There is a Japanese practice called Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, a unique experience to be discovered in Calabria.

There are only forty places in the world for forest bathing

In the Bosco Archiforo woodland in Serra San Bruno, one of the region’s most evocative and unspoiled spots, in the Serre Regional Park, as you make your way past streams and rocks, amongst monumental beech trees and majestic silver firs, your mind will calm down thanks to the tranquillity of this woodland. You’ll breathe in the scents and essential oils released by the trees, which have positive effects on the respiratory system and your hormonal balance. This is how to experience forest bathing, because the Bosco Archiforo wood in Serra San Bruno is one of the forty places in the world where you can practice Shinrin-Yoku.

The Sila is a mountainous plateau

Another interesting part of Calabria is the Sila mountainous plateau between the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone. Its terrain reaches high altitudes, with Mount Botte Donato at 1,928m, being the plateau’s highest peak. The Sila is divided into three areas: Sila Greca, Sila Grande and Sila Piccola. With vast forests, mainly consisting of Laricio pine, beech and silver fir, the main lakes are Lake Cecita, which the largest in the Sila, Lake Arvo and Lake Ampollino. These habitats are home to numerous animal species, including the wolf, roe deer, red deer and wildcat.

Hiking in summer and skiing in winter

The Sila is one of Calabria’s most important and distinctive natural areas and a significant part of the area is protected by the Sila National Park, established in 2002. The area is visited both in summer, for hiking and outdoor activities, and in winter, thanks to the ski resorts of Camigliatello Silano and Lorica.

The Romagna region's passion for motorbikes is not just a sporting passion, but an authentic part of the region’s identity. 

Exploring Romagna on a motorbike 

The end of summer and the start of autumn are among the best times of the year to hop on your motorbike and set off to explore new places. Along with spring, it is the ideal season to plan a motorbike trip, especially when the destination is a region like Romagna. This is the region of racetracks, workshops, riders, craftsmen and major brands, where the culture of motorcycling is deeply intertwined with that of its inhabitants.  Centered around the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, some of the most important figures in Italian and international motorcycling were born and raised here, while museums, collections and sites linked to great champions allow visitors to retrace a great history.

From the coast to the hills with gastronomic and cultural stops

But for those travelling by motorbike, Romagna offers something more. It is a region to explore, not simply a destination to reach. From the coast to the hills, the roads wind through villages, castles, valleys and Apennine passes, alternating between bends and panoramic views, and with many gastronomic and cultural stops. These motorbike routes allow you to plan very different journeys: you can follow the Valmarecchia in the footsteps of Tonino Guerra and head towards the lands of Piero della Francesca, or explore the places linked to Dante and his time in Romagna. You can retrace the routes of the Grande Boucle, discover the regions famous for "formaggio di fossa" or follow the historic "Trafila di Garibaldi."  And you can tackle the Apennine passes with The Five Passes of Romagna, follow the Sentiero di Francesco trail, or choose an itinerary dedicated to ancient history, such as that of the Villanovians. 

Places where legendary champions were born and raised

For those who prefer a longer journey, the Coast-to-Coast route connects the Romagna coast to the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the route along the River Po takes you from the Emilian plain to the Delta, the Comacchio Lagoons and Ravenna. Of all these, La Terra dei Campioni perhaps represents the most authentic essence of this land: a journey through the places where some of motorcycling’s greatest legends were born and raised. The beauty of travelling by motorbike, however, also lies in the freedom to let the road take you by surprise. A detour might lead to a small village, a bend might reveal an unexpected view, and a stop might turn into an opportunity to sample a local specialty or visit a place that wasn’t on the itinerary. 

The Cinque Terre in Liguria is an example of how tourism pays for conservation.

The Cinque Terre Card offers a range of services 

The Cinque Terre National Park’s main mission is to raise awareness of the area and move beyond the simplistic view of the five villages, each of which has its own unique story to tell. The area also has ancient woods, pathways, Mediterranean scrub and the Marine Protected Area. The Cinque Terre Card, which travellers can purchase, offers a range of services including transport, access to pathways and discounts at museums in La Spezia.

