December 17, 2024
The Augustus Hotel & Resort in Forte dei Marmi recently acquired Villa Radici, a historic building set in its own private pine forest.
“A new concept celebrating villa living”
The property will be inaugurated next year and comprise seven suites. For the entire operation, purchase and renovation, the Augustus Group will invest over €15 million.“The season that has just ended exceeded all our expectations, confirming the attractiveness and excellence of our resort,” says managing director Giacomo Maschietto.
“This exceptional performance motivates us to further invest in luxury and the expansion of our facilities. We are therefore particularly excited to present a new concept celebrating villa living”.
“The historical charm of Forte dei Marmi's Art Nouveau style”
The renovation project of Villa Radici will aim at harmonizing the historical charm of Forte dei Marmi's Art Nouveau style with a contemporary, renewed design. In addition to the eponymous property with its three main structures, Villa Pesenti, La Nave and the Augustus Lido hotel (formerly Villa Agnelli), the Tuscan group is also present in Forte dei Marmi with the 57-room Family Hotel Hermitage and nine independent villas. The company closed 2023 with a turnover of €16.4 million and a 40% core earnings margin.
Published in Hospitality
Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia, the Sicilian new entry of the Una Esperienze brand, has recently opened in Siracusa.
A blend of ancient and traditional
Located in the oldest part of the city, it is a 4-star hotel overlooking the small beach of Calarossa and has 21 rooms and suites. Attention to the territory and island style is the common thread that runs through the various rooms, which have typical furnishings, marble floors, and warm and welcoming tones. In the Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia Una Esperienze the breakfast room features an ancient apse dating back to the 4th century AD, a private historic garden and an outdoor terrace for aperitifs and tastings.
“One of the most fascinating locations in Sicily”
“The entry of this new property as an affiliate is a further step in our strategy of growth and consolidation in Sicily, where we are already present with five other properties,- says CEO of Gruppo Una, Giorgio Marchegiani. -We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests a new high-level stay experience, in one of the most fascinating locations in Sicily”
Published in Hospitality
Rimini is to host the 2026 edition of Routes Europe from 18 to 20 May 2026.
Airline, airport and destination stakeholders
The event, announced during Routes World 2024 will be held from 18 to 20 May 2026 and will bring together key stakeholders from airlines, airports and destinations. The event will be hosted by the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Rimini and the San Marino International Airport.
Rimini Airport is a key player for tourism growth
Rimini’s Federico Fellini airport is a key driver of tourism development in the region, with partnerships between 11 airlines serving 16 destinations. The airport is currently being modernized as part of AIRiminum Group's ambitious masterplan to improve its infrastructure, ensuring a safer and more accessible experience for both airlines and passengers.
An important boost for Rimini
“An independent analysis shows that he airports of previous destinations saw their network grow by some 6.9% over their competitors in just three years,- said Steven Small, director of Routes. -Hosting Routes Europe will support Rimini's goal of expanding its air connectivity and strengthening its role in European aviation as well as promoting and developing Rimini as a city at the international forefront,- added Leonardo Corbucci, ceo of AIRiminum 2014 Spa. -We truly believe that Rimini will leave an indelible mark on the participants of the 2026 European Development Forum and will help Airiminum Airport grow even further on all markets.”
“A multi-thematic offer aimed at both leisure and business tourism”
“Routes Europe will be an opportunity to strengthen our position as a leading tourist destination in the global market and to achieve greater internationalization of passengers and tourist flows,- said Andrea Corsini, councillor for mobility and transport, infrastructure, tourism and trade of the Emilia-Romagna Region. - Routes represents a global platform for Emilia-Romagna to develop an integrated policy for our airports….and to promote our multi-thematic offer aimed at both leisure and business tourism, communicating the sustainability and innovation of our key products: Motor Valley, Food Valley, Sport Valley, Adriatic Riviera, Art Cities, Villages, Cycling Tourism, Slow tourism and more.”
Published in MICE & Events
Over 155,000 visitors, with an average of over 1,200 guests per day this summer.
An ecological spa park
These are the figures for the 2024 summer season of Terme Merano, with the Bio Nature Pool, the natural bathing pool, proving to be a real magnet for visitors.
Visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland
The sauna area was also particularly popular, recording a significant 6% increase in visitors over the previous year. Visitors to Terme Merano come mainly from South Tyrol and northern Italy, but also from the rest of Italy as well as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. And from this summer, also from new markets.
