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Iberia confirms its positive trend with a 17% increase in seat capacity on Italy compared to 2019.

High demand and load factors

Demand remains strong in Iberia’s main markets such as Latin America, the North Atlantic and the EU. In the first half of the year, the latest data available, the Spanish airline transported over 12.6 million passengers, 10.3% more than in the same period of 2023, with an average load factor of 86.6% and +14% in overall capacity. 

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Flying to 12 destinations in Italy 

“Italy continues to be one of the main European markets for Iberia and the country where we operate on the highest number of destinations,- says  Carmen Giraud, sales manager Europe, ME and Asia.  -We fly to and from 12 Italian destinations, Rome, Milan, both Malpensa and Linate, Venice, Florence, Bologna and Naples all year round, and in summer, we add seven destinations operated by the Iberia Group for an average of 154 flights to/from Italy, which is 22 daily frequencies, and up to two additional daily frequencies.”

 Easy connections with the Iberia network

“In 2024, we placed approximately 2.9 million seats on the market, exceeding the figures of 2023 (+9%) and 2019 (17%). The daily multifrequency that we offer in most Italian cities,- Giraud continues, -allows our passengers to connect easily with our network of more than 140 destinations, particularly long-haul – some 18 are in Latin America and nine are in the United States - and domestic which totals 45. Latin America is our most important market, especially Argentina and Brazil. This year will set a record, far exceeding 5.3 million seats between the two regions, up 16.4% from last year and more than 20% from pre-pandemic 2019 numbers.”

Published in Transportation

Industry execs questioned the reality of frictionless travel at the 2024 World Travel Market, running to 7th November in London’s Excel. They discussed the inbuilt complexity of the airline industry and how meeting the traveller demand for frictionless travel requires innovation from technology providers.   

“Customers want things to be easy”

The speakers from many different countries discussed “the frictionless future of travel” at The Technology Track, organised and moderated by Timothy O’Neil-Dunne from T2Impact and sponsored by trip.com. Travelport’s head of retailing strategy Mark Lenahan shared the feedback he’s received from customer focus groups, saying that travellers from different source markets have different points of reference regarding their favourite e-commerce brands - outside of travel - to do business with. “But when I asked why, the answer is always the same,-  he said, -customers want things to be easy. But in travel we make things complicated” with complex government and regulatory requirements, millions of fares, over-complicated catalogues, and too many booking categories.

Ease of payment is a prerequisite to frictionless travel

Ian Tunnacliffe from T2RL said it’s not the technology that makes the industry complicated, “it’s the underlying business processes that we need to rationalize.” Lenahan said banking has changed for the better as a result of digitization. James Lennon from Stripe noted that payments are now, or should be, as important as marketing and loyalty. “Ease of payment is a prerequisite to frictionless travel, but a customer-centric payment process also inspires trust and positive word-of-mouth.”

Live streaming for Asia-Pacific core markets

On the same panel, Will Plummer, CEO & Co-Founder, Trust My Group, noted that “payments are often seen as the end of the funnel but trust in payments starts when the customer arrives at your web site.” Keynote speaker Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president, international markets, Trip.com Group, shared the story of its highly successful Live Streaming product for the Chinese audience. With C-suite buy-in baked in at source to this innovation, the group has now opened a dedicated centre in Bangkok to roll out Live Streaming to Asia-Pacific source markets.

No conclusive answer as to whether tech is causing friction

The Technology Track concluded with a debate between selected panellists nominally divided into those who thought travel technology was the cause of the complexity and those who disagreed. The audience was asked to vote at the end of the debate and the result – within acceptable margins of error – was 50/50. O-Neil Dunne concluded: “Neither the professionals nor the audience could agree whether technology is causing the friction.” 

Published in MICE & Events

ITA Airways has inaugurated its first route to the United Arab Emirates from Rome Fiumicino to Dubai.

