May 22, 2026
The Palace Resorts Group now has 100% ownership of Baglioni, having previously secured 75% control in November last year.
Palace Resorts looks to expand in Europe
This development signifies the departure of CEO Guido Polito, who led Baglioni for many years and now embarks on a new professional journey. Taking over his role is Massimo Baldo, appointed vice president Europe at Palace Resorts. Expressing gratitude for Polito's leadership, executive vice president of Palace Resorts Gibran Chapur, said, “I would like to thank Guido Polito for his leadership and the great work done in recent years to bring Baglioni Hotels and Resorts to the top of Italian luxury hospitality.” Chapur also extended a warm welcome to Massimo Baldo, citing his extensive knowledge of the European market and expressing confidence in his ability to expand the presence of Palace Resorts in Europe, including the growth of brands like Le Blanc Spa Resort and Baglioni.
Published in Hospitality
Italy boasts an array of splendid national parks and trails of every kind, from North to South, reveals a Holidu.it study.
Holidu.it’s list of Italy’s best national parks
As autumn unfolds, the allure of nature intensifies, showcasing the captivating wonders that make Italy a nature-lover’s paradise. Holidu.it, a prominent booking portal for holiday homes and apartments in Europe, has compiled a list of the top 25 national parks in Italy for 2023, based on the number of trails they have and their popularity.
Stelvio National Park - Ph credits Joseph Vary - Unsplash
Expansive mountainous landscapes and abundant wildlife
Leading the ranking is Stelvio National Park, situated in the Eastern Alps between Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy. It is Italy’s largest national park, featuring expansive mountainous landscapes and abundant wildlife. With an impressive 215 trails and a Google Maps score of 4.8, Stelvio National Park claims the top spot. The Silver Medal goes to the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona, and Campigna, located in the scenic regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. With ancient forests and an untouched natural environment, it boasts 128 trails and a 4.8 rating on Google Maps. The Gran Paradiso National Park, known for its ibex and chamois population, secures the third position with 102 trails and breathtaking alpine landscapes, extending between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta.
Gran Paradiso - Ph credits Ulrich Knoll - Unsplash
Diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity
In fourth place is the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, which can boast diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, and has the highest number of trails for an Italian national park (237). Although slightly penalised by a Google Maps score of 4.7, it remains an exceptional destination. Closing the top 5 is the Sibillini Mountains National Park, spanning Marche and Umbria, which offers a unique blend of mountains and plateaus, with the prominent Monte Vettore as its highest peak and 97 remarkable trails.
Four Italian regions host three National Parks
Four Italian regions, says the Holidu.it study, host three national parks each: Tuscany (Foreste Casentinesi in second place, Tosco-Emiliano in fourth, and Arcipelago Toscano in 23rd), Lazio (Gran Sasso in sixth, shared with Abruzzo and Marche, and the National Park shared with Molise and Abruzzo in seventh), Abruzzo (in addition to the two shared with Lazio, Maiella in tenth), and Sardinia (Orosei and Gennargentu in ninth, La Maddalena in 11th, and Asinara in 20th).
Seven regions boast two National Parks
Seven Italian regions boast two national parks each: Emilia-Romagna (Foreste Casentinesi and Tosco-Emiliano), Piedmont (Gran Paradiso and Val Grande in 17th place), Marche (Monti Sibillini in fifth place and Gran Sasso in sixth), Puglia (Gargano in 13th and Alta Murgia in 19th), Campania (Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni in 14th and Vesuvius in 22nd), Calabria (Pollino in 15th and Aspromonte in 24th), and Basilicata (Pollino in 15th and the Apennines Lucan at the 25th). And Holidu.it also reports that a further eight regions host a single national park each, with a special mention for the National Park of the Island of Pantelleria in Sicily. For information: https://www.holidu.it/f/agriturismi-italia#migliori-parchi-nazionali
Published in Digital
If you have never tried paragliding before, Lake Iseo may give you one more reason to take the plunge.
