For the first time World Travel Market is spotlighting Regenerative Tourism at its Sustainability Summit on November 6, 2024, in Excel London. Led by sustainability advisor Tina O’Dwyer, the three-hour event will explore travel as a force for good, aligning with the broader TravelPower theme.

Travel can strengthen communities, economies, and ecosystems

Tina will open the summit, discussing how travel can strengthen communities, economies, and ecosystems. Keynote speaker Anna Pollock will present Uncovering the Regenerative Tourism Paradig” (1:45-2:15 PM), followed by Elke Dens, who will share insights on transformational tourism campaigns (2:15-2:40 PM). Orla Carroll from Fáilte Ireland will discuss practical applications of regenerative tourism principles (2:40-3:05 PM), while Debbie Clarke and panellist Asta Sigurjonsdottir will focus on creating tangible regenerative experiences. Rob Holmes and Anne Kawalerski will provide strategies for effectively communicating sustainable initiatives.

The Future of Regenerative Tourism

The summit will conclude with Tina’s talk on The Future of Regenerative Tourism (4:45-5:00 PM). Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director of World Travel Market London, stated that the Sustainability Track is a vibrant space for collaboration and innovative solutions in regenerative tourism. 

For information: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html

After a complete two-year renovation on a former Nh Collection hotel, the Tivoli brand’s second property in Italy has opened in Florence. 

A new look for an aristocratic building

The two historic buildings belonging to the Florentine aristocratic Gaddi and Arrighetti families, the former Nh Collecton Palazzo Gaddi, have frescoed rooms with paintings and objets d'art, many dating back to the 16th century. The palace, an expression of typical Florentine architecture, has recently been renovated by two internationally renowned interior designers, Patrizia Quartero and Guy Oliver, who have preserved the character and noble spirit of its Renaissance history.

Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi has 86 rooms, including eight suites. The restaurant, helmed by Executive Michelin-star chef Iside de Cesare, together with resident chef Salvatore Canargiu, the Terrae Restaurant promises a gastronomic journey through Tuscan and Italian cuisine, bringing fresh, local and seasonal produce to the centre of the dining experience.  The Aria rooftop bar is the spot to enjoy sunsets and views of the city and the cathedral. Iside de Cesare’s menu offers pre-dinner aperitifs inspired by Florence’s gardens and gastronomic delights. The lobby houses the Milton bar, named in honour of one of Palazzo Gaddi's most illustrious guests, the poet John Milton, who was inspired to write his Paradise Lost during  his stay here in 1638.

Close to Florence’s main attractions

Located in the heart of Florence, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi is close to the city’s major cultural attractions including the cathedral, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Medici Chapel and the San Lorenzo market. The hotel is also a few minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella train station and a 20-minute drive from Amerigo Vespucci Airport.

The route will be served four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Both Rome and Milan services

The new Rome service joins the flights to Milan Malpensa, and it will take off from Muscat at 15.00 and arrive in Fiumicino at 19.30, while the return flight will depart Rome at 20.30 and arrive in Oman at 05.45.

“Rome is a perfect addition to our network”

“Our new direct flights to Rome represent an exciting step in our transformation,” commented Oman Air's CEO, Con Korfiatis. “As our second destination in Italy, this key route not only enhances our European offering, but also marks the beginning of our strategy to maximise the utilisation of our narrow body fleet. Rome, one of the most visited cities in the world, is a perfect addition to our network.” 

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on long-haul

The Omani airline is also pushing ahead with fleet renewal: on long-haul routes by early next year, the carrier will operate exclusively with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners while for medium-haul routes, it will switch to a fleet of B737 Max 8s by mid-2026, after retiring the 737-800s.

Ninfa, a beautiful and romantic garden, just over an hour south-east of Rome, has been called the most beautiful and romantic garden in the world by the New York Times.

In the province of Latina not far from Rome

The name Ninfa (nymph) comes from an ancient Roman temple that was dedicated to the nymphs that were the goddesses of water.  This oasis was created by the Caetani family on the ruins of the medieval city of the same name and it is in a beautiful position, at the foot of the Lepini Mountains in the province of Latina in the Lazio region.

The garden is a WWF Oasis and a natural monument

Every year from March to November, but only on certain days of the year (check on the website at the bottom of this article) so as to preserve the delicate environmental balance, guided tours are organized around the gardens.  On 20 acres it has over 1,300 plant species as well as the ruins of a castle and many streams that form a small lake.   In 1976 a WWF Oasis was established to support the flora and fauna, while in 2000 the whole area of Ninfa was declared a natural monument and is visited by over 70,000 tourists a year. We suggest visiting in April and May when the garden is at its most colourful.  

A romantic English-style garden

Down the centuries the ancient town of Ninfa was destroyed and rebuilt several times. In 1298 it was purchased by the Caetani family, and for a hundred years disputed between them and the Borgias. It was only towards the end of the 19th century that the Caetanis finally returned to their possession, reclaiming the marsh lands, planting trees and roses in large numbers, and creating an English style romantic garden. For information; https://www.italia.it/en/lazio/things-to-do/the-garden-of-ninfa

Nestled off the northern coast of Sicily, Salina is a stunning secret hideaway in the Aeolian Archipelago.