“Our concept of sustainable relaxation”
“We are delighted with the positive response, - comments director Adelheid Stifter, -and the great interest shown by visitors. The spa park has once again established itself as a popular summer destination, and this year we were able to welcome many new guests. We are particularly pleased with the growing interest in our Bio Nature Pool, which harmonizes perfectly with our concept of sustainable relaxation.”
Published in Cities & Regions
World Travel Market London (November 5-7, 2024) has today announced the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) as its Premier Partner, showcasing the destination’s dynamic cultural experiences and endless year-round opportunities.
The prestigious partnership will ensure positive global exposure for Greece across WTM’s unrivalled international audience – showing how the country is investing heavily in ensuring it remains one of the top leisure destinations in the world.
WTM London is the perfect platform for Greece to show how its tourism strategy is successfully balancing the benefits of tourism with the needs of local economies and communities while safeguarding the natural and cultural environment. Along with policies to diversify offerings, mitigate seasonality, upgrade education, and foster cooperation with local communities, tools have been introduced for comprehensive and systematic data collection and information flow in tourism.
Greece is addressing sustainability through a multi-faceted approach, with the safeguarding of natural and cultural resources, spotlighting lesser-known destinations, as well as the identity and well-being of local communities, at the heart of all considerations.
As Premier Partner, the GNTO will build on this outstanding progress, thanks to the prime advertising and marketing opportunities with WTM. The exciting partnership will also help the tourist board and 80 of its stakeholders who are exhibiting, further raise its global profile by taking part in the opening ceremony and key press conferences with the international media.
Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director, World Travel Market London, commented: “I am thrilled to announce the Greek National Tourism Organisation as our Premier Partner for 2024. Greece has long been at the forefront of leisure tourism and has participated in World Travel Market for many years, but they never stop innovating.
“The GNTO has carried out a lot of work on sustainability over the past few years which puts it in a strong position to promote Greece as a year-round destination, highlighting some of the beautiful lesser-known places travellers still have to discover. As part of the GNTO’s strategy, investments and partnerships have been forged with a host of private sector organisations, to deliver competitive travel experiences aligned to evolving travel needs.”
Published in MICE & Events
Hilton's Tapestry brand is to open a beachfront property in the Val di Noto in Sicily.
The resort will have 42 rooms, all with sea views
The Terradamari Resort & Spa Marina di Modica, Hilton Tapestry Collection’s new entry in Sicily, is the result of a franchising agreement with the Minardo group. The beachfront property will open under the new brand by the end of the year. Located in the Val di Noto which is studded with little towns and archaeological sites such as the Roman Villa del Casale, A UNESCO heritage site, the hotel will be open all year round and will have 42 rooms with balconies and 360° sea views.
“Sicily got 5 million visitors last year”
“Southern Europe is one of our most active development regions, and our presence in Mediterranean island destinations has continued to grow at a rapid pace in recent years,- says Hilton's senior vice president development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Patrick Fitzgibbon. - Sicily got more than five million tourists last year, attracted by the island’s cultural heritage and varied landscape. We are delighted to bring the Tapestry brand to the island with the new Terradamari.”
Sicilian flavours and the Ciatu Sicilian spa
The Terradamari Resort & Spa Marina di Modica, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will also host an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, the latter adjacent to the garden. To sample the local cuisine, guests will have the Travatura Restaurant, which serves traditional Sicilian dishes with a modern twist, while the menu in the beachside grill will feature locally sourced fish and meat. Those wishing to relax after an excursion or a day of exploring can also indulge in the Ciatu Sicilian spa and fitness area which has six treatment cabins.Published in Hospitality
The five new villas under construction at the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda will open in summer 2025.
Each villa has a private garden with a heated pool
The new properties are located at the top of the hill on which the resort is built, in a natural park overlooking the lake. The villas are already for sale and available in three types of 300, 470 and 550 sqm, and each unit has a private garden with a heated infinity pool.
Access to restaurants, wellness and room service
The villas will be managed entirely by a dedicated Lefay team, and the owners will be able to enjoy the resort's 5-star luxury facilities, relax in the 4,300 sqm spa with pools, saunas and a 24-hour gym. In addition, they will have access to the restaurants, lounges and common areas, as well as have access to the residential concierge and to à la carte services such as wellness treatments, room service, baby-sitting and laundry.
Rentals with a revenue return
The villas will be included in the rental programme, allowing the owners to make their unit available, providing revenue. “Following the success of the residences at the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, the first wellness destination in Italy to offer this kind of facility, we are proud to replicate the model of the serviced branded residences on Lake Garda,” says the Group’s CEO Alcide Leali.