Ideal cyclists, families but also for fishing enthusiasts
For this heart-in-the-mouth experience you choose from several take-off points, such as Sarnico, Monte Bronzone or the San Fermo hills, and decide to land on the shores of Lake Iseo. The lake is halfway between Bergamo and Brescia, and an ideal destination for cyclists and families but also for fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Iseo
Mount Isola seems to float on the water
If you want to drive along the entire shoreline you have to allow about two hours. But it is better to enjoy the view directly from the boats that will take you, in just five minutes, from Sulzano to the jewel of this stretch of water: Mount Isola, a veritable floating mountain that soars 600 metres into the air.
Chasing the footprints of a prehistoric reptile
In 2016, one and a half million visitors had the privilege of reaching Europe's largest lake island from the footbridge designed by Bulgarian artist Christo and christened The Floating Piers. But if you didn't manage to 'walk' on the waters of the Lombardy lake basin on that occasion, you can embark on another adventurous experience: chasing the fossil footprints of the Archosaurs, prehistoric reptiles up to six metres long, on the rocks of the paleontological site of Zone. Also worth a stop is Lovere, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy which is charmingly reflected in Lake Iseo.
Published in Experiences & Tips
The Borletti Group takes over the Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto in Sesto Fiorentino from Elaia s.p.a.
The Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto has 180 rooms
The 4-star hotel is located approximately one kilometre from the Firenze Nord exit of the A1 motorway (E35) and the Amerigo Vespucci airport, as well as seven kilometres from the city's historic centre. With 180 rooms spread over eight floors it also has a restaurant for 170, a bar, nine meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a large private car park.
New hotel openings in Padua and Milan
The Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto is managed on a rental basis by the Amapa group, which operates 19 properties in Italy, four of which are affiliated with Accor's Novotel brand. The same white label company is also planning two new openings in the near future: the 4-star 126-room Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre, and the Tribe Milano Malpensa, another 4-star which will have 240 rooms.
Published in Hospitality
Palazzo Fiuggi’s wellness offerings excel in Italy and around the world as attested by the accolades it has received.
Palazzo Fiuggi is one of the best spas in the world
Named one of the best spas in the world by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2023, as well as best wellness retreat globally, in Europe, and in Italy at the World Spa Awards 2023. This impressive array of awards comes as Palazzo Fiuggi celebrates the third year of its reopening under the auspices of Forte Village.
Rejuvenating wellness programmes
Perched on a picturesque promontory in 20 hectares of ancient parkland, a mere 50 kilometres from Rome, it integrates age-old holistic traditions with cutting-edge Western medicine and a bespoke culinary line crafted by 3-starred Heinz Beck in collaboration with scientific medical director Professor Della Morte Canosci. It is renowned for its wellness programmes that focus on rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul.
Indoor and outdoor pools and a Roman spa area
With 102 suites and a private villa, Palazzo Fiuggi tailors its programmes to each client around four key approaches: longevity, diet and detoxification, regeneration and balance, and medicine and diagnostics. The medical spa on 6,000 sqm encompasses cutting-edge equipment for specialist examinations, wellness treatments, and a distinctive Movement Lab. This thalassotherapy path unfolds through three pools, including heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the Roman spa area with bio saunas, Turkish bath, Kneipp, and a salt room.
Published in Hospitality
Lindberg Hotels & Resorts is focussing on Pesaro which will be Italy’s Capital of Culture next year.
85% of Italians choose to holiday at home
Nardo Filippetti’s group, which has seven 4-star and 5-star hotels in Sicily, Sardinia, Umbria and the Marche, saw an increase in the number of foreign arrivals this summer. “The Adriatic coast had problems linked to the flooding,- says the president of Lindbergh Hotels & Resorts. “- Then, many Italians choose to go abroad which was a problem as some 85% of tourism in Italy is home-generated. And despite hopes for a good August, alas things did not improve.” 
Charlie Urban Pesaro
Lindbergh Hotels & Resorts has hotels in Pesaro, Taormina and Modica
While facing these challenges, Lindbergh Hotels & Resorts reports a positive summer in Taormina and Modica, and a strong performance in Sardinia. The group is now turning its attention to Pesaro, where it has three hotels, including the newly inaugurated Charlie Urban Hotel. Filippetti expresses confidence in Pesaro's potential thanks also to strategic investments in a diverse range of accommodations across different market segments.
