabsolutely portal reaches over 90,000 travel buyers worldwide. We are proud to be the only ones to connect with so many global travel specialists. Our media provides invaluable support to the market, allowing Italian tourist boards and agencies, DMC's and tour operators to connect with a wide range of global players who are often different from those encountered on institutional occasions.” 

Holiday rentals in Italy’s great art cities and, increasingly, in small towns and rural areas, are growing by leaps and bounds. While this is a boon for local economies, more and more communities are being impacted by episodes of antisocial behaviour that are making residents see red.

In England, in the wake of sanctions currently being drafted in record time in Brussels by the European Commission, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the launch of measures against B&B owners and guests. His aim is to eliminate antisocial ways of behaving such as excessive noise, late-night parties with bright lights, blaring music and the abuse of alcohol, as well as other inconsiderate forms of conduct.

Airbnb.com disclaims any responsibility, stating it “has no control over the conduct of hosts,” and in many countries, chiefly in Scandinavia and the Far East, the problem seldom arises because communities are built on respect and trust. Despite the valuable income stream these short-term tenancies bring in, they are increasingly becoming hotbeds of disorderly conduct that is threatening the tranquility of entire populations. 

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Plaza Premium Group, a world leader in airport lounges, has opened its second lounge at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). 

Relaxation and world-class service for up to 76 guests

Located in Terminal 1 in the Schengen Departure Area, the lounge is a quiet and relaxing area with world-class levels of service delivered by a passionate team of hospitality experts. On 400 sqm it can accommodate up to 76 guests and is divided into two separate areas inspired by the beauty of Italian culture, art and architecture, with elegant marble and natural wood elements that make the ambience even more welcoming.

The also lounge has a buffet and a shower area

There is a buffet where guests can enjoy a wide selection of freshly prepared international dishes and there is also a shower area in which to refresh and rejuvenate before flights. As Plaza Premium Group celebrates 25 years of unparalleled hospitality this year, the opening marks another milestone for the group on both a local and global scale. The new lounge is the latest addition to the Group’s global network, following the recent lounge openings in Adelaide, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Orlando, Edinburgh, Cebu and Dubai and anticipating openings in Nagoya, Japan.  

The lounge in Terminal 3 is a Skytrax winner

"The launch of our second lounge at Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci airport is a significant milestone for our expansion plan in the area and a positive sign for the post-pandemic recovery. Our award-winning Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3, has received Skytrax recognition as one of the top five best independent lounges in 2022”, said Okan Kufeci, senior vice president Plaza Premium Group EMEA.

Introductory discounts and bookings online

The Plaza Premium Lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for passengers of any airline or travel class, even without advance bookings. Guests can take advantage of an introductory offer with a 15% discount on the official rate and save an additional 20% by subscribing to the Smart Traveller loyalty programme. All services can be booked on the official Plaza Premium Lounge website. The lounge also offers access to certain credit card holders, including American Express and Dragon Pass. 

ITA Airways’ new Airbus A320neo planes, the new crew uniforms and the smart new Hangar Lounge in Rome’s Fiumicino airport were presented this week by the airline’s CEO Fabio Lazzerini.

new crew uniforms

New uniforms for flight ad ground personnel

Also present at the inaugural ceremony was Italy’s minister for tourism Daniela Santanchè and Carolina Kostner, the former world and Olympic ice skating champion to whom the first new Airbus A320neo is dedicated. Guests at Fiumicino Airport were welcomed by flight and airport personnel wearing the new uniforms styled by Brunello Cucinelli, which are now on board all the company's flights, and the official opening of the Hangar Lounge crowned the day dedicated to the ITA Airways new look.  

Ita Airways new Airbus A320neo

“By 2026 some 80% of the fleet will be next-generation”

“This Airbus A320neo is the first aircraft that is exactly as we designed it, with our own seats and carpeting and the lights designed as we wanted them,” said CEO Lazzarini. “Now all our new aircraft, both short-haul and long-haul, will have this configuration. Next-generation aircraft are very important for the company's accounts, as they have a fuel consumption of around 25-28% less than traditional aircraft.  By 2026 some 80% of the fleet will have them, and already this year, with the arrival of 33 new planes, 55% of the fleet will already be next-generation.”   

ITA’s new Hangar Lounge is in Fiumicino’s Terminal 1

The new Hangar Lounge is for passengers departing on domestic and international ITA Airways flights from the Schengen area. Located after the security gates in Terminal 1, the Hangar Lounge is open from 06:00 to 23:00 daily. Access can be purchased through the ita-airways.com website or directly at the airport for passengers holding an ITA Airways ticket.

Basilicata’s multifaceted tourism appeal goes from nature to culture and food as recently highlighted by the APT tourism promotional agency.