Published in Hospitality
The new boarding area at the international airport of Lamezia Terme in Calabria is already operational for departing passengers.
Record time for a public project
The area of 1,900 sqm consists of a first module with five boarding gates and has been financed with CIS funds of some €200 million for the upgrading of Calabria’s airports. “This is a first important result of what we have to achieve,- said the president of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto, - this is the first module of the new Lamezia airport. We have shown that there can be a change of pace in Calabria. Six months to do a major public work, is a record time in Italy I am very happy that Calabria shows itself to be a region of excellence, in Italy it is always very complicated to do public works fast.” 
A new road system and a cycle path
“This is an important moment for Lamezia airport,- said Sacal’s director Marco Franchini, - and it will be even more so when we have completed the new fire station, work on which will begin shortly. In addition we will also start work on the expansion of Greater Lamezia - this is the goal. Also imminent is the construction of the new road system and also a bike path that will originate from the airport and run to Lake La Vota, thus enhancing this part of the coastline that goes from Lamezia to Gizzeria which is one of the most beautiful in our region.”
Published in Transportation
Sicani Villages, where visitors can experience the wonders of Sicily away from mass tourism.
A region to be savoured also in the autumn months.
The aim of the Sicani Vilages network is that of promoting the island’s appeal in every season of the year. Sicani Villages stretch from the southern coast to the wooded inlands, embracing an area of 29 municipalities under the Sicani Quality Rural District, a vast geographical area between the provinces of Agrigento and Palermo. A region that invites visitors to slowly discover its cultural, artistic, food and wine and natural heritage even in the autumn, when a lot of the magic of summer months can still be savoured.
Relaxing on the beach in the off-months.
Along the Sicana coast, far from mass tourist flows, thanks to the mild temperatures it is still possible to relax on beaches in autumn. And while an excursion to the Scala dei Turchi, the imposing white cliff overlooking the sea on the Agrigento coast, is a must, the same emotion can be experienced by walking to Capo Bianco or Punta Bianca or riding along the kilometre-long beach of the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve.
Culinary workshops and home cooking.
Visitors can then dive into a gastronomic journey with gourmet kiosks, starred restaurants and wineries offering tastings of local wines. Without forgetting the culinary workshops with their home cooking that best express the authenticity of local foods. An autumn visit to the Sicanian coast, one of the most beautiful in Sicily, means exploring the region's food and wines in extraordinary settings.
“Places without people cannot convey emotions.”
“In the Sicanian villages along the coast, visitors come to explore places where memories and traditions still permeate the daily lives of the people who live there,” explains Laura Massoni of Pure Sicily, the project's lead partner. “This lifestyle takes curious visitors beyond places where time seems to stand still, by embracing slow tourism. Our experts are local insiders who bring guests into a centuries-old world. For example in the village of Siculiana visitors can explore the Museum of Trades, a Chiaramontano castle and a restaurant where authentic flavours evoke unforgettable traditions and memories. Because places without people cannot convey emotions.”
Published in On the road
With the arrival of autumn, the Familienhotels Südtirol are renewing their offer of creative and playful activities for young guests that will enchant families.
Nature experiences for all ages
During the winter period, thanks to the Nature Programme that is available throughout the Group's facilities, children will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique experiences, from the creation of ice sculptures to the use of natural materials such as berries and earth as paints in the snow, crowning the holiday with unforgettable memories.
ph credits Miguel Fabbris
Activities and adventures for the whole family
Nestled in the picturesque natural surroundings of South Tyrol, the Familienhotels Südtirol are the ideal place to spend unforgettable family holidays. The modern facilities, with areas designed especially for younger guests, are designed to guarantee moments of relaxation and recreation for the whole family, with no shortage of outdoor activities and adventures for unforgettable experiences of fun, discovery and creativity.
Creative workshops, hiking and nature walks
The Nature Programme includes outdoor activities such as hikes, creative workshops and nature adventures, that sets the South Tyrolean group's hotels apart. Young guests will be able to explore nature in an artistic and playful way, taking part in creative workshops and in walks to learn to recognize animal tracks in the snow, as well as the construction of birdhouses. “The hotels offer not only luxurious surroundings, but also educational programmes designed to stimulate children's curiosity and learning,” says Familienhotels Südtirol’s Nature Programme Coordinator Daniela Klotz. The passion and dedication of the staff guarantee a quality stay for the whole family, with every activity becoming an opportunity for growth and discovery.
Published in Hospitality
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