A positive trend for the colder months: according to a Feries forecast there is a growing interest for autumn and winter in Italy. 

More foreigners in agritourisms and Germany is the top market

The 2023 summer season did not make the record attendance expected at the start of the year, but still saw an increase in foreign tourists (+3% in agritourisms), in the duration of stays in holiday homes (+6% from January to September) and in per capita spending (+9% on average), confirming Italy as a highly attractive destination. The survey was conducted by Feries, the Italian leader in online non-hotel accommodation, through its two portals Agriturismo.it and CaseVacanza.it. Topping the list of foreign markets was Germany, followed by the Netherlands and France. Agritourisms registered longer stays between May and June and in September (+7.6% compared to 2022), highlighting a strong interest in the spring and autumn months.   

The most popular Italian regions

With regard to the most popular Italian regions for out-of-town tourism, Feries users confirm that in the ranking of those who have rented a holiday home, Puglia stands out, followed by Sardinia and Tuscany. For those who chose to stay in an agritourism, the favourite region is Tuscany, followed by Veneto and Lombardy. And special mention for farm holiday stays goes to Umbria and Marche, which are particularly popular with Italians. According to the data collected by Feries, there is an increase in booking requests for the coming months of +7% compared to 2022.

Sicani Villages is a new network of local hospitality players that unites and tells the story of a still unexplored Sicily. 

29 towns between the provinces of Agrigento and Palermo

The new network of Sicani Villages encompasses a region that stretches from the southern coast to the inland woods, embracing an area of 29 municipalities united under the Sicani Quality Rural District, a vast geographical area between the provinces of Agrigento and Palermo.

Small towns and villages suspended in time

The area took its name from the Sicani people, one of the first populations to arrive from the Iberian Peninsula some 4,000 years ago. The area has many natural areas but is also dotted with castles and museums that encapsulate local history and craftsmanship. The small towns and villages are suspended in time, rich in traditions linked to ancient folk rituals and populated by genuine people, just like the products they make and grow there. Simple places, full of contrasts, that can boast many of the region's excellent foods, wines and handicrafts.

Aragona

Agrigento will be Italy’s Capital of Culture 2025

A network with quality accommodation facilities that also focuses on accessibility and sustainability in rethinking the use of these small towns and villages to guarantee travellers an authentic immersion. Agrigento, one of the gateways to the Sicani region, will be the Capital of Culture 2025: a clear testimony of this extraordinary area that is starting to emerge and finally finding its own voice.

The brand new graphic symbol unites the past, present and future of the property.

A restyling, four new suites and a new spa

Castelfalfi Grand Suite

The logo is a circle with the stylised figure of an Etruscan horse, the mythological Pegasus, a symbol of Tuscany and synonymous with solidity and beauty, connected to the earth but, thanks to its wings, stretching towards the sky. Nestled in the countryside between Florence and Pisa, Castelfalfi renews its image with an operation that aims to encapsulate all the characteristics of the resort in a single visual strategy. "Today we are inaugurating a new chapter for Castelfalfi,- says general manager Roberto Protezione. – It is part of the renovation process that began in 2022 and that this year has seen the completion of the restyling of the rooms, the main restaurant Olivina, the introduction of four new suites and the new spa."

The new logo will be used throughout the estate

The new coordinated image will be declined in all the property’s communications tools. Starting from the new website launched in October, to signage inside the property, on the estate and around the village, to the stationery and all the on and offline materials and, from the new vintage wine, to the labels of the wine and olive oil produced at Castelfalfi.

Many ancient convents, monasteries, and towers are now luxury hotels and popular for high-end luxury stays.  

The Fresco Room in an ancient convent turned Relais in Umbria

The Relais Borgo Campello is located in a tranquil and picturesque Spoleto valley, not far from Spoleto in Umbria, in what used to be the Convent of Saints John and Peter.. The Relais has many guestrooms in the former cells once inhabited by monks, including the precious Fresco Room with frescoes dating back to 1342, while there are other rooms in the castle. To unwin there is a spa and for culinary delights the Sapori nel Borgo Restaurant awaits. 

