Cathay Pacific is flying high, resuming direct fights to Rome Fiumicino and investing in services, destinations and new lounges.

“By the end of the year, we will be flying to 100 destinations”

“From our Hong Kong hub, Cathay Pacific and low-cost airline HK Express operate direct flights to 75 destinations worldwide, including Japan, Australia, Asia and New Zealand, providing convenient connections for our Italian customers travelling for business or pleasure. By the end of the year, we will be flying to 100 destinations,” said Paul Johannes, vice president customer travel and lifestyle Europe.

Cathay Pacific will have 100 aircraft in two years

Cathay's lifestyle is a mood and a way of life that begins on board and ends with the travel experience. “We are investing HK$100 million in our fleet over the next two years, with the aim of expanding and modernizing it, reaching 100 aircraft and further raising the standards of travel on board.”

40 years on the Italian market

Italy remains an important market for the airline, which has been flying here for almost 40 years and is now returning to strengthen its operations. From 5 June, it will resume flights to Rome with three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, in addition to daily flights to Milan, which are likely to remain permanent throughout the year.

Premium economy is planned on the B777s

There are east connections from Hong Kong and high load factors with the use of B777 and A350 900 aircraft on long-haul routes. New booking classes are planned, including premium economy on B777s. The load factor was up 36% in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, with a load factor of 86% and Japan's boom taking the lion's share.

New and redesigned lounges

With four lounges in Hong Kong, one in London, one soon to open in Paris and New York, there are also lounges in Tokyo, Bangkok, Shanghai, the Philippines and the Middle East. In the first phase of Cathay's lounge improvement plan, The Bridge reopened in Hong Kong on 7 May, redesigned and featuring a range of new features. The Wing, First will close on 23 May and reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. The Deck is also undergoing renovation and will serve as a temporary lounge for First Class during the renovation of The Wing.

The Capuchin Way in the Marche is almost 400 kilometres of Franciscan legacy and slow tourism.

A heritage of identity and hospitality

Almost 400 kilometres in 17 stages for a journey through the heart of the Marche region, in the midst of nature, culture and spirituality. This is the Cammino dei Cappuccini (Capuchin Way), the brainchild of Fra Sergio Lorenzini, provincial minister of the Capuchin Friars Minor of the Marche region. The aim is to promote the legacy of the Franciscan reform that began in the Marche region 500 years ago as a heritage of identity and hospitality in the area.

For families, young travellers and walkers 

To boost its media presence and reach an ever-wider audience, the Way has entrusted the management of its press office to The Gate Communication, an agency specialized in the promotion of tourist destinations and projects. The objective is to boost the visibility of the project, not only in the specialist media, but also among conscious travellers, families, young travellers, walking communities and tourists in search of slow experiences.

“For those searching for meaning, not just destinations”

“What we want,-  says Fra Sergio Lorenzini, -is for the Way not just to be a route to be travelled, but an invitation to slow down and listen to the deeper beat of life that brings us back into harmony with ourselves, with creation, with the communities that inhabit these lands and with God. We wanted to trace a path that tells of Franciscan beauty and simplicity, which opens doors and hearts. Collaborating with those who know how to translate this message into communication is an important step in making this experience known to those who are searching for meaning, not just destinations."

Passing through vineyards and villages

What is proposed is more than an experiential journey: it is a spiritual itinerary through the Marche region, from the Furlo Gorge to the woods of the Hermitage of Fonte Avellana, from the paper workshops of Fabriano to the vineyards of Verdicchio di Cupramontana. The Cammino passes through villages rich in history such as Cagli, San Severino Marche, Camerino and Offida, home to frescoed churches, crafts and food and wine traditions.

The Lourdes of the Sibillini mountains

Along paths and secondary roads, the route promotes slow mobility and support for local micro-economies, enhancing the landscape without land consumption. Among the symbolic places are the Convent of Renacavata di Camerino, cradle of the Capuchin Friars Minor, and the Shrine of the Madonna dell'Ambro in the Sibillini Mountains, known as the “Lourdes of the Sibillini”, before reaching Ascoli Piceno, with its handsome travertine squares and timeless atmosphere.

Renovation on the runway at Naples Airport will begin early next year closing the airport for over a month from 19 January.   

The airport will be closed for 42 days

The airport is due to reopen after 42 days on 1 March 2026, after the runway has undergone radical redevelopment work. “The work,- says a statement from the airport management company, -has been scheduled for the time of year when air traffic is historically at its lowest in order to minimize disruption to users.

Many flights will move to Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi airport

Airlines have been duly informed and will review their flight schedules based on their operational and commercial strategies. The Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi airport, as part of the regional airport system, will be able to absorb some of the traffic normally handled by the Neapolitan airport, in compliance with the capacity limits established by ENAC and based on slot requests received."

38 daily flights to 24 international hubs

Meanwhile, with the first quarter of 2025 closed with over 2.09 million passengers recorded, Capodichino Airport has recorded an increase in intercontinental connections for the summer season. With over 120 destinations served by direct flights from Naples, covering the main Italian cities and European capitals, particular emphasis is on global connectivity guaranteed by 38 daily flights to 24 hubs (Amsterdam, Athens, Atlanta, Belgrade, Brussels, Casablanca, Dubai, Chicago, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Istanbul, Madrid, Montreal, Monaco, New York EWR and JFK, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome, Vienna and Zurich).

American Airlines, Delta, United and Air Canada

In terms of intercontinental traffic the flight to New York/Newark took off on 6 April and will be gradually joined by others to North America, reaching 43 weekly flights to six airports: Atlanta, Chicago, Montreal, New York/Newark, New York JFK and Philadelphia. These connections will be operated by the three main US airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, and by Air Canada.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and now, at a stately 2,778 years old, the Eternal City has placed high on a recent survey from Prime Casino, topping the list, with a score of 8.68, as the world’s oldest city under threat from climate change.  

Not far behind is Catania, which is just a little younger at 2,754 years old, and is on the eastern coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna - a volcano which has never been known for its calming presence. With a score of 8.22 on the vanishing city scale - which takes into account dangers like rising sea levels, heatwaves and coastal erosion - it looks like Catania too could eventually end up under water.  

And when it comes to water of course there’s Venice, that dazzling diva of decay, and also the city with the highest number of sacred and religious sites - 46 per 100,000 people. Practically floating on faith, Venice comes out top of the must-see-before-it-sinks list. 

Italy’s magnificent ancient cities may have survived empires, eruptions, and invasions, but can they handle the heat? Better hurry up and book that Italian trip you’ve been dreaming of now, while they still have their heads above water.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

At the IMEX trade fair in Frankfurt ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board, is presenting the latest MICE sector data.

The MICE spend in Italy was €800 in 2024

In 2024, approximately 850,000 foreign travellers arrived in Italy for MICE events like trade fairs and conferences, generating tourist spending of €800 million and 2.75 million overnight stays. Germany, France, the UK, Spain and the USA are the main markets of origin.

IMEX is the world’s leading MICE fair

In the globalized context of contemporary tourism, the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) segment is one of the most dynamic and high value-added components. This is why professionals in the sector are gathering at IMEX in Frankfurt - scheduled to run until 22 May - the world's leading trade fair for the MICE sector in Europe and a strategic platform for institutions, companies and international buyers. 

ENIT is in Frankfurt with 78 co-exhibitors

ENIT the Italian Tourist Board is participating with its own stand hosting 78 co-exhibitors, including ten regions/institutions with their companies, taking this opportunity to present the latest trends in the sector. In 2024, Italy recorded a significant increase in international tourism linked to professional events over the previous year: 340,000 foreign travellers arrived to attend conferences (up +22.7%), while 500,000 arrived for trade fairs, recording growth of 18.3% compared to 2023.  Tourism spending on conferences followed the same positive trend reaching €270 million (+20% compared to the previous year), while spending on trade fair visits recorded an even more significant increase of +27.7%, equal to €530 million.

“Trade fairs and conferences bring significant spin-offs”

"MICE is a strategic segment for our country. The good growth recorded is a sign that Italy is able to respond to different types of demand. Trade fairs and conferences bring with them significant spin-offs, tourist spending of €800 million and more than 800,000 foreign travellers,” said Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A. “It is a pleasure to witness first-hand the ability of Italian institutions to work together with the private sector to encourage, in the spirit of growth diplomacy, incoming tourist flows, economic growth and prosperity in our country,’ì” said Massimo Darchini, Consul General of Italy in Frankfurt.

