The Begin Hotels recently celebrated its10th anniversary at the SeeBay Hotel in Portonovo.

A warm welcome and quality service

To mark the occasion Guido Guidi, CEO and founder of the group, reflected on his idea of hospitality, and shared the group's future vision at the event which was attended by the president of the Marche Region, Francesco Acquaroli. It all stems from Guidi’s childhood dream: to own a hotel. And his hotel collection is unique, each property with its own soul and a deep bond with the territory. At the heart of the project is the idea of a “familiar professionalism,” which Guidi describes as the blend of a warm welcome and quality service: a delicate balance between empathy and competence, which allows for authentic experiences.

The group has 10 hotels and over employees 300

Guidi has impressive numbers to quote: 10 hotels, more than 300 employees and an annual turnover of €20 million. And he underscored how real success does not lie only in numbers, but above all in the people who make up the group, and in the daily passion and shared values that inspire every choice. Which is how he got the name The Begin, because every stay, every opening, every challenge is always a new beginning.

The story of the Begin Group

The group's story began in Ancona with the SeePort Hotel, a building in romantic-industrial style that marked the beginning of the journey. Shortly after came the SeeBay Hotel in Portonovo, in the Monte Conero nature reserve. The growth then continued with the expansion towards Trieste, where the group now has three hotels: the Continentale Hotel, the Palace Suite, and the Modernist Hotel, which brings a touch of urban style to the collection. In the Salento region, The Begin Hotels has the Giardino dei Pini, and it has renovated and renamed the historic Ferrara hotel, now the Casa d'Este Hotel which is in the heart of the city, opposite the Estense Castle. In June 2025, the collection also extended to the Dolomites with the opening of the Hotel Sayonara.

What lies ahead

But the journey does not stop here. In the coming months, the first 5-star The Begin is scheduled to open in the heart of the historic centre of Catania, an ambitious project that boosts the group's presence in the luxury segment. Guidi comments that all this was possible thanks to people who believe in a common project and are stirred by the same passion. This sharing of vision, values and daily commitment is the true spirit of The Begin Hotels.

The medieval village of Genga, in Italy’s Marche region, where nature and history meet.

Genga: a journey through time and nature

The town of Genga is the gateway to one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Frasassi Caves, but this charming town, celebrated as the birthplace of Pope Leo XII, who guided the Church in the early 19th century, is far more than an entrance to an underground world. With its rich history, spiritual heritage, and beautiful landscapes, Genga offers visitors a journey through time and nature. 

A cave taller than Milan’s cathedral

Grotta Grande del vento - Frasassi Caves

The Frasassi Caves, discovered in 1971, extend for over 30 kilometers, allowing visitors to explore vast caverns like the Grotta Grande del Vento, which is taller than Milan’s cathedral, and admire stalactite and stalagmite formations that have been sculpted by nature. The cave complex has extensive walkways that guide visitors safely through the vast chambers. Expertly designed lighting highlights the caves’ natural formations, creating a striking visual experience while ensuring safety along the path and there are there are nearby restaurants that offer a range of traditional Marche cuisine and local specialities.

A cradle of art, wilderness and timeless beauty

Valadier Temple - Frasassi Caves

Above ground history unfolds in Genga’s perfectly preserved historic center, and in the neoclassical Valadier Temple and the Hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa, as well as in the Romanesque Abbey of San Vittore. Genga, which is set within the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Nature Park. Genga also invites visitors to explore its environs on foot or by bike and to delight in the area’s wilderness, art, and timeless beauty.

The wonders of the Frasassi Caves

The Frasassi Caves, just six kilometres from Genga, stretch for some 30 to 40 kilometres underground and are among Europe’s greatest karst systems. A 1.5-kilometre guided visitor route reveals vast caverns and the caves keep to a constant 14 °C, creating a surreal year-round experience. In 2023 they drew a record 298,000 visitors, while the wider Frasassi area, with the Tempio del Valadier and the museums of Genga and San Vittore, welcomed 435,200 visitors. 

Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Lazio, the island of Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands archipelago. 

