At the LVTAF Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, we interviewed industry experts who highlighted Italy's growing popularity among American tourists and future trends in U.S.-Italy tourism.
“We want to establish an initial connection with this market”
Claudio PaolettiClaudio Paoletti of Master Group Italy told us he had great expectations for the show. “I can't wait to get started! I think it will be a very interesting and valuable event for us. We want to establish an initial connection with this market. We know which Italian destinations are in high demand here, and we are fully prepared. I am confident it will be a fantastic event, bringing us great results and future opportunities.”
Which other markets are important for you, and which are your top priorities?
“At the moment South America is a key market for us. We are also focusing on boosting our presence in the DAC region—Germany, Switzerland, and Austria—as well as parts of Northern Europe. We also have important clients in Eastern Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. And of course we are consolidating our position in the U.S. market, where we already have a valuable client base, and we are looking to expand even further.”
What are the main products you are introducing or selling in the U.S. market?
“Italy’s art cities are undoubtedly among our top-selling products, along with our touring experiences. Destinations with strong artistic and cultural appeal such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples are always in high demand, and of course the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre remain must-sees for American visitors.”
“Italy is Italy, its culture is unique"
Kerri Kirshner and Eddie QuinteroWe then spoke to Kerri Kirshner and Eddie Quintero of Extra Mile Travels, Bothell, Wa and asked them how well they know Italy. “I think I've been there at least ten or fifteen times. The first time was in 1990. I love Italy, it has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. A few years ago we stayed in Padua and did day trips to Bologna, Ferrara, and Verona the city of love. Italy is Italy, its culture is unique."
And what do you think about the presence of ItaliAbsolutely at Las Vegas?
"This is our second time here, and thank you for being here. We’re sure we’ll learn a lot from you. Italy is in my heart. As a travel advisor I can say that more than 50% of my clients always ask about Italy. And this year, with the Jubilee, I recommend that those who want to visit this year to wait and go next year."
Beth Slifrski
We then asked Beth Slifrski of Cruise Planners Santa Barbara, Ca how many times she had been to Italy?
"I’d say at least five or six times. I’ve been to Sardinia, and to Puglia. Not many Americans know these regions well. I think Sardinia is probably my number one spot. And then I’d say the Amalfi Coast, second. But the real problem is that every place in Italy is so beautiful, it’s hard to pick!"
"Where do your clients go in Italy and what do you think about the future of US tourism in Italy?"
“My clients tend to do the classic routes: Rome, Florence, Venice, but in recent years I’ve noticed a growing interest in Sicily, but I’m also seeing more interest in other destinations- continued Beth. -I think Italy is going to keep growing. It has become the number one destination, maybe even surpassing France in terms of tourism. This year, with the Jubilee, tourism will definitely increase even more. Americans are just beginning to discover everything Italy has to offer, and there’s so much to see!"
“I am trying to push Sicily”
Melanie Rodriguez
Melanie Rodriguez of Life is Better Traveling, Leesburg, Va told us she sends a lot of clients to Italy but has still not been there herself. “I have clients who've been asking to ski in Italy for years, and I think it could be the location for them.
My clients tend to like three-city destinations starting in Florence, going down to Rome and ending in Naples and on to the Amalfi Coast. But I really am trying to push Sicily and some other unique destinations. Everyone does the three-city tour, I want to give them other choices.” 
Ligia Hofnar
Ligia Hofnar, Marketing Manager of Italiabsolutely, at the Italiabsolutely booth at the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum.
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The participation at the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum of Travel Open Day Srl, the company that owns the ItaliAbsolutely brand, was possible thanks to the contribution of €15,240 for each fair received from the Lazio Region through the Voucher Internazionalizzazione PMI 2025, an initiative of the Regional Programme ERDF Lazio 2021-2027 which supports the participation of regional SMEs at international trade fairs, allowing them to expand access to foreign markets and promote their internationalization processes. With this participation Travel Open Day Srl promoted its publications and Italian excellence through direct interaction with over 1,000 thousand foreign travel agents.