ITA Airways is the Official Airline Sponsor of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

Promoted via streaming and on social platforms

This collaboration is based on shared values and objectives and gives great prestige to the organization of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The partnership between ITA Airways and Milano Cortina 2026 is on air with a commercial on all generalist and satellite broadcasters and on the main streaming, web and social platforms.

A competition with Olympic tickets as prizes

Together with the promotional campaign, the company has launched the prize competition ‘Destinazione Milano Cortina 2026’, reserved to all Italian residents aged 18 and over and holders of an ITA Airways ticket issued between 7 May and 30 November 2025. The contest involves the drawing of 7 monthly prizes and a final super-prize. Each month, participants will have the chance to win exclusive prizes to attend the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Underlining ITA’s role as the Italian benchmark carrier

The liveries of two aircraft of ITA's fleet  are dedicated to two legends of Italian winter sports. The A320 Gustav Thoeni and the A320neo Enrico Fabris, will be decorated with stickers representing Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. “We are very proud to be the Official Airline of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,- said Sandro Pappalardo, President of ITA Airways. -For ITA, working alongside Milan Cortina 2026 means strongly reaffirming our bond with Italy, with Italian sport and its values, with passion, determination, inclusion and team spirit. It allows our company to proudly underline its role as the Italian benchmark carrier and an ambassador of Italian excellence in the world.” 

“ITA Airways embodies the founding values of sport”

‘We are proud of this winning partnership that indelibly etches the history of world sport. With less than a year to go before Milan Cortina 2026.  ITA Airways embodies the founding values of sport, and this natural alliance projects the image of Italy, with its innate hospitality and tourist vocation, onto the global stage. We are convinced that this collaboration is not just partnership, but a historic step that strengthens our Olympic and Paralympic Games and the legacy they will leave behind,” said Giovanni Malagò. President of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation. 

Langhe-Roero and Monferrato will host its first UNESCO travel exhibition “WeBe - When Experiences Become Emotions,” from 22 to 25 May.  

20 foreign buyers and 30 local travel suppliers

This will be the first B2B event to showcase the UNESCO hills as a unique destination for international travel suppliers. Organized by the Langhe Monferrato Roero tourist board and Alexala, the tourist agency for the province of Alessandria, it will host 20 selected foreign buyers and 30 local sellers from Langhe, Roero, Monferrato Astigiano and Alessandrino. The event is part of the project, funded by the Ministry of Tourism, “Un Patrimonio da Raccontare” (A Heritage to Tell). Tour operators from the USA, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be able to discover this unique wine-growing area. 

Infernot del Monferrato ph. Alessandro Sgarito Archivio Alexala

Tours and visits as well as a B2B Day

The foreign tour operators will learn about the area’s UNESCO heritage through a programme of visits ranging from e-bike tours to targeted visits to accommodation facilities as well as cooking courses, experiential craft workshops and tastings. On Saturday 24 May, a B2B day will be dedicated to professional meetings between the supply and demand, with local tour operators presenting tourist packages and travel proposals in the Piedmontese hills to the guests from Europe and North America.

“The union of resources and intentions leads to great results”

"The UNESCO Tourism Exchange is a concrete opportunity to promote the shared heritage of Langhe Monferrato Roero, and the province of Alessandria, to open new connections with tourist markets.- said Bruno Bertero and Marco Lanza, directors of Ente Turismo Langhe Monferrato Roero and Alexala. – This is a virtuous example of how the union of resources and intentions leads to great results, growth and well-being for the region."

ph. Valeria Gallo

Part of a two-year project

“This is an opportunity to relaunch tourism in the small villages of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato at an international level,- said Roberta Giovine, Mayor of Canelli and project leader.  - We are proud to be leading this project: we have a duty to preserve what we have inherited and to strive for an ever better sustainable integration of the various players involved in the economy of our region." The event is part of the two-year project “A heritage to be told”, funded by the ministry of tourism and led by the municipality of Canelli and 19 municipalities in the UNESCO Core Zone in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria. 

 

The innovative project “Immersive Places and Itineraries of Italy” was presented by Archeoclub d’Italia in Rome yesterday.  

Using the metaverse to explore Italy

Thanks to the metaverse this digital platform will allow users from all over the world to explore Italy's lesser-known villages and locations. The project is a collaboration between Archeoclub d'Italia and the digital incubator In The Green Future, under the patronage of the Prime Minister's Office.

“The project also offers accessibility to the mobility-impaired”

Rosario Santanastasio, National President of Archeoclub d'Italia, underscored the importance of the project which is an Archeoclub d'Italia and In The Green Future joint venture. “It will give the potential foreign tourist, who lives thousands of miles away, the chance to enter a village in the Apennines and learn about the cultural, archaeological and social heritage of our country's inland areas.” Santanastasio also pointed out that the project is inclusive and able to overcome physical barriers, offering accessibility also to people with disabilities.

With 178 local branches throughout Italy 

“We started from a vision, turned it into a project, and then came back to a new vision: this is the message of Archeoclub d’Italua,- said project director Innocente Cataldi. -We mainly address an adult audience, but in recent times we have noticed a growing interest also among younger people. We are mainly present throughout Italy through 178 branches, and we carry out many cultural activities.” A few weeks ago, Archeoclub d’Italia organized ‘La Primavera nei Borghi’ (Springtime in the Villages), with walks and routes led by experts in the area. 

“Making culture a truly accessible experience”

The project also involves research institutes, universities and practitioners. Through immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality, the platform will enhance Italy's cultural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, especially in inland areas, to the minor islands and coastal areas, combating the depopulation of villages, and encouraging the improvement of local services. We are working on the digitization of territories,- said Raffaello Dinacci, founder of In The Green Future. -Through this new digital platform inspired by the metaverse paradigm and ESG principles, we intend to make culture an immersive, participatory and truly accessible experience.”

Marriott International has recognized the reservation teams at Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park, with the Global Sales Reservation Team Award.

Growing average room revenues 

“The contribution of Alessandra Pasquali and Alberta Deledati to our sales reservation team has led to a significant improvement in the main performance indicators: a 12% increase in revenue in the individual guest segment with a 5% growth in average room revenue,- says sales manager Simona Ferro. – This results in an important increase in the market positioning of the Courtyard by Marriott branded hotel.”

Building customer loyalty by offering tailor-made solutions

The work carried out by the Sales Team on the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty programme, first in the world with more than 228 million loyal customers, also produced significant results, registering a +40% increase in registrations compared to the previous year, and thus confirming the effectiveness of the strategies adopted. “An excellent service must be able to build customer loyalty by offering tailor-made solutions and interacting with guests with great empathy, says Antonella Ferro, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park.

Last year’s turnover was up by 4.5%

This further recognition by the international company Marriott, confirms the constant commitment to excellence of the Courtyard by Mariott Rome Central Park, which closed last year with a turnover growth of +4.50% over the previous year. For information: www.marriott.com/it/hotels/romcp-courtyard-rome-central-park/overview/

The Piedmont Regional Council has given the go-ahead to the “Piedmont for Young People” project. 

Programmes aimed at social inclusion

The three-year project will provide funding for programmes aimed at social inclusion for 15 to 34-year olds for an investment of €4.46 million, of which €3.69 million is state funded and with  €522.2 in regional co-financing. The aim of the call for proposals are many: to accompany young people in their occupational and social integration, to encourage active participation in political life, to promote correct lifestyles, to encourage the practice of sport, and to raise awareness of environmental issues. In order to carry out the planned activities, the municipalities will be able to call on the support of other local authorities, community centres, associations, educational institutions and third sector organizations. 

Building the Piedmont of tomorrow

“It is essential to make young people feel an active part of their territory, offering them work as well as social and sports opportunities. This programme responds to that need,- says councillor for youth policies Marina Chiarelli. -The involvement of the 15-34 age group is no coincidence: this segment of the population plays a crucial role in the Piedmont of tomorrow. It constitutes the basis for building the workforce of the future, supporting economic growth, promoting innovation and, more generally, generating social and cultural dynamics capable of fostering the progress of the entire territory.”