Naples, a city of events, heritage, and multicultural charm, is the third most visited city in Italy.

Naples welcomed 14 million visitors in 2024

Naples is focusing on events and preparing to welcome increasingly diverse forms of tourism “A city like Naples – the third most visited in Italy with over 14 million tourists, and a significant growth compared to the 12.5 million of 2023 – is at the BIT to showcase the strategies and actions we are implementing to capture new targets,-  said Naples’ tourism councillor Teresa Armato. -Naples is undergoing an extraordinary transformation: from a city of passing traffic to a destination of international importance and charm. 

Events will play a major role in 2025

A valuable role is played by the DMO, which allows us to develop concrete promotional activities and diversify, reaching out also to international markets,” said Armato who, together with Professor Valentina della Corte, head of the DMO, presented “Naples, a New City” Events will play a major role this year, starting with the upcoming celebrations for the 2500th anniversary of the founding of Naples, coinciding with the Jubilee Year and featuring tours of convents and monasteries, and a cultural programme of theatre, music, visual arts and literature. 

The Italian city most clicked on by Italian visitors

The “See Naples and Die” format will continue to promote lesser-known itineraries, helping to decongest the historic centre, and better distribute tourist flows.  In 2024, the city’s main inbound markets were France, the United States, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Only recently Parclick.it, the leading car park portal in Europe, defined Naples as the Italian city most clicked on by Italian visitors, with a 19% increase in demand compared to the previous year and fourth behind Paris, Amsterdam and London.

Capodichino Airport handled 8.9 million international visitors

Naples’ Capodichino Airport ended the year with 8,900,000 international visitors and from 17 May Air Canada will operate Montreal-Naples direct flights for the summer. Naples Municipality has announced that work is underway to expand Capodichino Airport, and that direct flights from Beijing and Tokyo will be launched by 2026.

This year Rome will host the 25th edition of the WTTC Global Summit, which returns to Europe on 28-30 September after an interval of six years.

The most important annual event for global travel and tourism

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) and with the participation of the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, the event will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. Recognized as the most important annual event in the global travel and tourism calendar, the WTTC Global Summit brings together business leaders, government representatives and industry pioneers to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the global travel and tourism industry.

The focus will be on digital transformation and regenerative tourism

With Rome as its backdrop, the Global Summit 2025 promises to be a spectacular event, with the spotlight on the latest developments in digital transformation, regenerative tourism and investment strategies, as well as discussions on the growing importance of technology in advancing the sector. “I am delighted to bring our Global Summit back to Europe, and to shine the spotlight on the iconic city of Rome,- said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC. -Rome will provide the perfect backdrop for our members, government representatives and distinguished guests who will be arriving from all over the world. I would like to thank Minister Santanchè and ENIT for hosting our Global Summit, which I am sure will be a spectacular event.”

Encouraging dialogue between the public and private sectors

“The 25th WTTC Global Summit is an international event that will highlight the crucial role of tourism in the global economy,- said Daniela Santanchè, Italian minister of tourism. -Italy is ready to seize the opportunity to strengthen its position as a leader in the tourism sector, promoting sustainability, digital innovation and experiential tourism. We firmly believe that events like this are fundamental to encourage dialogue between the public and private sectors, stimulate new investments and guarantee a prosperous future for our sector, which is one of the main drivers of our country's economy.”

The first Auberge Resorts Collection in Italy is the 83-room Collegio alla Querce Hotel in Florence. 

A wonderful natural setting

The former educational institution has been converted and is so called because of the centuries-old trees that shade its terraced gardens. This 16th century property stands on a hill, immersed in an avenue lined with cypress trees. The renovation was overseen by the Spanish architecture studio Esteva i Esteva, while the Florentine team ArchFlorence designed the interiors. Designed by landscape architect Franchesca Watson, the gardens feature an inviting swimming pool, flanked by a bar and a restaurant set among the oak trees.