Daily flights between Rome and Dubai

The new Dubai-Rome flight is now operated daily with an Airbus A321neo. configured with three classes: Business Class (12 seats), Premium Economy (12 seats) and Economy (141 seats, including 12 seats in Comfort Economy. “The first important novelty of our winter season,- said Emiliana Limosani, chief commercial officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare. -This new daily flight will boost tourism and trade between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, a strategic market not only for point-to-point connections but also for connections to other domestic, international and intercontinental destinations through our Fiumicino hub, combining leisure and business travel. This connection strengthens our presence in the Middle East, adding to our direct flights to Riyadh and Jeddah which were launched earlier this summer.”

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Aeroporti di Roma strengthens its offer to the Arabian Peninsula

“The launch of the new Dubai-Rome will allow us to further strengthen our offer to the Arabian Peninsula, a key market for Rome, which in the first nine months of 2024 exceeded the 1.4 million passenger mark,  growing by 21% over the same period in 2023 which was a record year,- said Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer of Aeroporti di Roma.

New Rome-Bangkok flights from 16 November

During the 2024-25 winter season, ITA Airways will serve a network of 53 destinations, including 15 domestic, 23 international and 15 intercontinental. Following the launch of the new Dubai-Rome services, ITA will launch the new direct flight to Rome from Bangkok, which will mark the airline's debut in Thailand. This will start on 16 November with five weekly frequencies with Airbus A330neo aircraft. Following this, from 20 December, the company will operate up to five weekly frequencies from Rome to Malé, operated with Airbus A330neos.

Published in Transportation

The annual autumn Alba Truffle Fair and the Christmas season are two magical moments in the Langhe.

The annual Alba truffle fair

Every year in autumn the world watches as the Langhe region celebrates one of its most precious treasures: the white truffle. And both visitors and gourmet connoisseurs cannot miss the Alba Truffle Fair, scheduled in the beautiful town of Alba in the Langhe from 12 October to 8 December 2024. 

Show cooking and truffle and wine tastings

The fair, which represents one of the main showcases of haute gastronomy and Italian excellence, attracts visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world, and offers the opportunity - in addition to purchasing precious truffles - to immerse oneself in a world of show cooking, product and wine tastings, cooking classes, and exquisite dinners. 

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The UVE Rooms and Wine Bar is close to Alba

To best enjoy this extraordinary feast of the senses, what better than to stay at UVE Rooms & Wine Bar in La Morra (CN), an enchanted village suspended among the hills just 15 minutes' drive from Alba. With just eight rooms and suites in an atmosphere of refined luxury this tastefully restored historical relais, is strategically positioned to allow guests to move easily around the Langhe.  

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A magical Christmas in the Langhe 

And then it is Christmas and in the Langhe it is a time to relax with friends and family gently clasping a glass of fine wine produced in these lands while savouring a tasting the typical Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo wines produced by local vineyards and which are also the names of the elegant rooms and suites at the UVE Rooms & Wine Bar in La Morra.  Leading up to Christmas a magical itinerary unfolds in La Morra with displays and activities for all ages scheduled every Saturday and Sunday, while the beautiful Piazza Alfieri in nearby Asti hosts a glittering Christmas market selling handicrafts, local food and wine specialties and many original and unique gift ideas. For information: www.uvelanghe.it

Published in MICE & Events

A 20-year-long partnership that keeps on growing and evolving, because “the best is still to come.”

A high demand for European travel

This is how Bjorn Bender, executive chairman & ceo of Rail Europe, speaking at the WTM in London, described the long-standing partnership with Trenitalia. “I am convinced that our goals go hand in hand, as we see high demand for European travel, especially from overseas,- said Bender. -And then there is the strong interest in Italy, especially for luxury products such as the Frecciarossa trains. So we are intensifying and strengthening our cooperation to attract more and more customers who may not have travelled on these trains before. This is our main goal and, of course, as a distributor we also want to simplify the accessibility and global accessibility of Trenitalia trains.” 

“Comfort, on-board service and choice with Trenitalia’s high speed”

Over the years the Frecciarossa has acquired its own precise status “And not just as an international but an Italian benchmark- said Pietro Diamantini, Trenitalia's high speed business director. -High speed is recognised for its intrinsic characteristics, for how it guarantees comfort, on-board service and choice. And it is an international recognition, which is not limited to Italy's neighbouring countries, but reaches distant markets, from which large tourist flows arrive in Italy. Many are return tourists, and second and third generations rediscovering their Italian roots, and they are no longer just looking for Rome, Florence and Venice but also for the South of Italy, Naples, the coast, the islands, the mountains and even spas. So many opportunities for a holiday with Frecciarossa allowing tourists you to make the most of their time and enjoy different destinations.”.

Sustainable train travel

A sort of journey into ‘La Dolce Vita, is what travellers are looking for in Italy,- added Bender.  -Trenitalia has always been one of our top three products for Europe. And, compared to the past, demand for destination Italy, especially from countries like Brazil, India and the Americas in general, has never been so high.”  And it is a demand for sustainable travel, “with the train you can explore destinations that 20 years ago you could not even have dreamed of. And our international groups wishing to go beyond the Italian borders can take advantage of international train connections from Italy to neighbouring countries.” 

“So yes, hopefully the best is still to come”

A combination that is “perfect in every sense, and which today sees us present in the world with over 20,000 B2B partners selling our products and Trenitalia's products. In the Americas alone we count 10,000 B&B partners. The network is there and this is a winning partnership: on the one hand a very strong carrier with very good positioning and a luxury product and, on the other, a global network that feeds Italian trains. So yes, hopefully the best is still to come. But we already have a very solid base.” 

Published in Transportation

Italy’s national tourist board ENIT puts Italy at the focal point of London’s WTM travel show.

“Italy's stand is the largest at the fair”  

“We are proud to be here in London at one of the most important global tourism fairs,- said ENIT’s CEO Ivana Jelinic at the opening day of the travel show, - and I would like to thank the many Italian regions that are here The strong presence of our operators highlights the market's enduring enthusiasm for business, forward-looking growth, and innovation. And it demonstrates the international demand for and deep affection towards Italy. Italy's stand is the largest at the fair.”  

Six million UK visitors to Italy last year

"Italy's strong presence and the immense interest that everything related to Italy continues to inspire,- said Iginio Lambertini, the Italian Ambassador in London. -This is confirmed by the growing British presence in our country. Last year six million UK visitors chose Italy, and a growing number of UK citizens are transferring their residence to Italy. Italy's presence at an event like this is an important showcase.”     

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Tourism minister Santanche aims for a united front

Alberto Cirio, Piedmont’s president, highlighted the importance of foreign arrivals to his region, saying that the region's food and wine, the Nitto ATP tennis finals, the Ski World Cup, and other events of great interest, all add to the appeal of Piedmont. “Italy must present itself with a united front to show the world the importance of Italian tourism,- said the minister of tourism Daniela Santanchè. –This year there are two Italian regions outside the Italian pavilion, Veneto and Sardinia, but it will be the last time, because a unified approach is a key strength for the success of a tourism strategy.” 

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“The game-changer is reducing seasonality to avoid overtourism”

The minister went on to thank the UK market which this year recorded 15 million overnight stays in Italy. “We are no longer interested in the quantity of tourists, but in the quality. In how much money they spend in our country, and the game-changer is reducing seasonality to avoid overtourism. And let me remind you of an important appointment, the G7 of tourism to be held in Florence from 13 to 15 November.” 

Published in MICE & Events

Nestled between the vibrant cities of Venice and Milan, Desenzano del Garda’s lakeside natural beauty and cultural richness make it one of Northern Italy’s most enchanting locations. 

A charming old town on the lakeside

While Lake Como often steals the spotlight, Lake Garda offers visitors a more tranquil yet equally stunning experience. Desenzano del Garda, perched on the southern shores of the lake, is the ideal place to unwind and explore. And the best way is to stroll along the lakeside promenade, with the glistening waters of Lake Garda on one side and the charming, historic streets of Desenzano on the other. Desenzano’s old town center has cobblestone streets, old houses, boutique shops, and lively cafes and the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene houses stunning frescoes and works of art.

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A medieval fortress and a lake beach

For a touch of history, Castello di Desenzano is a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding hills. Lake Garda’s crystal-clear waters also beckon, and there’s no better place to enjoy them than at Spiaggia Feltrinelli, a popular beach just a short walk from the town center. For sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a picnic, this beach offers a serene escape with stunning views of the lake.

Local olive oil and wines

Lake Garda is renowned for its wineries and olive oil production. There are tours of local vineyards, and olive oil enthusiasts can explore the olive groves and participate in a tasting of the area’s excellent extra virgin olive oils. A short drive from Desenzano, the town of Salò is a must-visit for its breathtaking lakeside promenade, which is one of the longest in Italy. The best time to visit Salò is on a Saturday morning for the bustling market, offering everything from fresh produce to local crafts.

A destination for all ages and tastes

Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained, with several theme parks located around Lake Garda. Gardaland, Italy’s largest amusement park, is just a short drive away, and for the more adventurous, what better than a day in the nearby Dolomite mountains with their spectacular hiking trails and scenic drives. No trip to Desenzano del Garda is complete without indulging in the local fresh lake fish, homemade pasta, and risotto, all paired with the excellent local wine. So, whether exploring its historic streets, lounging by the lake, or venturing into the surrounding countryside, Desenzano del Garda is not to be missed. For information: www.visitdesenzano.it

Published in Cities & Regions

Piedmont is in London at the World Travel Market to promote itself as Italy’s premier destination for culture and business.  

Details of  The 50 Best Restaurants award

The Piedmont delegation is made up of Regione Piemonte, City of Turin, Turin Chamber of Commerce, Unioncamere Piemonte, Ceipiemonte, VisitPiemonte, the Piedmont Atl including Turismo Torino and the Consortium of the Royal Palaces of Savoy. During the travel show a series of targeted appointments with potential investors is planned, and details will be revealed of  The 50Best Restaurants Award, the competition that every year identifies the 50 best chefs in the world and that in 2025 is due to be held in Turin.

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UK visitors prefer Piedmonte’s mountains 

In the last 10 years there has been an increase of around 30% in tourists from the UK to Piedmonte, with over 160,000 arrivals and more than 600,000 overnight stays. UK visitors prefer the mountains, with over 102,000 overnight stays, confirming the appeal of skiing and winter holidays for this market. The summer period from June, to September totals over 205,000 overnight stays (34% of the annual total).  The favourite summer Piedmont destinations are the lakes, with over 50% of total overnights. 

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A 10% rise in arrivals over last year 

The figures for the first quarter of 2024 confirm a positive trend with an increase of 10% in UK visitors compared to the same period last year. “The Region and the Municipality are in London to promote our region, its ability to attract investments, especially in strategic sectors, and to position itself in international tourism markets,” said the president of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio. 

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A complete and competitive destination 

Being at the WTM in London – said the regional councillor for culture, tourism and sport Marina Chiarelli, - is a strategic opportunity us to affirm our region as one of the most complete and competitive destinations in Europe. Our Alpine ecosystem, with its high-level facilities and services offers experiences ranging from skiing to mountain trails, from sustainable tourism to local food and wine trails. Piedmont is able to compete with the most sought-after destinations in Europe, and this London  event is a starting point for establishing new relations with investors and operators interested in our region.”  

Published in Cities & Regions

You may think you know Turin, a city that combines history, art and mystery, but it has many surprising hidden treasures that delight visitors and children.

Turin was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy

The handsome city of Turin, once capital of the Kingdom of Italy, appeals to visitors for its magnificent architecture and monuments such as the majestic Palazzo Castello, the Mole Antonelliana which is the National Museum of Cinema and the Egyptian Museum, second only to the one in Cairo.  But the city also has many lesser known and equally fascinating features, like the Slice of Polenta Building, the Vedette Watchtowers, the Devil’s Gate and even a submarine. Hidden treasures and surprising curiosities far from the well-trodden tourist itineraries, that are well worth a detour, and many of which will appeal to younger visitors. 

The Slice of Polenta Building

The Slice of Polenta is a curious-looking building in the Vanchiglia district. With its slim and narrow shape it looks like a sharp triangle and has become an icon of Turin’s architecture. Designed by Alessandro Antonelli, who also designed the famous Mole Antonelliana, this mustard yellow building stands out for its bold structure that seems to defy the laws of physics and earned it its name as it looks just like a slice of polenta corn meal. 

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A submarine and watchtowers

Few people know that Turin also has its own submarine which is under a dome inside the Automobile Museum. This Fiat submarine is a prototype created by the company in the 1930s and tells a forgotten fragment of Turin's industrial history, suspended between innovation and experimentation. Other typical features of Turin are the Vedette, small watchtowers that are scattered here and there around the city, and often  are not even noticed by those hurrying past. Originally built for defensive purposes, today they are a reminder of the past that blends into the modern urban landscape.

A colourful open-air museum

Borgo Campidoglio offers a plunge into urban art. This working-class neighbourhood, transformed into an open-air museum, is dotted with murals and installations that enliven the alleys and façades of the houses. And talking of modern references, the Palace with the Piercing certainly stands out, with its enormous ring that pierces the 4th floor of the façade on an 18th-century building in Piazzatta Corpus Domini square not far from Piazza Castello 

A mysterious gate and Columbus’ finger

The Devil's Gate is an ancient portal with an enigmatic demonic head in the Piazza Statuto square. Legends and superstitions surround this door, which is said to have been closed by mysterious dark forces. And back again on central Piazza Castello a work by the 19th-century artist Giovanni Battista Bottero has an unraised finger which locals call the Finger of Columbus. They say it represents the finger of the famous navigator, pointing towards new discoveries, as if to remind us that Turin always has an eye on the future.

Published in Experiences & Tips

The first of the Monumenti Sonori (Sound Monuments) sound and architecture itineraries around Rome will be at the Portico d'Ottavia, next to city’s synagogue. 

Rome’s architecture through music

Music will intertwine with the historical and architectural identity of some of the city's most iconic places, and “Every place tells a story” is the motto accompanying the project which is due to start soon. Designed to offer passers-by a total immersion in the history of monuments, the music will integrate with the architectural and landscape forms of the chosen sites. 

Five new venues up to November 2025

In addition to the Portico d'Ottavia, five other monuments will be unveiled in the coming months, with a programme that will continue until November 2025, distributing the initiative in different areas of the city, from the Flaminio to the Magliana districts. 

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Music by Puccini and Morricone

Among the musical offerings from the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia will be excerpts from Giacomo Puccini's famous opera Tosca, the Pini di Roma, Feste Romane and Fontane di Roma by Ottorino Respighi, and Andrea Morricone's Love Theme for the film Nuovo Cinema Paradiso with further music from the soundtrack of Morricone’s Mission. The experience will be accessible to all and free of charge every day from 11am to 1pm, and from 4pm to 6pm. 

Art and music for an enriching experience

Monumenti Sonori is promoted by the Roma Capitale Cultural Council, in collaboration with the city’s Fine Arts Academy and the Fondazione Cinema per Roma, and is a unique opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the capital through art and music, transforming the monuments into protagonists of sound stories that will enrich every visitor's experience. For information www.culture.roma.it



   

Published in Experiences & Tips
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