The expansion plans of the Bulgarella Group envisages a new 5-star hotel in Milan with developments also in Rome.  

A 108-room hotel with two restaurants

In Milan, the company is in the process of negotiating with the municipality for the acquisition of a property in Via Dogana called Secondo Arengario. “If the operation goes ahead – explains general director Ray Lo Faso, – the idea is to create a 5-star, 108-room hotel with two restaurants, and meeting rooms.”

Ray Lo Faso

“We need to reach a certain critical mass, of five to seven hotels” 

The group started as a real estate company with a strong hospitality vocation, will manage the hotel directly, and the development will go towards fulfilling the brands hotel project. “At the moment we directly manage Room of Andrea in Trapani, a 60-room hotel in Val d'Erice and the 90-room Viareggio Hotel in Tuscany – continues Lo Faso - we need to reach a certain critical mass, estimated to be five to seven hotels.”

Covid has changed work practices 

Ambitious projects, which are also based on a decidedly positive season, which saw urban hotels register important numbers. “We can no longer speak of a bubble, but of a phenomenon destined to last over time, capable of supporting average rates and employment, – says Lo Faso.  - Covid has not only changed consumer priorities but also work practices, today people are often able to work wherever they are. And all this is having more than positive repercussions on the entire hotel industry."

Aerolineas Argentinas has nearly recovered enough to match 2019 traffic levels, both globally and in Italy. 

From 5 to 6 weekly flights in June 2024

Claudio Neri, Italy general manager of the airline, explains: “In the period January-September 2023 we transported 69,443 passengers on the Italian market, a figure which represents a recovery of 56% (compared to 2019 figures), with an occupancy of 87% which is a percentage point more than 2019. The progression is constant as demonstrated by the numbers for September alone, with 11,443 passengers, equal to a recovery of 74% on the same month in 2019 and a 97% occupancy.

” In the wake of this positive performance, "an increase in frequencies on the Rome-Buenos Aires route is planned, from June 2024 they will rise from the current five to six weekly flights."

“The objective for the end of 2023 is 3,000,000 passengers”

"MICE traffic is also showing positive signs; we already have groups booked for the first months of 2024."  Aerolineas Argentinas guarantees connections to Rome from all over Italy thanks to agreements with ITA Airways and Trenitalia. From Buenos Aires there are connections throughout South America, as well as a network of 39 destinations within Argentina. On a global level the international market posted 2,123,397 passengers in the first nine months of 2023, 82% of 2019 numbers and with a load factor of 84% (+9% points on 2019). “The objective for the end of 2023 is 3,000,000 passengers.”

Sardinia, a trailblazer in tourism and eco-sustainable accommodation, is once again pioneering a new concept in hospitality: the nautical scattered hotel.

Sardinia was the first region to introduce the scattered hotel

Following its distinction as the first Italian region to formally recognise the albergo diffuso or scattered hotel (with rooms located in various buildings throughout a community or small town) in 1998, Sardinia is now introducing a ground-breaking concept: the albergo nautico diffuso or scattered nautical hotel. 

Staying on the land and on the sea

Enabled by the modification of a regional law this innovative accommodation facility integrates land services, including reception, registration, customer assistance, and standard hotel services. At the same time the nautical scattered hotel offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the captivating beauty of Sardinia's coasts on boats that can move within a three-mile radius from their port location, limited to daylight hours.

“We are once again in the lead, both in Italy and in the world”

The nautical scattered hotel will consist of at least seven craft, providing a minimum of fifty beds "in the cabin." The rental contracts for these facilities will range from a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of four weeks,  and will offer guests a truly exclusive experience. Giovanni Chessa, Sardinia’s regional councillor for tourism, crafts, and commerce, commenting on the significance of this new type of accommodation said: “By introducing this new facility Sardinia shows that it knows how to be a benchmark for Italian tourism. By standardizing new hospitality frontiers we are once again in the lead, both in Italy and in the world.”

Sardinia is at the top of the international tourist wish list

This approach is reaping the benefits, with an increase in arrivals which this year are at  6,377,247 (in ports and airports) compared to 6,005,971 in 2022,  thus reasserting  Sardinia's position at the top of the international tourist wish list. For information: www.sardegnaturismo.it 

Italy has an uncanny way of popping up in world rankings of what’s best in tourism. So it comes as no surprised to find it high on the Time Out list of the Coolest Neighborhoods in the World 2023.  This rating of the greatest places for fun, food, culture and community is based on variables like, access to open and green spaces, social ventures and thriving street life, and in 8^th place we find Milan’s Isola district.

Called Isola (island) as it is “cut off” from the central area by a tramline, it has been spruced up and is now claiming the title of Milan’s coolest hangout. Just a short walk from the central Parco Sempione and the fancy Brera area, it is a high-energy, buzzing quarter with colourful street art and a plethora of trendy bars, restaurants, and galleries.  

