Langhe-Roero and Monferrato will host its first UNESCO travel exhibition “WeBe - When Experiences Become Emotions,” from 22 to 25 May.  

20 foreign buyers and 30 local travel suppliers

This will be the first B2B event to showcase the UNESCO hills as a unique destination for international travel suppliers. Organized by the Langhe Monferrato Roero tourist board and Alexala, the tourist agency for the province of Alessandria, it will host 20 selected foreign buyers and 30 local sellers from Langhe, Roero, Monferrato Astigiano and Alessandrino. The event is part of the project, funded by the Ministry of Tourism, “Un Patrimonio da Raccontare” (A Heritage to Tell). Tour operators from the USA, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be able to discover this unique wine-growing area. 

Infernot del Monferrato ph. Alessandro Sgarito Archivio Alexala

Tours and visits as well as a B2B Day

The foreign tour operators will learn about the area’s UNESCO heritage through a programme of visits ranging from e-bike tours to targeted visits to accommodation facilities as well as cooking courses, experiential craft workshops and tastings. On Saturday 24 May, a B2B day will be dedicated to professional meetings between the supply and demand, with local tour operators presenting tourist packages and travel proposals in the Piedmontese hills to the guests from Europe and North America.

“The union of resources and intentions leads to great results”

"The UNESCO Tourism Exchange is a concrete opportunity to promote the shared heritage of Langhe Monferrato Roero, and the province of Alessandria, to open new connections with tourist markets.- said Bruno Bertero and Marco Lanza, directors of Ente Turismo Langhe Monferrato Roero and Alexala. – This is a virtuous example of how the union of resources and intentions leads to great results, growth and well-being for the region."

ph. Valeria Gallo

Part of a two-year project

“This is an opportunity to relaunch tourism in the small villages of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato at an international level,- said Roberta Giovine, Mayor of Canelli and project leader.  - We are proud to be leading this project: we have a duty to preserve what we have inherited and to strive for an ever better sustainable integration of the various players involved in the economy of our region." The event is part of the two-year project “A heritage to be told”, funded by the ministry of tourism and led by the municipality of Canelli and 19 municipalities in the UNESCO Core Zone in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria. 

 

The innovative project “Immersive Places and Itineraries of Italy” was presented by Archeoclub d’Italia in Rome yesterday.  

Using the metaverse to explore Italy

Thanks to the metaverse this digital platform will allow users from all over the world to explore Italy's lesser-known villages and locations. The project is a collaboration between Archeoclub d'Italia and the digital incubator In The Green Future, under the patronage of the Prime Minister's Office.

“The project also offers accessibility to the mobility-impaired”

Rosario Santanastasio, National President of Archeoclub d'Italia, underscored the importance of the project which is an Archeoclub d'Italia and In The Green Future joint venture. “It will give the potential foreign tourist, who lives thousands of miles away, the chance to enter a village in the Apennines and learn about the cultural, archaeological and social heritage of our country's inland areas.” Santanastasio also pointed out that the project is inclusive and able to overcome physical barriers, offering accessibility also to people with disabilities.

With 178 local branches throughout Italy 

“We started from a vision, turned it into a project, and then came back to a new vision: this is the message of Archeoclub d’Italua,- said project director Innocente Cataldi. -We mainly address an adult audience, but in recent times we have noticed a growing interest also among younger people. We are mainly present throughout Italy through 178 branches, and we carry out many cultural activities.” A few weeks ago, Archeoclub d’Italia organized ‘La Primavera nei Borghi’ (Springtime in the Villages), with walks and routes led by experts in the area. 

“Making culture a truly accessible experience”

The project also involves research institutes, universities and practitioners. Through immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality, the platform will enhance Italy's cultural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, especially in inland areas, to the minor islands and coastal areas, combating the depopulation of villages, and encouraging the improvement of local services. We are working on the digitization of territories,- said Raffaello Dinacci, founder of In The Green Future. -Through this new digital platform inspired by the metaverse paradigm and ESG principles, we intend to make culture an immersive, participatory and truly accessible experience.”