A satisfying summer season

Famous for its crystal-clear waters, sheer cliffs and striking natural inlets, Ponza has always been a popular destination for those seeking a perfect blend of beauty, history and authenticity. With its Mediterranean charm, the island succeeds in combining maritime traditions with ancient and genuine experiences, offering visitors a warm welcome and time that goes beyond the classic seaside holiday. “Tourist numbers on the island this year are very encouraging, - says Mayor Francesco Ambrosino. -We recorded a significant increase from May to August, with +18% in May and smaller but still positive increases of around +5% in the other summer months. We are satisfied with this trend.” Tourism is the island’s main economic activity “Ponza has enormous potential not only for its beautiful landscapes, but also for its particular geological conformation. In fact many geologists consider it a true living laboratory,” says the mayor.

Environmental protection and the management of protected areas

Since taking office the municipal administration has placed great emphasis on protecting the territory. “We have given the utmost importance to safeguarding the island's natural riches,- Ambrosino explains. -An important step in this direction was the activation of a memorandum of understanding with the Lazio Region, which allows the municipality to directly manage the marine protected areas around Ponza, Palmarola and Zannone - the latter part of the Circeo National Park. An agreement was also reached with the University of Tuscia’s Faculty of Marine Biology to develop concrete initiatives in favour of environmental protection and the enhancement of marine ecosystems.

An island outside the box

But Ponza is not just seaside tourism. It is a place to be lived as an authentic experience. “Those who come here must experience it not as a simple holiday, but as a journey to an unspoiled place, far from the mainland. We are not a typical island, we are about 40 miles, or 80 kilometres, from the coast, and this isolation has helped to preserve our identity. There have been no major investments by outside operators or invasive forms of urbanization. Guests really appreciate the local lifestyle and the industriousness of the residents. We still have an active fishing fleet and a a way of life that is reminiscent of decades ago." Indeed, Ponza is a rare example of an ideal balance between development and conservation. 

VisiTuscia 2024, the tourism and food & wine exchange of the Tuscia Viterbo area, will be held from 21 to 23 November. Part of Expo Tuscia, and organized by the CAT Technical Assistance Centre, this year the focus of the event will be on religious tourism in anticipation of the Jubilee Year 2025.

“Ours is a legal association and it is constantly growing,- says president Vincenzo Peparello. -We are expanding our project through the inclusion of enterprises spanning hotels to non-hotels and from farmhouse stays to the agricultural and food production sector.” A commercial promotional platform in English and Italian, aimed at both the individual tourist and foreign markets will soon be launched. “The platform will have a reserved area for professional operators; without engaging in intermediary activities we will offer a full range of innovative services to make the territory and businesses more competitive.” 

“We will engage with other networks and platforms targeting both individual and professional audiences,- continues Peparello,  -Our DMO covers territorial areas such as the Tuscia, Maremma, the coast and the Tiber valley. Our efforts will not only focus on domestic tourism but also on achieving broader successes aimed at directing visitor flows into Lazio.”

In this scenario, VisiTuscia is an effective tool for the strategic objectives also included in the Lazio Region's tourism development plans, such as redistributing flows, reducing seasonality, and increasing the number of visitors staying in the area. This will be strategic and fundamental in the Lazio Region’s soon to be launched three-year tourism plan.

Expo Tuscia is one of the few DMO's in Lazio that covers different types of clusters with alternative and complementary products, as well as niche offers linked to its culture, traditions and food and wine, says Director Francesco Comotti. “The Consortium promotes dialogue and interaction among local entities, also thanks to its public and private partnership, implementing actions to share the strategic lines of development between the various stakeholders, with a growing focus on the quality of life of a destination, its excellence, sustainability, rural charm, and well-being. The 2024 edition is further enhanced by the collaboration of key business networks within the DMO.”

Fiuggi in the Ciociaria area of the Lazio region is putting itself on the map as a new example of urban and environmental decorum. 