There are seven Aeolian islands 

There are seven Aeolian islands and, while its sister islands—Lipari, Stromboli, and Panarea—often steal the spotlight, Salina – which counts less than 3,000 inhabitants, remains a well-kept secret, offering a serene escape from the usual tourist trails. For authentic island experiences with unparalleled culinary delights, Salina is the perfect base for any Aeolian adventure and can be reached by ferry from many Italian ports including Palermo, Messina, Reggio Calabria and Naples. 

Salina’s main port is Santa Marina

Salina’s landscape is dominated by the striking twin peaks of ancient volcanic cones, which have blessed the island with fertile, mineral-rich soil. The island's main port, Santa Marina, welcomes visitors with the quintessential charm of a classic Sicilian town bristling with narrow streets lined with quaint houses, inviting seafood trattorias, and chic aperitif bars. There is also no shortage of charming boutiques, where hand-painted ceramics and artisanal food products reflect the island's rich culture and traditions.

Tranquil villages and black sand beaches 

For those who crave a deeper connection with the island's soul, the tranquil villages of Malfa and Leni offer a peaceful retreat, far removed from the tourist bustle. Here there are hidden black sand beaches awaiting exploration, while the cool interiors of stunning churches provide a welcome respite from the Mediterranean sun. Scenic trails wind through olive groves, leading to breathtaking lookout points that showcase the island's natural beauty. 

Pollara, the quintessence of authentic Sicilian charm

Pollara, a tiny, whitewashed village on the north coast has dramatic cliffs, unspoiled vistas and a small shingle beach, and is a place where time slows down and the simple pleasures of life—stunning views, delicious food, and genuine hospitality—abound. Look no further than Salina: an island paradise that combines natural beauty with authentic Sicilian charm.  

The legendary Alitalia brand has just made a comeback.

After years of nostalgia for a name that accompanied generations of travellers worldwide, ITA Airways has reintroduced the Alitalia logo. It is a soft reintroduction, “Inspired by Alitalia” that, by the end of 2024, ITA Airways says will be part of its brand “at select strategic touchpoints.”  

It feels as good as bumping into an old friend you haven’t seen in quite a while, and while it’s probably nothing more than wishful thinking, one day might we see the name Alitalia soaring high again above the clouds, carried by the winds on a new-generation Boeing or Airbus?

Nothing and no one can stop us dreaming. For now, well done ITA Airways.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

The Val d’Orcia valley is the Tuscany of everyone’s dreams, with medieval castles, rolling landscapes, ancient hill towns and vineyards.

Less than two hours from Florence

Crossed by the river Orcia, from which the valley takes its name, this beautiful region in the south of Tuscany runs through the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, and is less than two hours by car from Florence. The entire area is now protected, having been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. What makes the Val d'Orcia so special is its uncontaminated and beautiful nature, but this is also the land that produces some of Italy’s most famous and excellent wines, like Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso Orcia among other DOCG denominations.

Pienza is the ideal Renaisance city

The beautiful Val d'Orcia is dotted with small hill towns, castles, abbeys, and hamlets, each with its own incredible history. Towns like Pienza, a real gem and known as the Ideal City, it is a Renaissance monument designed by Pius II, the great humanist pope. Then there are Castiglion d'Orcia with its fortress, Abbadia San Salvatore and its ancient Benedictine abbey, hilltop Radicofani which has an imposing watchtower, and Montalcino which is dominated by its 14th-century fortress, After a day visiting museums, ancient castles and abbeys, visitor will want to take time to relax in one of the many thermal towns like Bagno Vignoni or Bagni di San Filippo which are the Val d’Orcia’s natural spas.

Tuscan truffles

A destination for gourmets 

The Val d’Orcia produces some of Italy’s best-loved products such as the fabulous pecorino cheese of Pienza, flavoursome olive oil and excellent wines. But the ancient traditions do not end here, because gourmets can delight in specialties like saffron, mushrooms, truffles, wild game and more, also to be enjoyed by taking the Strada del Vino e Sapori wine and food trail. 

ITA Airways took fourth place in the Best Inflight Food category of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, chosen annually by the readers of USA Today. 

“Our menus are curated by starred Italian chefs”

In the ranking that rewards the ten best-rated carriers for their on-board gastronomic offer, ITA tops the European airlines to occupy the highest position.

“This recognition is further confirmation that we are going in the right direction in offering our passengers a unique and memorable Italian experience every time they fly with us. We work hard to make our passengers feel immersed in Italian culture from the moment they step on board and the in-flight menus are an essential part of this goal” said Andrea Benassi, general manager of ITA Airways. “Our menus are curated by starred Italian chefs, allowing ITA to bring the flavours of Italian cuisine to high altitudes and guarantee customers an authentic experience on all intercontinental flights.”

New Dubai and Bangkok flights in October and November 

2024 is a year of significant growth for ITA Airways: during the summer the company operated flights to 57 destinations, of which 16 domestic, 26 international and 15 intercontinental, while it inaugurated new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Chicago and Toronto in North America, Accra and Dakar, Riyadh and Jeddah. In the coming winter season, ITA will further expand its network with new connections to Asia, introducing new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Dubai from 27 October and to Bangkok from 16 November.