The La Quercia Residence has seven guestrooms

The hotel has 49 rooms, 28 suites and six grand suites, including the La Quercia Residence with seven guestrooms which can be reserved in its entirety. The property also includes two living rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a panoramic terrace and a private whirlpool tub. There are four restaurants and bars, as well as customi<ed culinary experiences, including mixology courses with Tuscan olive oil, bitters preparation, coffee tasting, fresh pasta lessons guided by the chef and market-to-table experiences. Also present is Aelia, the hotel's Auberge Spa, which thanks to an exclusive partnership with Furtuna Skin, offers a wellness experience based on natural luxury products made with ingredients from sustainable sources.

A selection of areas for events  

The estate's spaces are also available for all kinds of events: from weddings on the Arco terrace to outdoor receptions in the gardens, to more intimate gatherings in the refectory's private dining room. Events can also take place under the vaults of the recently restored Chapel or in the setting of the Theatre which has a stage and a wraparound balcony. While for business meetings the Noce and Alloro rooms have private and equipped areas. Completing Collegio alla Querce’s MICE areas are the adjacent rooms of the Conservatory Library that can accommodate private meetings.

Welcome to the West of Sicily: a journey through history, nature and flavours

The province of Trapani, at the western tip of Sicily, is a land full of charm where history, nature, and traditions intertwine in a breathtaking landscape. The capital, with its historic center and famous salt pans, is the ideal starting point to explore unique places such as Erice, a historical village with spectacular views, and Marsala, renowned for its wine and the Stagnone Reserve.

Among the archaeological wonders, Selinunte and Segesta stand out, while nature lovers can discover the Zingaro Reserve and the enchanting Egadi Islands. The journey is completed with extraordinary gastronomy, featuring authentic flavours like seafood couscous and Trapanese pesto busiate.

A tour of Trapani is an immersion into timeless beauty and traditions to savour.

Join us for an unforgettable journey, a fam trip arranged for professionals specializing in outdoor, green tourism and well-being, through the heart of the West of Sicily: a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions and authentic Sicilian hospitality.

The province of Trapani, where our journey will unfold, will lead us to hilltop towns where history and culture blend and to coastal villages that thrive on age-old fishing traditions. Majestic nature reserves, golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs provide a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

This exclusive fam trip consists of three distinct itineraries, each tailored to showcase the best of this enchanting territory. 

Five days to engage with local communities, visit natural and historical landmarks and take part in extraordinary culinary experiences.

We look forward to welcoming you to the West of Sicily and sharing its wonders with you!

SOLD OUT

FAM TRIP 8-12 MAY 2025

WELCOME TO THE WEST OF SICILY

DATE: 8th - 12th May

There will be 3 itineraries for 3 groups, each consisting of 5 buyers.

The three groups will stay in the following locations:

• Group A: Castellammare del Golfo
• Group B: Erice
• Group C: Mazara del Vallo

The programme for the first two days and the last day is the same for all three groups.

On the 3rd and 4th days, the three groups will follow different itineraries.

 

PROGRAMME

Day 1

• Arrival of participants at Palermo airport
• Transfer and check in at hotel/B&B. Free time
• Panoramic tour and free afternoon
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Marsala – Baglio Oneto
• Welcome coffee
• Day of meetings with local operators (TOs, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, etc.) at the workshop
• Lunch
• In the afternoon visit to the Ettore e Infersa Salt Pans
• Transfer by boat to the Island of Mothia
• Dinner, return to the hotel and overnight stay

Day 3

Group A:

• Breakfast;
• Transfer to the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Scopello Tonnara (tuna fishery)
• Traditional lunch
• Transfer to the Segesta Archaeological Park
• Dinner and overnight stay

Group B:

• Breakfast
• Walking tour of the historic centre of Erice with a visit to the main cultural sites; demonstration of local crafts (ceramic pottery, weaving of Erice rugs); tasting of convent sweets in a historic pastry shop
• Transfer through the hills and rural landscapes of Misiliscemi to the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve
• Lunch and visit to the Salt Museum
• Walking tour of the fishing port of Trapani and visit to the historic centre
• Dinner and overnight stay

Group C:

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Gibellina, Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2026
• Visit to Cretto di Burri, a rare example of Land Art in Italy. Guided visits to the Museum of Contemporary Art  – MAC and the Orestiadi Foundation – the Museum of Mediterranean Weaves
• Traditional lunch at the Orestiadi Winery
• Transfer to Salemi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 4