What makes it especially appealing, however, is that it is much more than your typical hipster enclave. Its local heart still beats. And you become part of it as you stroll through the weekly outdoor market, swing by the local butcher and baker, and check out its charming 1920s ringhiera-style houses. It is also home to artistic tombs in the Cimetero Monumentale, the stunning Vertical Forest skyscraper and to some of Milan’s liveliest aperitivo bars, as well as the famous Blue Note jazz club.  

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

The provinces of Piacenza, Parma, and Reggio Emilia can boast Emilia’s On the Green:  five splendid 18-hole golf courses.

Five spectacular golf courses in a 100-kilometre radius

In a land with a thousand-year history, rich in culture, art and music and with a unique food and wine heritage, Emilia Golf Experience is the new sports tourism and holiday proposal from the Visit Emilia agency. In just 100 kilometres the 5 spectacular golf courses set in extraordinary landscapes are the Croara Country Club in the province of Piacenza, Golf Salsomaggiore Terme and Golf del Ducato in the province of Parma, and Matilde di Canossa Golf Club and San Valentino Golf Club in Reggio Emilia.

Visit Emilia Golf Club Salsomaggiore PR Credit APT Emilia Romagna

“Swiss golfers were up 14.2% from January to August” 

Emilia Golf Experience comes with an opportunity to discover castles, places of art and culture, and taste the delicacies that give this land its unique and prestigious gastronomy. All combined with excellent hospitality, with facilities in all three provinces offering holiday opportunities and packages, designed to satisfy golfers and enable them to experience extraordinary places. “Golf can attract an international audience,-  Cristiano Casa, president of Visit Emilia, figures on the presence of Swiss tourists is particularly satisfying, because we have worked so hard on this market. Some 37,143 overnight stays in Emilia by Swiss visitors were registered between January and August 2023,  which is +27.3% on 2019 and +13.2% on 2022.”

Golf courses attract visitors from all over the world

“This project represents a significant step towards the development of tourism in our municipality, – adds the mayor of Salsomaggiore Terme, Luca Musile Tanzi. - Golf is gaining more and more fans and golf courses are not just sports venues, but also tourist attractions capable of attracting visitors from all over the world. Salsomaggiore Terme is ready to embrace the future, to diversify what it has to offer tourists and to continue to grow as a destination of excellence."

For information: www.visitemilia.com 

Cava de' Terreni  is a hidden gem nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of Italy's Amalfi Coast.

The town dates back to Roman times

This charming and picturesque destination, steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, is often overshadowed by its more renowned neighbours along the coast. It offers visitors a unique blend of historical intrigue, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine, boasting a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town's name is believed to originate from the Latin Cavum, meaning cave which aptly describes the geological formations in this lush valley. One of its historical treasures is the Basilica di Sant'Alferio, an ancient church that showcases intricate medieval architecture and beautiful frescoes. For history buffs the Lucania Occidentale archaeological museum provides a window into the region's past, featuring artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the historical development of Cava de' Terreni and its surrounds.

A haven for hikers and nature lovers

Cava de' Terreni's geographical location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Nestled between the Gulf of Salerno and the Lattari Mountains, this town offers easy access to some of Italy's most stunning landscapes. The nearby Valle delle Ferriere valley is a protected nature reserve and a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Its lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and cascading waterfalls provide an ideal setting for outdoor adventures. As you explore the area, don't forget to visit the Grotta dei Capelli, a fascinating cave system that showcases the region's geological diversity and is an intriguing natural wonder that is well worth exploring.

Limoncello is a famous local liqueur 

Like many Italian towns Cava de' Terreni offers a culinary experience that's a feast for the senses. With the town's cuisine reflecting its Mediterranean heritage, there is an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to savor the local pasta dishes, such as scialatielli, a flat and wide pasta variety often served with seafood or a tomato sauce. The Amalfi Coast's lemons are world-famous, and you must also try the limoncello, a zesty lemon liqueur, and the local lemon-infused desserts. And no visit to Cava de' Terreni would be incomplete without sampling the town's mozzarella di bufala, a type of buffalo milk mozzarella that is soft, creamy, and a true gastronomic delight. 

Quiet charm, history and picturesque landscapes

While Cava de' Terreni might not be as famous as some of its Amalfi Coast neighbours, its allure lies in its quiet charm and the ability to provide an escape from the tourist crowds. Visitors can savor the history, scenery, and culinary delights without the hustle and bustle of the more famous coastal towns. So, if you're seeking a tranquil retreat filled with history, picturesque landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, put Cava de' Terreni on your list. This hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast promises an authentic Italian experience that will leave you with lasting memories. For information: www.cittadicava.it

Autumn in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Friuli Venezi Giulia) and on the lagoon is an opportunity for timeless experiences.

A haven of good food, nature, and laidback delights

Nestled in the embrace of three waterways—the brackish lagoon, the freshwater river, and the salty sea—Lignano Sabbiadoro is a haven for those who cherish good food, nature, and laidback delights. This destination offers authentic experiences through a diverse range of activities, from leisurely walks and cycling by the sea, to exploring local cellars and savouring the finest wines. And visitors  should miss indulging in a memorable lunch on the tranquil waters of the lagoon.