“We have over 250 rooms for varied preferences in Pesaro”
“We have invested a lot in Pesaro where we have over 250 rooms to cater to varied preferences. Our goal is to position the destination capitalising on its designation as the Capital of Culture.” Lindbergh collaborates with Inside Marche Live, a partnership that aligns with Lindbergh's broader vision of contributing to the region's promotion by providing quality services and hospitality and promoting the Marche region to Italy and to the world.
Published in Hospitality
Terme di Chianciano, the renowned thermal town in Tuscany between the Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can boast many exciting enhancements.
Customizable thermal poke bowls
The 2023 season at Bistrot del Parco Acqua Santa, nestled within the Chianciano Terme Park, consists of a range of innovative culinary offerings. From delectable breakfast creations by the spa's chefs, to light lunches featuring customizable thermal poke bowls. A healthy choice from the nutritionists at the Terme di Chianciano Institute for Health, and a moment of self-care that complements the Health and Wellness Thermal Paths, fostering an education in holistic and health-conscious lifestyles.
Evening events with music and tastings
With an emphasis on wholesome living the Naturally Fit programme in Tuscany’s thermal town of Terme di Chianciano spans three or six days, promoting improved eating habits, vitality, and natural beauty through proper nutrition and the healing waters of Terme di Chianciano. The Theia Thermal Pools and Terme Sensoriali, the town’s two spas, remain open into the late hours of summer and early autumn evenings up to 10:00 pm. Saturdays bring the continuation of the Bagni di Notte event at Theia Thermal Pools, complete with an aperitif and live music extending until midnight. Special evenings await with the Terme Sensoriali Tasting Night, collaborating with local producers which is planned for 23 September.
Sensorial evenings and musical events
The Terme Sensoriali offers an immersive experience blending taste, culture, and traditions that unveils the richness of the region through the palate while partaking in one of Italy's rarest sensorial journeys—where naturopathy converges with oriental philosophy. These unique sensorial evenings, featuring five producers and their narratives, unfold from 7.30 pm until midnight.
Nestled at the base of Terme di Chianciano, the Acqua Santa Park serves as a haven for those seeking tranquillity, well-being, and relaxation. In addition to hosting mineral water treatments, including Terme di Chianciano’s famed water cure, the park is home to the Sensorial Spa and hosts a medley of cultural, gastronomic, and musical events throughout the season.
Published in Cities & Regions
Autumn in Merano: luxurious well-being with Belvita Leading Wellnesshotels Südtirol
October 27, 2023In the spa town of Merano discover the Belvita Leading Wellnesshotels Südtirol Group, a symbol of hotel excellence in the Italian Alps.
The 5-star Hotel Chalet Mirabell in Avelengo
Belvita Hotel Chalet Mirabell
The group has ten properties where guests can experience the best of autumn in Merano, including outdoor activities, seasonal flavours, and ancient traditions. In the Hotel Chalet Mirabell, a five-star luxury hotel in Avelengo, guests can choose between exclusive rooms with panoramic views, modern Bergvillen with a private swimming pool and sauna, or even a private cabin surrounded by meadows and woods, luxurious in its simplicity and reserved for adults. Autumn is also embraced with yoga retreats, guided llama and alpaca hikes, and evenings of live music.
Belvita Hotel Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Hotel Hohenwart and Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Hotel Hohenwart, in the rolling hills of Scena, is a 4-star wellness resort made up of three interconnected buildings and a house dedicated to well-being that greet guests with quintessential South Tyrolean hospitality. Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier, nestled among the Dolomites of Alto Adige in Val Passiria, guarantees a holiday dedicated to well-being, sport and luxury with wellness and spa areas, horse riding, golf courses and facilities for all outdoor activities.
