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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

Over 150,000 passengers chose four Italian airports this summer with a load factor exceeding 80%.

The two major stopover airports were Dubai and New York

In June and July flights to and from the four gateways served - Rome, Venice, Milan and Bologna – gave Emirates a load factor that exceeded 80% according to data released by the Dubai-based airline on the occasion of World Tourism Day.  The carrier operated over 600 flights with a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s through the four Italian airports. The two main international airports for stopovers were Dubai and New York, although they were not necessarily the final destinations. In fact, beyond these two major hubs, passengers departing from Italy continued their journey to destinations such as Denpasar, Tokyo, Bangkok and Malè.

Arriving passengers stayed almost 17 days 

Considering the 150,000 bookings of the peak period, Emirates' data revealed an interesting trend: as many as 59% of travellers chose to travel alone. This figure underlines a growing trend towards individual tourism and highlights the growing number of business travellers. In contrast, sone 5,900 bookings were made for group travel with three or more people. Passengers arriving in Italy stayed for almost 17 days and spent an average of €1,700 for the flight. Inbound passengers were from Australia, Dubai and New York.

“A summer load factor of 80.9%”

“Italian tourism has experienced an exceptional year – says Flavio Ghiringhelli, Emirates Italy country manager. - Emirates, with a load factor of 80.9% during the summer, consolidated its position as leader in the air sector. Thanks to top quality products and services, unrivalled connectivity and a strong commitment to the Italy, Emirates has contributed significantly to the growth of Italian tourism this summer.”  

Tirolo, a small village on the hillside just above the city of Merano, is a perfect choice for autumn walks and enjoying nature. 

Trails to suit all levels and tastes

The network of trails that start from Tirolo cater for every type of walker, from the slow-pace enthusiast to trained amateurs and pros.  From the centre of the village, a series of easy trails cut across the hillside. Walkers will also want to explore the Apple, the Wine Trail, the Cultural Trail and the Panoramic Trail. These can be walked all year round, but in autumn they have a very special charm, with the colours of the vegetation ranging from golden yellow and orange to red and brown, with dashes of bright green. 

A trail for wine enthusiasts

The Wine Trail winds its way through vineyards and pleasant cultivated hillsides, and along the way, there are interactive stations. The sun-exposed hills and mild climate make Tirolo an ideal area for cultivating Lagrein or Schiava vines as well as other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Sylvaner and Merlot. Tirolo is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in South Tyrol and was known as far back as Roman times.

A trail that avoids motorized traffic

The Apple Trail is an undemanding walk through the apple orchards of Tirol, and here, too, the trail is dotted with interesting educational stations,  The third trail, the Falkner Promenade, is dedicated to Hans Norman Falkner (1906-1988) who financed a promenade leading directly from the village to Castle Tyrol and avoiding all motorized traffic. 

A cable-car to 1,800 metres asl

Other interesting routes are the Cultural Trail and the Panoramic Path a pleasant two-hour walk with panoramic views of the spa town of Merano.
The village of Tirolo is located at the foot of the Texel Group Nature Park and a cable car carries visitors up to 1,800 metres asl. 

For information: www.dorf-tirol.it

Some 320,000 visitors visited the the Frasassi Caves in the Marche region from January to the end of August, with over 250,000 arriving from June to August.  

The Caves are now 100% managed by Genga

The Caves also offer the possibility of discovering the town of Genga, the San Vittore Museums and numerous art sites in the area. The recent establishment of the new Grotte di Frasassi S.r.l., which is wholly owned by public capital, is the new company resulting from the transformation of Consorzio Frasassi, and now sees the municipality of Genga holding 100% of the shares.

“A more timely and dynamic management of the Caves”

Leading the new company is Lorenzo Burzacca, former vice-president of Consorzio Frasassi, who was appointed by Marco Filipponi, the mayor of the municipality of Genga. “I am delighted by this important milestone,- says Lorenzo Burzacca. -The assembly of Consorzio Frasassi agreed to the formation of the new Grotte di Frasassi S.r.l., with a shareholding entirely held by the Municipality of Genga. Today marks the start of a new chapter that will allow a more timely and dynamic management of the Frasassi Caves, the aim being to guarantee a continuous adjustment to tourist needs, while at the same time raising the level of the services available.”  

A popular location for religious tourism 

With a view to the upcoming 2025 Jubilee year the Frasassi Caves are also at the forefront of religious tourism. The area is also known for its sacred dimension and is one of the natural stops along the itinerary from Loreto to Assisi, the pilgrimage road that connected Rome to the Sanctuary of the Holy House in Loreto in the Middle Ages. Thanks to the presence in the area of numerous evocative churches and hermitages like the Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary, the Santa Maria Infra Saxa Hermitage and San Vittore alle Chiuse Romanesque Abbey, while waiting for UNESCO World Heritage status, the Frasassi Caves will be offering pilgrims itineraries of faith and numerous events and initiatives during the Jubilee year.