The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

It is an essential tool because it enables the Park to achieve 94% self-financing, thus continuing the conservation of the area which, in practice, means preserving the UNESCO World Heritage Site terraced landscape with its dry-stone walls. The CInque Terre Card regulates tourist access, making it into a virtuous cycle: the tourist is not merely a visitor, but a key player who contributes to the upkeep of this complex area. 

Managing visitor flows during peak periods

Thanks to the 5 Terre Card, various projects can be funded. Policies have already been introduced regarding the network of footpaths to help manage visitor flows during peak periods. The "Vie delle Cinque Terre" project, launched to promote another section of the trails that pass through the sanctuaries, as well as some circular routes, is aimed at showcasing the 130 kilometres of trails and alleviating congestion on the historic paths.

Alexala, the local tourist agency for the province of Alessandria, is offering new stops and routes for autumn foliage tours.

Book a personalized tours

These tours lead through vineyard-dotted landscapes and to the Infernot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the photography workshop page, it is possible to book a personalized itinerary for a tour to the vineyards of Lower to Upper Monferrato, which can be explored by car, on foot or by bike for a colourful autumn outing.

Spectacular display of autumn colours

Although the vineyards have now completed their work with a bountiful harvest, they continue to offer a feast for the eyes right through to November, with spectacular displays of colours as the leaves turn from green to splendid shades of red and rust. The Tortona Hills, the Gaviese area, the Upper Monferrato regions around Ovada and Acqui, and the Casale Monferrato area, indeed every corner of the province is perfect for leisurely explorations in search of the most evocative mix of colours.

Three itineraries not to be missed

Here are some suggestions.  The Sacro Monte di Crea (AL) in the Basso Monferrato, is a hill  covered in lush and varied vegetation that offers a true immersion in nature, with the chance to spot wildlife.  In Casale Monferrato (Lower Monferrato) villages such as Cella Monte (listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and home to the ecomuseum dedicated to stone that made the Infernot famous), Olivola, Moleto and Vignale which are all surrounded by vineyards that burst into shades of red and yellow in autumn. In the Upper Monferrato (Ovada area) the wooded area around Ovada, with the villages of Trisobbio, Tagliolo and Rocca Grimalda, offers a stunning display of autumn colours.

Monica Lisi

Condor is set to launch a flight from Frankfurt to Florence from 6 May 2027 with two flights a day on this seasonal route.

 "Frankfurt for both business and leisure travel" 

“With the expansion of our city network, we are making targeted investments in the ongoing development of our hub at Frankfurt Airport. Our passengers will benefit from an even wider range of European destinations and seamlessly integrated connections with our long-haul destinations. Frankfurt thus continues to strengthen its position as a leading international hub for both business and leisure travel,” said Pierre Dominique Prümm, Condor's chief commercial officer.

Onward connections to many intercontinental destinations

“Condor’s arrival in Florence is a further step towards strengthening our airport’s international connectivity. The new Frankfurt route is from one of Europe’s main hubs, and significantly expands travel opportunities for the region, thanks also to the numerous onward connections to intercontinental destinations. This new investment in Florence’s airport confirms the interest of international carriers in Florence and supports the growth and development of Amerigo Vespucci Airport,” said Roberto Naldi, managing director of Toscana Aeroporti.

Condor to fly also to Athens and Stockholm this next summer

In addition to Florence, Condor is adding Athens and Stockholm to its summer 2027 schedule, bringing its portfolio of European cities to a total of 16 destinations and further consolidating Frankfurt Airport as a leading international hub.

The new 400-square-metre food court at Palermo International Airport, is a celebration of Sicilian food and wine.