Belvita Hotel La Maiena Meran Resort
Two properties for lovers of wines and sports
In Tirolo, near Merano, at Spa & Relax Hotel Erika, a modern 5-star hotel, the autumnal pleasures include a Wine Week entailing visits to nearby wineries, tours of local vineyards, and tastings. In Marlengo with a view of Merano, La Maiena Meran Resort delights lovers of outdoor activities with clay tennis courts, excursions, and a cycle path along the Adige which is accessible directly from the resort. Inside, luxury embraces the mind, body, and palate thanks to a spa, five swimming pools, six saunas, gourmet cuisine and weekly wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings.
For information: www.belvita.it
Published in Hospitality
For the CST, Tourist Studies Centre of Florence, the number of foreign visitors in Italy is on the rise, with a 3.6% increase over 2022.
Growth for hotels and non-hotel facilities
The surge in foreign visitors was particularly notable in the hotel sector, which posted a growth of 4.9%, and in non-hotel facilities which saw a 2.2% increase. The great art cities emerged as the preferred destination for international tourists, experiencing a substantial growth of 6.5%. The French, Dutch, US, and Polish markets showed significant growth, while arrivals from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Hungary, Spain, and the United Kingdom also saw slight increases. Stability was observed in tourist numbers from Brazil, Germany, Scandinavia, South Korea, and Israel, while arrivals from India, Austria, China, and Japan declined.
A wide range of products in demand
Although visitors from European countries remained the majority, there were notable variations in the growth of arrivals. The French, especially favoured the Northwest, South, the islands and the Centre, displaying preferences for lakes, mountains, and the art cities. Dutch tourists rose, favouring seaside resorts, lakes, countryside and mountains. For Polish visitors the art cities, rural areas, and mountains were the preferred choice. Belgian tourists leaned towards mountain, seaside, and countryside locations, while visitors from the Czech Republic showed a predominant interest in lakes, the sea, and spa products. Swiss tourists, prevalent in the Northwest, South and the islands, favoured seaside resorts, rural and mountain areas, and spas.
“We have to address challenges like climate change”
Tourists from the United States, making a welcome return to Italy, were reported to be increasing, particularly in the Centre, South, and on the islands. Their choice fell on art cities, rural areas and mountains. Australians, although with a modest impact, predominantly chose the South, the islands, and the Centre, with preferences for art cities, seaside resorts, and lakes. Vittorio Messina, president of the Assoturismo Confesercenti traders confederation, commented, “Foreigners have significantly contributed to Italian tourism this summer. As we continue to showcase our extraordinary appeal worldwide we now have to address long-standing issues such as infrastructure, airfares, and deseasonalization. And also contemporary challenges like climate change and the imbalance between demand and labour supply.”
Published in Business
WTM London 2023, the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, will shine a spotlight on the importance of education in the sector at this year’s Ministers’ Summit.
Transforming tourism through youth and education
The topic for ministers to debate, on 6 November Day One of WTM 2023, from 11:00 - 13:00 on the Elevate Stage, will be Transforming Tourism through Youth and Education, with BBC World News presenter Zeinab Badawi returning to host the discussions among the largest annual global gathering of tourism ministers. For 17 years, tourism leaders from around the world have come together at World Travel Market, in association with the UNWTO and the WTTC to debate policy, strategy, development and investment. Juliette Losardo exhibition director at World Travel Market London, said: “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. Investing in tourism skills and training is now more critical than ever. Ministers at the Summit will explore ways that their tourism and education policies can empower individuals and communities, drive innovation, foster responsible practices and support the resilience and success of our sector.”
Shaping the educational journey in the tourism sector
The UNWTO forecasts continued growth in international tourist arrivals in the coming years, leading to a surge in employment opportunities within the sector. By 2030, tourism could provide employment for more than 300 million people worldwide. According to WTTC, travel and tourism employs a higher proportion of younger workers than other sectors, with figures showing that the sector’s share of youth employment has grown from 6.5% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2021. Ministers will share examples of best practice and examine how international collaboration can be enhanced to promote successful strategies in tourism education around the world. Losardo added: “The Summit will offer a unique platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas and forge innovative solutions that will contribute to shaping the educational journey in the tourism sector.” For information: ww.wtm.com
Published in MICE & Events
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