“We are boosting Fiuggi brand’s presence on global markets”

“Since 2018, despite the Covid pandemic, we have been working to create new facilities like the Palazzo dei Congressi and redevelop others that already existed,- says Fiuggi’s mayor Alioska Baccarini. -The Palazzo dei Congressi congress and convention centre was completed last year and is an opportunity to re-launch and occupy space in the MICE market, an area in which in the past we have always struggled as we lacked adequate facilities. The Palazzo dei Congressi is an event venue that brings together our historic and unique Fonte di Bonifacio Vlll thermal spring which is of major artistic and natural importance for the curative properties of its waters. The Acqua e Terme Fiuggi company has recently come under the management of the international group LMDV Capital, marking a significant step forward in boosting the Fiuggi brand’s presence on global markets.

New public facilities and a G7 meeting

Another feather in the Ciociaria’s region’s cap is Palazzo Fiuggi. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, this high-level luxury and wellness medical retreat on some 6,000 sqm can boast state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies and offers a range of personalized wellness programmes based on the famous Fiuggi mineral waters, which are known for their purifying and healing properties. “This facility gives us a very strong image as it bears the name of our town. We have also opened a public medical spa in partnership with 3-stars and lower categories that do not have this kind of service. In addition, Fiuggi will host the G7 2024 foreign ministers‘ meeting scheduled for 25 and 26 November.” 

Brera Boutique Suites are exclusive accommodations equipped with every comfort in Milan’s Brera district. 

All the apartments have fully equipped kitchens

Brera Boutique Apartments offers a selection of elegant accommodations combining modern amenities with comfort. Each apartment features a private entrance, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and soundproof walls. Offering the privacy and discretion that only an apartment can provide, there are King (sleeps 3), and Studio (2 beds) apartments as well as King Studio Suites on 43 sqm and Junior Suites that can sleep up to four.

Located in Milan’s artists’ district

Brera Boutique Suites is located in the picturesque Brera district, also known as Milan’s artists’ quarter. With its timeless charm, it is considered one of the most enchanting areas of Milan and  has many bars and restaurants.

Weekly cleaning services

Guests can check in independently using a personalized code, or they can be welcomed by staff, who are available on-site every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., ready to assist with any needs. Daily services are not provided, but weekly cleaning and towel changes every 3-4 nights are included, and additional cleaning services are available on request. For information: https://www.breraboutique.com

Sicily & Italy by Experts is a DMC offering luxury concierge services.    

Post-Covid the programming offered all of Italy

"We were founded in Sicily with a particular focus on my land, and with the main aim of creating real experiences and relationships between colleagues, suppliers and travellers. Following many requests from partner agencies that have been following us for more than 25 years, we then took advantage of the Covid break to widen our offer to all of Italy, thanks to many colleagues who share our same philosophy of tourism,”  says Angela Macaluso who founded the company with Giacomo Passalacqua. 

Luxury concierge services 

In each region Sicily & Italy by Experts has its own representative: “A true luxury concierge at our customers' disposal, who follows them from the moment they land in Italy until the moment they leave. This service is particularly appreciated by American travel advisors, who account for around 90% of our core business. Equally well appreciated is our product, designed to bring together the offer of small DMC's, professional guides and boutique hotels, to create special, unique and exclusive itineraries.” 

Experiences, experiences, experiences. This is what people are looking for in Italy. 

Experiences are a top seller

"People no longer want to be just visitors, to sit and watch as if they were at the cinema, they want to be part of the film,” says Michela Trevisan, a founder of Missing Italia, the incoming operator based in the province of Padua,. “In a nutshell, they want experiences, like meeting a family and eating together, or learning how to make pasta. But the experience can also be organizing a bicycle trip in the hills, in the mountains or elsewhere. In short, it is no longer just about cooking classes. We have to be ready for new opportunities.”

English and French-speaking markets

Founded in 2004 by five partners Missing Italia has grown while remaining faithful to its mission which is as an inbound operator.

"Our reference markets are France for organized and group travel. Then there is the entire English-speaking world, in particular the United States, with a bit of the Far East thrown in, these areas are more interested in individual trips and small groups. We strive to take care of every detail and be available 24/7 seven days a week.”

“We strongly believe in the future of inbound tourism”

After Covid the demand has grown exponentially, adds Trevisan. “In fact, almost too fast because public administrations are not always fully cooperative with tourism providers. And then, of course, prices have risen,  sometimes even excessively compared to the level of services that have not always risen accordingly. We strongly believe in the future of inbound tourism.”