The sea doesn't take a holiday

The eight kilometres of golden beach in Lignano Sabbiadoro invite you to take long and rejuvenating walks on foot or by bicycle. Journey from the Terrazza a Mare to the Red Lighthouse or explore the entire peninsula towards the mouth of the Tagliamento River. Sail aboard the X-River boat pass and embark on itineraries along the nearby Venetian shore.

Autumnal shades in the Lagoon

The Valle Canal Novo Nature Reserve comes alive with the unique hues of autumn, offering a perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of this breathtaking scenery. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the reserve provides opportunities to spot pink flamingos and a variety of ducks, including teals and pochards, along its paths.

Timeless gourmet experiences

In Marano Lagunare, you can dine directly on a boat that features a covered and heated lounge, providing a delightful setting to enjoy lunch while discovering the landscapes and centuries-old local culinary traditions. After your lagoon excursion, unwind with an aperitif in one of the many wine cellars in the area. Indulge in tastings of local wines, including Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Malvasia, and more. For information: visit www.lignanosabbiadoro.it.

Discover Gubbio, known as Umbria’s City of Stone, which is one of the oldest towns in central Italy.

Elevators and a cable car to the upper levels 

Wonderfully preserved over the centuries, Gubbio is a true architectural masterpiece of the medieval city-states of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its steep cobbled streets - there are public elevators to reach the town’s two upper levels - lead to monumental constructions. There is also a cable car (with standup birdcage-like cabins with railings to chest level) up Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, work on which began in 1513 and which holds the remains of the town’s patron saint.

The Fountain of the Madmen

The Palazzo dei Consoli, on a lower level than the magnificent Cathedral dedicated to Saints Marian and James, is the symbol of the city and now a museum, while the Palazzo Pretorio is the seat of the Town Hall. Also worthy of note is the Palazzo del Bargello and one of Gubbio’s most famous monuments, the Fountain of the Madmen. Tradition has it that by running three times around the fountain, one can obtain a madman's licence, but this has to be done in the presence of a citizen of Gubbio!  

A medieval marketplace and a Roman theatre

The handsome Renaissance Ducal Palace was almost certainly designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini and documents the reign of the Montefeltro lords over the town. In the lower town the Piazza Quaranta Martiri was an important market area in the Middle Ages.  A visit to the remains of the Roman theatre is a way to understand the social organization of the Roman city of Iguvium, revealing the tastes, customs and habits of that period. Completed around 20 B.C., it was built with large rusticated limestone blocks and could seat about 6,000 spectators, making it among the largest of its time.

Local flatbreads and truffles 

Among the local dishes crescia is a flatbread of flour, water and salt eaten with cooked greens and local cured meats, while pan caciato is made by adding small pieces of pecorino or caciotta cheese to the bread dough. In season the black and white truffles found in the area are used in a variety of pasta and meat dishes. 

Summonte is a charming little medieval town in the province of Avellino in the Campania region. 

Trekking and music festivals

Just eight kilometres from Avellino town, which in turn is less than 60 kilometres from Naples, Summonte was once a centre for the production of mulberry trees, the leaves of which were used in silk making. At 750 metres asl, visiting Summonete means not only discovering the charms of the historic centre and the environmental route, but also quenching one's thirst directly at the purest spring water springs. It also means enjoying enchanting trekking trails, mountain refuges and carefree evenings at music festivals and traditional fairs savouring local products.

Submontis is an old Roman site

Summonte, which is also an easy drive from the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts, is rich in art, nature, history, culture, food, wine and local traditions. Travellers on the lookout for new places to explore can discover Submontis, the old Roman site at the foot of Mount Vallatrone. Visitors will also be awed by the majestic linden tree which is nearly 300 years old, has a circumference of nine metres, stands 34 metres tall in the Piazza De Vito, and is in the census of Italian monumental trees.

Exceptional views from the Angevin Tower 

The medieval town is dominated by the majestic Angevin Tower which is 16 metres tall and consists of five floors. Having been brought back to its ancient splendor it now hosts a permanent exhibition with documentation relating to the history of the territory, and there are exceptional views from the terrace. The Civic Museum inside the castle complex has two sections: one dedicated to medieval armaments, the other to archaeological finds discovered in the castle, testifying to uninterrupted use from the Middle Ages to the modern age. 

Priceless art, chestnuts and porcini mushrooms

The Arch of Saint Nicholas, dedicated to the patron saint, once the main gateway to the medieval town opened at dawn and closed at dusk, and has an inscription with an image of the saint at the top. The Church of San Nicola da Bari has an elegant polychrome marble high altar with inlays and sculptures, and on the walls there are many paintings of great artistic and cultural value. The town’s typical dish is a chestnut and porcini mushroom soup made from locally gathered mushrooms and the area’s renowned Partenio chestnuts.