Showcasing the region’s natural beauty and green activities

Basilicata's APT highlighted the region’s role as a prime destination for green tourism and wellness, presenting its multifaceted tourism appeal to the German market at the recent ITB in Berlin Showcasing its natural beauty and its environmental and cultural heritage, from the Metapontino and Tyrrhenian coasts to the mountains, and from its five parks to its wine and food heritage, the agency also focused on outdoor activities such as cycling and walking.

“We are also promoting outdoor activities like our trekking itineraries”

"Given the preferences of the German market we have given space to those aspects that have been most popular in recent months," said APT Basilicata's general manager, Antonio Nicoletti. "Everything is perfectly in line with our recent activities, like the publication in which Basilicata highlights its  physical and mental wellbeing facilities. We are also promoting outdoor activities like our trekking itineraries and food and wines.  Basilicata owes its charm not only to its unspoiled nature, its nature reserves and protected areas but also to its beautiful and authentic villages and towns.” 

There is optimism regarding tourist arrivals this year

With an increase of 32% in arrivals and 24% in overnights in 2021 compared to the previous year, bookings this year are confirming the APT’s optimism and confidence in the immediate future.

“These are signs that we must read with a commitment to strengthen and improve what we have to offer, as well as further boosting services, and the ability to grow our economy.”

Germany is the first foreign market for Tuscany and it has been included among the target countries of the Toscana Promozione Turistica agency’s 2023 promotional programme.

The new “Tuscany, Endless Renaissance” promotional campaign

The Tuscan tourism promotional agency was present at the ITB in Berlin with an 80 sqm stand in the Italy pavilion, where the region’s promotional, destination marketing and commercial activities were presented with the promotional campaign Tuscany, Endless Renaissance. Cycling tourism in Tuscany was given particular attention as a means of exploring the region’s historic villages in harmony with nature.

“Biking trails in Tuscany to discover its extraordinary sides” 

"Bicycle trails in Tuscany are one of the most beautiful and interesting attractions," said Francesco Tapinassi, director of Toscana Promozione Turistica. "We have many biking paths in and around Florence, which are a new way of getting to know the area. It is an alternative that lets you discover extraordinary sides of the city and its surroundings.” 

Environment, health, safety, discovery and regeneration

At the ITB Tuscany was presented to the German market and internationally not just for its classic and consolidated attractions, but as a destination in step with new trends. A place where history, heritage, culture and beauty blend to put the visitor at the centre of a universe where the key words are environment, health, safety, discovery and regeneration.

World Europa, MSC’s newest trailblazing World Class of ships, has arrived in the Mediterranean. 

An ecological ocean-going metropolis for 6,700 guests

World Europa, the newest and greenest vessel in the MSC fleet set sail from its homeport of Genoa on 12 April offering seven-night cruises with ports of call in Genoa, Naples, and Messina in Italy, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, and Marseille in France. At 1,093 ft long and 22 decks high, there is accommodation for 6,762 guests in 2,626 staterooms of 19 different categories, many with balconies. 

World Europa is the first LNG-powered cruise ship  

The World Europa incorporates solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology on board and is powered by LNG, one of the world’s greenest marine fuels. Another first for the newest pride of the MSC fleet, which was presented by managing director Leonardo Massa to the Italian press and travel agents on its maiden Mediterranean cruise.  Massa outlined the company's latest milestones and upcoming innovations, focusing on three elements: fleet, destinations and sustainability. 

Leonardo Massa, managing director of Msc Cruises

In June a new ship, the Euribia, will join the fleet

"With the latest ships that entered the fleet over the last eight months we are now offering 7,000 more rooms and welcoming 17,000 more passengers every week. And the arrival of the World Europa is not the end of the line for us, because in June a new ship, the Euribia, will join the fleet.” 

“New York is a challenging new port of embarkation”

With regard to new destinations New York currently leads the way, said Massa.

"As an embarkation point New York is a challenge, but we are convinced that it will be a great success. It allows travel agents to propose a range of packages combining stays and cruises that from New York take them to some of the Caribbean’s best destinations. Like our private island, Ocean Cay, a pristine marine reserve accessible exclusively to MSC guests.” 

World Europe’s luxury Yacht Club has 24-hour butler service

The World Europa’s Promenade with restaurants and shops is seven decks high, and the ship has sporting facilities, kids’ clubs, seven swimming pools and 33 cosmopolitan F&B facilities including a steak house, gin lounge, coffee emporium, champagne bar and a fine dining fish restaurant. The “ship-within-a-ship” luxury Yacht Club, for guests who prefer a more intimate cruise, features suites with butler service, a private pool and sundeck, dedicated massage rooms in the spa, and a private lounge with complimentary drinks and à la carte fine dining.