A suite in the chapel of a former monastery in Sicily

An ancient Benedictine monastery nestled in the heart of the Syracuse countryside, just a few kilometers from the sea, has been transformed into an elegant villa with beautiful rooms and suites and views of the golf course. The crown jewel of Borgo di Luce I Monasteri dei Mira Hotels & Resorts is the suite created within a former cult chapel, making it one of the remarkable residences in this extra-urban abode that features 102 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Set amidst 200 hectares of parkland and 20 kilometres from the sea, this is the heart of  Sicilian Baroque.

Former convent and monastery hotels in Emilia

In Emilia, a region known for its castles that rise among the Apennine landscapes, cities of art, and ancient convents, many religious buildings have been converted into unique hotels in Parma, Piacenza, and Reggio Emilia. Explore these hidden gems with Visit Emilia, the Land of the Slow Mix. The former monastery of Fontevivo in Parma, next to the renowned Cistercian abbey, has been transformed into the Relais Fontevivo hotel. Here, you can savour Emilian dishes at the 12 Monaci Restaurant in the ancient Refectory Hall, and stay in rooms once occupied by seminarians, in a peaceful oasis surrounded by nature. 

Bypillow, the Spanish hotel company, has opened its first Italian property, a 3-star in Florence. 

“We are thinking of adding new three to five hotels every year”

Albert Duran and Marc Molas

The young hotel company founded by Albert Duran and Marc Molas recently acquired the former Hotel Goldoni, located in the piazza of the same name, a hotel with more than a century of history. Once renovated, the new Bypillow Goldoni will have 20 rooms and be a 3-star boutique hotel with the official opening planned for the second half of 2024.  

This is only the first step in an ambitious expansion plan for Italy. “We are thinking of adding new three to five hotels every year, much as we did in Spain,” says Molas. We are aiming for the so-called Big 4 cities, but we also do not disdain secondary destinations. As long as they are close to an airport and enjoy international demand.”

“We plan to open a 40-45 room property in Rome”

The objectives are therefore properties with at least twenty rooms, located in the centre of cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice (the Big 4), but also Bologna and Naples. Bypillow has already set up an Italian office and the development team is currently in negotiations for further acquisitions. "We are in the exclusive due diligence stage for a 40-45 room property in Rome," adds Molas.

Expanding in many European countries

The company currently boasts a portfolio of 18 boutique hotels in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Cadiz, Bilbao, Girona, Malaga and Vilanova i la Geltrú. A further six are in the pipeline with contracts already signed and openings scheduled by 2025 (the majority of the properties are managed with long-term leases. Ed.), and group also aims to expand in Portugal, Malta and Greece.

The Garda Trentino area transforms into an even more magical place at Christmas with its many markets.

Christmas decorations in old towns and villages

Between the end of November and to the beginning of January there will be numerous Christmas markets scattered throughout the Garda Trentino area, which transforms into an even more magical place during the winter. The Christmas markets will take place in some of the most beautiful small towns and villages in Italy. In addition to the traditional stalls, old stone stairways, arches, vaults, narrow alleys, and picturesque squares will also be decorated, making these townships even more charming.

Special visits from The Grinch 

The rocky walls of Arco form the backdrop for the splendid Di Gusto in Gusto Christmas market with typical stalls and wooden huts which transforms the historic centre of Riva del Garda into a miniature gastronomic paradise: an invitation to discover the myriad of flavours that this land has to offer. New for 2023: the Grinch House. For the first time, the Bastione of Riva del Garda will be home to the little green creature best known to the world as "the anti-Christmas". The Grinch himself will be present on some days, from 1st December to 7th January, to entertain adults and children in a show filled with Christmas spirit.

Photo Credits: Garda Dolomiti Spa Archive

Complimentary food tastings

From this year guests staying in local accommodation facilities, and who are participating in the festivities, will receive a free drink or a typical dish: an opportunity to the local taste brò brusà, polenta, or one of the many other delectable food and wine options. 