Seating for 100 people

The Autogrill’s new Amore restaurant and Planeta wine bar have opened, in collaboration with Prezzemolo & Vitale, with a programme focused on promoting Sicilian wine and food culture. With seating for 100 people, the area has been designed to offer passengers a high-quality experience and showcase the region’s finest produce. It is situated on the third level of the terminal building, past security checks, with access via the duty-free area.

An efficient airport hospitality ecosystem 

The project is part of the redevelopment and commercial development programme launched by GESAP, the company that manages Palermo Airport, to progressively improve the quality of the facilities and services and bring the passenger experience increasingly into line with the airport’s international role. “We want Palermo Airport to evolve in this direction. The increase in passenger traffic must be accompanied by an equally significant improvement in the quality of services. Catering, lounges, retail, digital innovation and new passenger spaces are not separate activities, but components of a single airport hospitality ecosystem, which must accompany the traveller throughout their entire stay at the airport," says GESAP's CEO Gianfranco Battisti.

"We want Palermo Airport to...retain its own identity" 

"We want Palermo Airport to be modern and international but to retain its own identity. Our competitive advantage lies in Sicily and the airport must also become a contemporary showcase for the region’s wines, gastronomy, culture, hospitality and the entrepreneurial spirit of the local area. The collaboration between Autogrill, Planeta and Prezzemolo & Vitale shows how operators with different areas of expertise can work together to create a high-quality airport experience. For those arriving, we want to offer them their first encounter with Sicily and we want to give departing passengers an experience and an indelible memory of the region they are leaving behind.”

GESAP's CEO Gianfranco Battisti

Sicilian food, wines and products

The design focuses on a modern, functional and welcoming environment, with particular attention to the quality of the finish, the layout of the different areas and the distinctive character of the two different concepts, offering from dining and wine to products linked to Sicily's culinary traditions. Technologically the new dining area has electrical, lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, and plumbing and sanitation systems designed to ensure comfort, functionality and efficiency. The premises are also integrated with the airport’s security and fire detection systems, as part of the overall project to upgrade and refurbish the areas.

The new B&B Hotel Venezia Laguna, a new and innovativre way to experience Venica, has officially opened.

The B&B chain's largest Italian property

With its 406 rooms in two buildings and a floor area of 15,576 sqm, it is the chain’s largest property in Italy and also in the group. On the island of Tronchetto, the hotel is strategic for both leisure and business hospitality thanks to its prime location, just a short walk from the people mover and a single stop from Venice Santa Lucia railway station.

Sustainable architecture and technology

The project redefines "value for money" hospitality in Venice through the adoption of sustainable architectural and technological solutions (such as the Xlam timber structure and a 223.50 kWp photovoltaic system for self-consumption), complemented by three distinct dining areas, including an exclusive rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the lagoon, and a meeting room with a capacity of up to 70 people.

"Construction and design...that combine efficiency, comfort and quality"

Liliana Comitini, chair and CEO of B&B Hotels Italy, Slovenia and Hungary, explained at the opening: “The opening of the B&B Hotel Venezia Laguna, the group’s largest hotel in Italy, is an important milestone in B&B Hotels’ strategic journey in Italy and across Europe. The property embodies our vision of modern, accessible hospitality that offers a contemporary interpretation of the identity of the regions in which we operate. Venice is not only a symbol of Italy’s cultural heritage but also an extraordinary platform for reaching international markets. The Venezia Laguna project demonstrates our commitment to innovation and to designing our hotels using construction and design solutions that combine efficiency, comfort and quality. With this opening we are consolidating our presence in one of Europe’s most strategic destinations and reaffirming our commitment to a form of hospitality that is increasingly mindful, inclusive and attuned to the local area.”

Una Italian Hospitality is set to close a successful year, and launches the Untourist loyalty programme.