Marriott International has recognized the reservation teams at Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park, with the Global Sales Reservation Team Award.

Growing average room revenues 

“The contribution of Alessandra Pasquali and Alberta Deledati to our sales reservation team has led to a significant improvement in the main performance indicators: a 12% increase in revenue in the individual guest segment with a 5% growth in average room revenue,- says sales manager Simona Ferro. – This results in an important increase in the market positioning of the Courtyard by Marriott branded hotel.”

Building customer loyalty by offering tailor-made solutions

The work carried out by the Sales Team on the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty programme, first in the world with more than 228 million loyal customers, also produced significant results, registering a +40% increase in registrations compared to the previous year, and thus confirming the effectiveness of the strategies adopted. “An excellent service must be able to build customer loyalty by offering tailor-made solutions and interacting with guests with great empathy, says Antonella Ferro, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park.

Last year’s turnover was up by 4.5%

This further recognition by the international company Marriott, confirms the constant commitment to excellence of the Courtyard by Mariott Rome Central Park, which closed last year with a turnover growth of +4.50% over the previous year. For information: www.marriott.com/it/hotels/romcp-courtyard-rome-central-park/overview/

The Piedmont Regional Council has given the go-ahead to the “Piedmont for Young People” project. 

Programmes aimed at social inclusion

The three-year project will provide funding for programmes aimed at social inclusion for 15 to 34-year olds for an investment of €4.46 million, of which €3.69 million is state funded and with  €522.2 in regional co-financing. The aim of the call for proposals are many: to accompany young people in their occupational and social integration, to encourage active participation in political life, to promote correct lifestyles, to encourage the practice of sport, and to raise awareness of environmental issues. In order to carry out the planned activities, the municipalities will be able to call on the support of other local authorities, community centres, associations, educational institutions and third sector organizations. 

Building the Piedmont of tomorrow

“It is essential to make young people feel an active part of their territory, offering them work as well as social and sports opportunities. This programme responds to that need,- says councillor for youth policies Marina Chiarelli. -The involvement of the 15-34 age group is no coincidence: this segment of the population plays a crucial role in the Piedmont of tomorrow. It constitutes the basis for building the workforce of the future, supporting economic growth, promoting innovation and, more generally, generating social and cultural dynamics capable of fostering the progress of the entire territory.”

The latest data from ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board, show that more visitors are taking holidays during sporting events that are held in Italy.

Sporting events have a strong economic impact

“In 2024 some 560,000 international travellers chose Italy for sports holidays (+4.7% against 2023 ), generating about 2 million overnight stays (+8.7% over 2023) with an economic impact of €338 million (+3.3% compared to ‘23)” says a note from ENIT.

“Events are an important hook for the growth of tourism”

The rapport between tourism and sport in Italy with Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Austria the main markets that choose Italy for this type of holiday. “Events and sporting events are an important hook for the growth of tourism in Italy, that generate a positive economic impact throughout the country. By attracting foreign travellers in conjunction with major sporting events, Italy makes its unique beauty known,” said ENIT’s CEO Ivana Jelinic. 

Sport and tourism rare a winning combination 

The Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, who was in Rome at the Internatipnal BNL d’Italia  tennis tournament this week, said: “Sport and tourism represent a winning combination for Italy, contributing significantly to the success of Italian tourism and to the wellbeing of our nation. Sporting events like this tennis tournament attract visitors from all over the world, further enhancing the value of our tourist destinations and generating significant economic benefits.” 

The municipality of Abano Terme, in the province of Padua, is boosting its cultural and thermal identity through an integrated tourism strategy.

A promotional and marketing website 

The aim is to offer an increasingly experiential, rejuvenating and sustainable experience, and at the heart of the strategy is the work is a consortium of local companies which is responsible for managing the promotional and marketing website for the destination. The portal, integrated with the official destination website, serves as a booking platform for accommodation facilities and local tourist experiences, promoting a range of themed offerings from green tourism to wellness, and from cycling to culture.