The Markets in detail

25 and 26 November; 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 December 2023

Advent with a medieval charm at Canale di Tenno’s market

18 and 19, 25 and 26 November; 2 and 3, 8, 9 and 10, 16 and 17, 23, 26, 29, 30 and 31 December 2023

A miniature nativity scene at the Christmas market in Rango

From 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024

The Christmas market in Arco with festive treats and musical notes

From 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024

 A gourmet Christmas with the Di Gusto in Gusto market in Riva del Garda

On 2 and 3; 8, 9 and 10; and on 16 and 17 December 2023

Vite di Luce with sparkling Christmas lights in Santa Messere

VRetreats recently officialized its new entry, the Hotel Cervino in the ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt.

The hotel has a golf course and mountain views

The property is part of the poker of new entries announced by the luxury hotel brand of Alpitour in June. After an extensive and recent renovation completed in the autumn of 2021 the property is now a design refuge in harmony with the panorama of the Aosta Valley Alps. In line with the VRetreats philosophy, the hotel connects to the environment with large windows and terraces that create continuity with the outdoors, where there are larch forests, a golf course and the majestic Matterhorn mountain.

The Adara Spa and two pools are for relaxing

The hotel boasts 66 rooms divided into superior and deluxe and ten suites, including four spa suites. Added to the offer is the Santus Lounge Bar, a cocktail bar with a view of the Matterhorn, the Buvette at Buca 9, a rendezvous for golfers who like to enjoy a drink before the game, and the Le Saveur restaurant, which offers traditional Valdostana cuisine with an innovative twist. The hotel also has a 615-square-metre wellness area, the Adara Spa, which is perfect for relaxing after a day spent skiing or hiking, two swimming pools, a gym, a multi-purpose room with the Aosta Valley Alps as a backdrop, and a shop where sports equipment can be hired.

Ticket booking is live for the global travel community secure entry to the 43rd edition of World Travel Market London, the world’s most influential travel & tourism event, which takes place between Monday 6th - Wednesday 8th November 2023 at Excel London.

Organisers are enabling visitors to book tickets well in advance of this year's show and have announced several new and exciting changes showing that the global travel community has the Power to Change travel.

After in-depth customer research carried out late last year, WTM London has announced a host of developments to improve the attendee experience and ensure that every member of the travel community extracts as much value from the event as possible.

This year, WTM London will open its doors earlier than usual – ready to welcome visitors from 09:30 am providing an additional hour for visitors and exhibitors to have spontaneous meetings.

Visitors are invited to make use of the new, open-for-all Community Hubs right in the centre of the show, and attendees can also look forward to an 'everyone's welcome' Networking Party that will take place within ExCel London on its first day, Monday 6th November from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. 

Developments include a new VIP badge to host senior industry leaders and a big-name, inspirational Closing Keynote on Wednesday, 8th November.

WTM Connect Me – the show's meeting booking platform – will return in 2023 and is available for Buyers, VIPs and Media. All attendees will also have access to the official WTM App, which returns this year with exciting new enhancements. 

The conference programme will cover eight themes over three different stages throughout the three-day event. The eight conference themes are Sustainability, Technology, Geo-Economics, Emerging Markets, Consumer Trends, Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Experience and aim to help the global travel community succeed and thrive by informing, entertaining, and influencing their business decisions.

In response to the ever-increasing importance of influencers to the travel and tourism sector, on Wednesday, 8th November, content creators will be invited to a lunch with global destinations to support collaboration and networking opportunities.

In other changes the Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market in Association with UNWTO and WTTC, where dignitaries from around the world gather to discuss and ratify key tourism agreements, will return for its 17th year, and will take place on Day One, Monday 6th November.

The November show is set to launch its first Diversity and Inclusion Summit on Tuesday 7th, supporting WTM's belief that the travel sector has the power to evoke positive change in the world. 

Tickets to the three-day show will be free until 31st October, after which there will be a charge of £45 per person. Organisers are encouraging early booking to ensure visitors take time to plan and maximise their visit.

Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director, WTM London, said:

“We’ve been working behind the scenes to bring some exciting developments to World Travel Market this year. As the travel and tourism sector grows and changes, it’s essential that WTM evolves to guide and support this change; a place for inspiration, for making plans and fixing issues, for diversifying thinking and hardening supply chains – it is our job to ensure the travel sector is equipped for the next chapter.