Satisfaction from the US market, with 20% growth

Una Italian Hospitality has had a successful year, and not just in terms of revenue. “Up to June we posted a 5–6% increase in revenue, and the following months also performed well,” confirms CEO Giorgio Marchegiani. Profit margins have also held up well, driven by the performance of certain key markets such as the US. “Italy is perceived as a safe country and remains a structurally attractive destination internationally.” Particular satisfaction comes from the US market, which has grown by over 20% and accounts for 12% of total customers, but also from the Italian market, which represents 25% of the total.

A new loyalty programme

The desire to validate the chain’s Italian identity and the key role it plays in inbound tourism has led to the creation of the new loyalty programme, “Untourist”, launched to “recognize our customers. This arose from the analysis of data collected over the years which led us to streamline the data and track repeat customers, keeping us even closer to them.” 

Global challenges but a good year

There are, of course, plenty of challenges, but the approach of the chain, which specializes exclusively in Italian destinations,  is proactive. “There are global challenges, from the skyrocketing cost of flights to the climate emergency, to the surge in property running costs, starting with energy bills. However we have managed to maintain a balanced price level. Of course, it is difficult to predict next year’s trend, but we are focusing on the 2026 results, with the first eight months of the year seeing us close to 10% growth in turnover, thanks in part to the Winter Olympics.” Bookings  trends have changed, also for Italian guests: “There is no longer a peak in July and August, leading to a better distribution of bookings across the shoulder months, with June and September coming to the fore.” The average length of stay has also decreased slightly, “but only in city destinations.”

No interest in developing mountain destinations

As for the future, which will also involve major new openings, including the Una Esperienze Milano CityLife in 2027, Marchegiani is clear: “The Italian market must be approached with an industrial mindset that can deliver results in terms of increased revenue, cost containment and greater customer satisfaction. These are the key variables that will guide our development plan. Growth in Italy will be in art cities,  small towns, and seaside resorts." With no plans on the horizon for mountain destinations,  in Italy: "there are no destinations offering significant development potential for a chain such as Una Italian Hospitality." 

Tenuta Tumi Resort is a new project born out of the experience of tourism entrepreneur Fabio Festa.

On Salento's Ionian coast

Festa chose Salento to breathe new life into the Tenuta Tumi Resort in Lido Marini, on Salento’s Ionian coast. Under new management, the resort wants to boost its position in the market offering a holiday experience that combines hospitality, services, the seaside and an in-depth knowledge of the local area. “Salento is a new challenge for us and, at the same time, a great opportunity,- explains Festa. -We have chosen to invest in a destination with enormous tourism potential, on which we intend to build a serious project through careful management, precise planning and a particular focus on the guest experience."

A family pool and a walking and cycling track

The natural setting in which the resort is located is very pleasant and centres around a large garden with palm trees and centuries-old olive trees. There is an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, deckchairs and sum umbrellas as well as a poolside bar, changing rooms and showers. For lovers of running or walking, the highlight is a walking and cycling track which can be used for walks, jogging and two-wheel outdoor activities.

Apartments and suites for three to eight people 

The resort's 23 apartments and suites have air conditioning and balconys or terraces, and they can accommodate from three and eight guests. The beach service at the Bora Bora Beach Club in Torre San Giovanni is available for guests. The aim is to create a seamless connection between the accommodation and the sea, an example of how the services are not considered separate elements, but parts of a unique experience.

Showcasing the hinterland and Salento's cultural heritage 

Festa’s project also aims to showcase the inland areas and cultural heritage of the Salento area. Guests will be guided on a journey of discovery through villages, historic centres, traditions, local culture and gastronomic specialties. “We do not want to limit ourselves to simply running an accommodation facility,- says Festa. -We want to create a genuine tourism project, in which hospitality, the sea and the local area are all part of the same experience.” 

"Today's tourists are looking for an experience"

The management of Tenuta Tumi Resort is a new chapter in Fabio Festa’s entrepreneurial journey. “Today’s tourists are not just looking for a room or a place to stay, but for an experience. That is why we want to allow guests to experience Salento in the fullest possible way: from their stay to the beach, from the cuisine to the traditions, right through to discovering its villages and landscapes.”  

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