Launch of the Discover Abano tours

The Discover Abano project, launched in April is a series of guided tours in Italian and German designed to tell the story of the city, its thermal heritage and its urban cultural heritage. The tours include stops at the thermal pools and meetings with local businesses and take place every Thursday until mid-June, resuming in September.  Cultural activities include temporary exhibitions, with the “Women Power” has already attracting some 3,000 visitors in a month. Abano has an efficient IAT office, open 365 days a year, which not only provides valuable information to tourists, but also promotes and markets the tourist experiences offered by local operators, including those in the hospitality sector.

Activation of an accommodation intelligence platform 

All accommodation facilities equipped with management software can now access the platform provided by Hbenchmark and offered free of charge thanks to the synergy with the Padua Chamber of Commerce: an advanced accommodation intelligence analysis tool that enables tourism planning based on predictive and historical data The Municipality of Abano thus confirms its vision: to build an intergenerational, sustainable and authentic tourist destination, capable of integrating tradition and innovation to attract contemporary travellers. For information: www.experienceabanomontegrotto.com.

Human Company is entering summer 2025 having invested €37 million to improve facilities and services.

All facilities in Tuscany, Veneto and Lazio will reopen 

The company will reopen all its facilities in Tuscany, Veneto, Lazio and Luxembourg. In addition to the campsites in town, the Fabulous Village and Plus Florence, which are open all year round. Six other villages belonging to the group and Palagina have been back in operation since 18 April and on 24 May, it will be the turn of the hu I Pini village in Lazio to open

“Listening carefully to the needs of guests”

“We have started the new season with a significant investment plan designed to further enhance and improve the quality of our facilities and services,- said Domenico Montano, general manager of Human Company. -The satisfaction of our guests remains at the heart of everything we do: every initiative is based on listening carefully to their needs, and translates into increasingly authentic experiences and inclusive personalized offerings. Furthermore, we are continuing our commitment to creating positive synergies with local communities, to ensure that our facilities are increasingly open and connected with the areas that surround them. Our villages and campsites in town are the ideal base for discovering the micro-destinations where we operate, places that are sometimes not as well-known but definitely worth exploring."

Human Company hu Norcenni Girasole village

A specific focus on design and sustainable materials

The group has invested over €37 million to further improve its facilities and services, including the renovation of its accommodation park, which accounted for €13 million of the total investment. Three hundred new mobile homes have been installed, with a specific focus on design and sustainable materials, such as eco-friendly fibre cement used to clad the latest generation of accommodation.

Improving wellness and sport facilities

This year Human Company will introduce important improvements to its ∫services, starting with wellness and sport. For children the Net Experience, an area of suspended nets suspended between trees, will be expanded at the hu Park Albatros village, while at the hu Altomincio village, the tree experience will be enhanced with the addition of the Kaa trail, designed for guests under the age of three. Adults, on the other hand, can enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience at the hu Norcenni Girasole village with the new zipline in the adventure park or at the hu Montescudaio village with a fitness itinerary.

Quality time and inclusive content  

Particular attention is paid to activities and experiences, which have evolved over the years towards an increasingly broad and engaging vision: that of edutainment. The aim is to create quality time with a mix of inclusive content designed for the needs of all age groups, revolving around fundamental values such as the promotion of the local area, artisans and traditions, and the promotion of nature and seasonality. One of the great new features of the season for nature lovers and an example of edutainment is Nature Hub, an interactive area dedicated to discovering the environment and biodiversity. This new experience, available at the Altomincio Village, Montescudaio Village and Park Albatros Village, allows guests to enjoy moments in close contact with nature.

Volare, the ITA Airways loyalty programme has reached the milestone of three million members in its first three years of operation. 

The launch of the Award Ticket

“Reaching three million frequent flyer members in just three years is a testament to the trust and enthusiasm our customers have in Volare,- said Emiliana Limosani, CEO of Volare and Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways. -It is a milestone that we celebrate with pride but also with responsibility: that is why we are excited to launch the Award Ticket feature, which makes the value of the programme even more tangible, transforming accumulated points into memorable travel experiences. We are committed to continuing to innovate in order to offer our members an increasingly rich, transparent programme that is tailored to their needs."

Paying the full cost of a ticket with points 

The Award Ticket can only be obtained using non-qualifying points accumulated by Volare programme members. Based on dedicated fares, the award ticket will allow members to travel by paying the full cost with their points, net of taxes and fees to be paid in currency. The Award Ticket is available in different travel classes, Economy, Premium Economy and Business, and guarantees the exclusive benefits offered by Volare, depending on the member's status, such as lounge access or additional baggage allowance, in addition to the benefits of the selected class.

In the skies of Sicily and Campania, Flying Over Art transforms a hot air balloon flight into an unforgettable experience.

Hot air balloons over Sicily and Campania

Every trip is an opportunity to discover the treasures of the area from a privileged perspective with culture, nature and emotion blending in perfect harmony. The word “art” encapsulates the essence of what this tourist hot air balloon company celebrates and shares in the two regions where it is based and offers its services.

Also for special celebrations

In addition to free flights, “braked” flights are also available, offering the chance to experience unique sensations. From private celebrations, such as marriage proposals and anniversaries, to institutional events, flying transforms every occasion into moments of pure magic and wonder. Volare sull'Arte (Flying Over Art) also collaborates with municipalities, institutions and companies, helping to promote the area and create exclusive events where art and the sky meet.

Environmentally friendly and no direct emissions

These are environmentally friendly flights, because it is not only an extraordinary experience, but also a sustainable choice. Hot air balloons are an environmentally friendly means of transport, using hot air without direct emissions. The use of high-efficiency propane and practices aimed at reducing our ecological footprint make every flight an example of responsible tourism.

Certified pilots and strict maintenance protocols

Behind every flight there is a team of experts united by passion. Nestore Criscuolo, pilot and crew manager, leads every adventure in the sky, flanked by Vincenzo Capitelli, pilot and technical manager while Emma Taricco, hotel industry expert and sales manager, brings her strategic vision. Roberto Formato, management engineer and tourism manager, specializes in marketing strategies and destination development; Rosanna Longobardi, public relations expert, helps consolidate the brand's visibility, while Antonella Martino, architect and crew member, adds a creative and technical touch to operations. Maximum safety is guaranteed thanks to ENAC-certified pilots and strict maintenance protocols, and every experience is covered by specific insurance policies to offer passengers complete peace of mind.

The new Frecciapoints dedicated to assisting Trenitalia passengers are now fully operational at Milano Centrale station.

Soon opening in Rome, Naples and Florence

These Frecciapoints help passengers with ticket changes, information and service requests, and after Milano Centrale, by the end of May, they will be installed in the stations of Roma Termini, Napoli Centrale, Bologna Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Bringing travellers and service staff into direct contact

Always functional, but with a linear and rational design, they have been designed keeping in mind that arriving at the station is an important part of the customer experience. So the new Frecciapoints are immediately recognizable and are designed to bring travellers and service staff into direct contact. The unique geometric shape, the Frecciarossa-coloured walls, and the large glass windows on three sides also make the new Frecciapoints a landmark in the station landscape. Thanks to the inviting transparency of the glass wall, they provide access to information and assistance services that, through a relaxed approach, allow easy and direct dialogue with Trenitalia staff.

Integrated with self-service ticket counters

The interiors are also an interesting new feature. The lighting is carefully studied to create a favourable working environment and is a distinctive point of attraction for the traveller. Another key point is modularity. Flanking each other in stations requiring a major presence, the new Frecciapoints offer ease of installation, a minimal footprint and the possibility of integrating self-service ticket counters on the outer walls for quick resolution of customer needs and a reduction in queues and waiting times.

Safety for staff and users

In line with today's indispensable sustainability requirements, the latest generation of Frecciapoints is designed to be long-lasting, repairable or customized directly at the station, significantly reducing transport costs and guaranteeing prompt intervention. Another crucial aspect in stations is the safety for staff and users, which the new Frecciapoints safeguard with the robustness of the structure and the hermetic closure during downtime.