“Developments you’ll see at WTM this year are entirely reflective of what our attendees are asking for. We’re bolstering the ways you can maximise value from your visit, with more networking, better business opportunities, a refreshed education programme and a host of new partnerships.

“We’re pleased to be opening ticket booking ahead of the summer and are committed to ensuring travel professionals have the best three days possible.’’

Play your part at the world's most influential travel and tourism event. 

Visitor: World Travel Market 2023 | Your details (eventadv.com)

Media: World Travel Market 2023 | Your details (eventadv.com)

The organisers of WTM London 2023 – the world’s most influential travel & tourism event – are celebrating World Tourism Day by shining a spotlight on sustainability in the sector.

World Tourism Day is an annual UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) initiative to highlight ways the sector can help countries make progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals – the UN roadmap for a better world by 2030.

This year, World Tourism Day (September 27) has the theme of “Tourism and green investment”, with an emphasis on investing in three key areas: education, sustainable infrastructure and technology.

To highlight the importance of sustainability in tourism, WTM London has announced details of its sustainability sessions across all three days, which will include the Sustainability Summit on Day Three.

The first Summit session is entitled ‘Where Next? Reimagining Tourism in a Constantly Changing Climate’. The debate will ask questions such as “What should good tourism look like as the climate and biodiversity crises keep getting worse?”; “How can we keep selling holidays and avoid greenwash?” and “Do we need to tell a new story?”

The discussion will be moderated by Jeremy Smith, who co-founded Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency in 2020 – the first grassroots global initiative that brings together tourism destinations and businesses to work together on climate action.

Other sessions during the Summit will ask how the tourism sector can provide more sustainable holidays and explore greener transport options in Europe, such as rail travel.

Experts leading these debates will include Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor; Ruth Wright, Euronews Travel Managing Editor; Carlos Abade, Chairman, VisitPortugal; Martin Brackenbury, Advisor to UNWTO; Sacha Dench, CEO & Ambassador for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species; and Vincent Nijs, Chief Strategist, Visit Flanders.

Speakers at the green transport session will be Paloma Zapata, CEO at Sustainable Travel International, Björn Bender, CEO at Rail Europe and José Ramón Bauzá Díaz, Committee of Transport and Tourism, European Parliament.

Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said:

“Sustainability is the cornerstone of tourism development. Investing in sustainable infrastructure and green policies across our sector is now more critical than ever.

“Some of the extreme weather events we’ve seen this year, such as wildfires and destructive storms, highlight the urgency for action to limit emissions and to integrate sustainable and responsible measures at every stage of tourism development projects.

“Sustainability is one of the key tracks for our agenda at WTM London 2023, which means there will be several sessions throughout each day, culminating in the Summit on Day Three.

“Travel has the power to change the world and through our influential debates with leading experts, our delegates will understand how they have the power to change travel.”

This year’s conversation at the Sustainability Summit will align with the overall World Travel Market campaign around the Power to Change, with a big focus on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.

The sustainability discussions begin on Day One of WTM London on the Discover Stage, with sessions that will highlight success stories from around the world and explore how tourist boards and tour operators are adapting to new green regulations and consumer trends.

On Day Two, Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor and Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, will lead the debate across six sessions on the Innovate Stage. The discussions will ask why responsible tourism makes business sense and examine the issues of “greenwashing” – then delve deeper into areas such as aviation, technology and overtourism.

Losardo added:

“The sustainability sessions and the Sustainability Summit will offer a unique platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas and forge innovative solutions that will contribute to shaping the drive to greater sustainability in the tourism sector, fostering prosperity and responsible growth for all.

“With investment in sustainable infrastructure being a key pillar of World Tourism Day, I’m delighted to take this opportunity to announce details of our sustainability sessions and the Sustainability Summit.

“WTM London is where tourism professionals come together to play their part in the global conversation to create new futures.”

• The Sustainability Summit at World Travel Market will take place from 10:30 - 13:00 on the Elevate Stage, on Day Three of WTM London (November 8)