Group A:

• Breakfast
• Transfer to San Vito Lo Capo and boat trip
• Afternoon transfer to Buseto Palizzolo and walking tour of the Bosco Scorace
• Dinner with typical local busiate pasta
• Overnight stay

Group B:

• Breakfast
• Morning in Custonaci: guided tour of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Custonaci and the Mangiapane cave
• Light lunch based on typical products in a natural setting
• Afternoon in Valderice: visit to the Antico Molino for a cooking class with the preparation of cassatelle di ricotta or cassata siciliana and a final sweet wine tasting
• Dinner and overnight stay

Group C:

• Breakfast
• Mazara del Vallo: visit to the Satiro Museum and a walk through the Casbah
• Lunch in a Tunisian house with a couscous tasting
• In the afternoon, wine and oil tasting at the Strade del Vino and cooking lesson with traditional Sicilian recipes followed by dinner with the dishes prepared during the workshop
• Overnight stay

Day 5

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight
• End of our services

* The scheduled activities may be subject to change

Salerno is a crossroads that appeals for its beauty, culture and history said tourism councillor Alessandro Ferrara at the recent Mediterranean Tourism Exchange in Naples.

“Tourism can be a fundamental driving force for development”

Salerno has a wide range of tourist attractions and an exceptional blend of history, art, culture, good food and wines, as well as warm hospitality.  Adding to which there is the airport, maritime station and high-speed railway making the city easily reached from anywhere in Italy and the world. It is also in a truly privileged position close to the Amalfi Coast, Paestum and Pompeii. “The city of Salerno and the whole of the Campania region are increasingly well-known tourist destinations worldwide,- said Alessandro Ferrara. – But we still have to grow, and tourism can be a fundamental driving force for development.” 

What is the profile of the typical tourist who chooses Salerno?

There isn't a specific profile of the tourist who visits our city. We welcome tourists from Italy, Europe, the Americas and Asia and generally we have more foreign visitors than Italians. As well as visiting Salerno, the city is also chosen as a base for excursions to the two the Amalfi Coast and the splendid Cilento.  

Was 2024 a good year for tourism, and what markets are you looking at? 

“In addition to our natural beauty, a major boost is provided by our infrastructure system. Since it opened the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport has posted numbers that have gone well beyond even the rosiest  forecasts. In addition to this, the new underground railway is under construction, as well as high-speed rail and road and sea links. All this in an area of incomparable natural beauty, with a vast wealth of historical, cultural, landscape, architectural and food and wine heritage, which makes us optimistic for further growth in the future.”  Yes, we are looking at international markets, first and foremost the European market. But we are also working with American and Asian markets, and various contacts are also underway with China and areas of the Middle East. 

How much does organized tourism contribute?

It represents a fundamental segment in various aspects.  With a lot of coaches arriving in the city at weekends and then there are the cruise passengers, who are organised in groups with guides. There are some tour operators in Rome that include a guided tour of Salerno in their packages, and the travel by train. In addition to heritage tourism, there is also the promotion of the city based on word of mouth, which plays a significant role – and it is free of charge.

Italy is universally recognized as one of the world's richest nations in terms of cultural heritage. With 62 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it holds the global record for the highest number of locations of exceptional historical, artistic, and archaeological significance.

BonusFinder Italia, the online casino comparison platform, conducted an in-depth analysis to identify the most culturally rich regions of Italy, basing the ranking on four key factors: the number of museums, theaters, archaeological sites and universities.

Topping the list is Lazio which has 94 museums, 95 universities, 157 theaters, and 20 archaeological sites, and stands out for its extraordinary artistic and academic landscape. Second is Tuscany, the heart of the Renaissance, with 70 universities and 8 archaeological sites, and Campania takes third place with showstoppers such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. 

At the lower end of the ranking, Friuli-Venezia Giulia lands in 18th place, with gems like Miramare Castle. Molise, which is 19th, has Campobasso and Isernia serving as cultural hubs, and the Valle d’Aosta rounds out the list, boasting medieval castles, the Roman ruins of Aosta, and the iconic Fort Bard.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor