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Brisighella is one of the Emilia Romagna region’s best-kept secrets and offers culture, cuisine and countryside in one unmissable stop.  

Authentic charm and walking trails 

This atmospheric medieval village has authentic charm, and its medieval heart is a delight to explore. The pastel-hued houses on the Via degli Asini sit on an ancient defensive walkway with arched windows overlooking the town, making it one of Italy’s most Instagrammable streets.  The 14th-century Rocca Manfrediana fortress, Monticino Sanctuary, and the old Clock Tower above the village have great views across vineyards, olive groves, and the Lamone Valley. There are also well-tended walking routes connecting these landmarks, and the surrounding Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola has scenic hiking and biking trails. 

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Art, culture and food festivals

For culture lovers the Collegiate Church of San Michele, with its 18th-century interior and artworks, is worth a visit, as is the small but interesting Museo Civico Giuseppe Ugonia. Dedicated to the local lithographer and painter Giuseppe Ugonia, the museum displays a collection of his evocative prints alongside temporary art exhibitions. The Sanctuary of Monticino has a revered 17th-century terracotta Madonna and is an important local pilgrimage site.  Brisighella hosts many concerts, medieval pageants, and food festivals, such as the annual Olive Oil Festival celebrating the prized extra-virgin DOP olive oil. The closest air access to Brisighella is Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi airport, which is about 75 kilometres away, and is well-served by European carriers and long-haul connections. Florence Airport is another option at 100 kilometres. 

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Close to Ravenna, Modena and Parma 

Brisighella makes an excellent base or stopover in an Emilia Romagna package. Faenza, famed for its ceramics, is only 12 kilometres away, and Ravenna, with its UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics, lies about 50 kilometres to the northeast. For gourmet travelers Modena and Parma are reachable within a day, making Brisighella a natural complement to the region’s famed food and art cities, and is an attractive addition to itineraries designed for FITs, small groups, and themed tours exploring the heart of Italy.

Published in Cities & Regions

United in sadness, we at ItaliAbsolutely stand with Spain following the devastating high-speed rail crash near the town of Adamuz in the province of Cordova, a tragedy that has shaken the nation and the world.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the many who were injured, wishing them strength and a full and steady recovery.
Our thoughts also reach the organizers and participants of the FITUR travel exhibition in Madrid, gathered this week amid profound national mourning. May compassion guide the conversations and connections at FITUR during these difficult days. With deepest respect and sympathy, we offer hope to all for healing and resilience ahead. (Pamela McCourt Francescone, Executive Editor)

Published in Cities & Regions

ENIT S.p.A. and Milano Cortina have joined forces to promote the uniqueness and excellence of Italian tourism. 

Highlighting the uniqueness and excellence of Italy

The Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation and ENIT S.p.A. the Italian national tourist board have announced the signing of a strategic agreement aimed at enhancing the promotion of tourism in the country ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The collaboration aims to highlight the uniqueness and excellence of Italy to millions of spectators and tourists. Twenty years after the last Winter Games in Italy, this year’s  Games bring the country back to the centre of the international stage

Promoting pillars of the “Italian brand”

For over a century ENIT has been committed to strengthening the national tourism industry and the synergy with the Olympic Organizing Committee will promote the integration and promotion of tourism and cultural services on a national scale. ENIT will also support initiatives dedicated to local excellence, pillars of the “Italian brand” that will help make the Olympic and Paralympic experience an unforgettable journey through its identity.

Italy is portrayed as a global destination

Sponsoring the event provides an extraordinary opportunity for international visibility, allowing ENIT, the institutional system of the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian brand and the Italia.it platform to be linked to some of the main values of the Games like excellence, inclusion and sustainability. Italy is portrayed not only as the host country, but as a global destination, capable of expressing quality, vision and attractiveness through the official channels of one of the most watched events in the world.

Varnier: “An unrivalled global showcase”

Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation: "The partnership between Milano Cortina 2026 and ENIT represents a strategic alliance for the future of Italian tourism. Together we confirm that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are an unrivalled global showcase, that can portray an innovative, welcoming Italy that is deeply connected to its roots. It is a unique opportunity to consolidate a positive image of Italy around the world, generating a valuable legacy for the entire country."

Priante: “Sporting events…among the major drivers of tourism”

"Such a world-class event attracts international tourists from every continent. We are proud to support Milano Cortina 2026 and are confident in the success of the event. Our observatory has noted that in recent years sporting events have been among the major drivers of tourism, attracting tourists from abroad and promoting the gems of our territory. We are confident that it will be a success for our country," said Alessandra Priante, President of ENIT S.p.A.

The Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation

The aim of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, in agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Veneto and Lombardy regions, and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, is to plan, organize, finance and deliver the Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2026. Established on 9 December 2019, the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation is led by President Giovanni Malagò and CEO Andrea Varnier. 

ENIT the Italian National Tourist Board 

ENIT SpA is responsible for promoting Italian tourism and increasing its attractiveness. Its activities include deseasonalization, diversification of what Italy has to offer and the enhancement of tourist facilities and sites. It also promotes specialist training for operators and develops a digital ecosystem to optimize the use of tourist goods and services. ENIT promotes Italy's tourism image abroad, involving regions and local authorities. It implements national and international promotional strategies, supports companies in marketing Italian tourism services and integrates quality products from other economic, cultural and environmental sectors, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Tourism.

Published in MICE & Events

Trieste Airport's results are flying high, with over 1.65 million passengers in 2025, its “best result ever.” 

A 25% increase over 2024

Confirmation of this record came from a statement from the airport, with the figure attesting to “extraordinary and steady growth” in recent years. Compared to the previous year, there was a 25% increase, with exponential growth compared to 2023 and 2022. The figures are the result of a series of improvements made to the airport, especially in terms of direct routes. This change was made possible by the Region's decision to remove airport taxes in favour of airlines, with Ryanair immediately taking advantage of the opportunity.

International traffic was up by 35%

There was a +35% increase in international passengers, while domestic traffic exceeded 878,000 passengers, up 18% over 2024. Frankfurt, London, Barcelona, Krakow and Valencia are among the most popular routes while the most popular domestic routes were Rome Fiumicino, Palermo, Bari, Catania and Naples.

Antonio Marano: “A year of strong growth” 

“We are delighted and proud of the results achieved by Trieste Airport in 2025: a year of strong growth made possible by the commitment and hard work of all the airport staff,” said Antonio Marano, president of Trieste Airport.

Fabio Gallo is the new CEO

The airport management company also has a new CEO: Fabio Gallo, who has extensive managerial experience in the airport and infrastructure sector. During his career Gallo has held positions of responsibility in operations, finance and traffic development, gaining expertise in particular at SOGEAAL - Alghero Airport and, previously, at F2I SGR. Gallo's appointment comes at a crucial time for the development of Trieste Airport, which aims to consolidate the results achieved in recent years and launch new projects to enhance infrastructure and international operations.

Strengthening the airport's position in the Upper Adriatic 

The new CEO's priorities include improving national and international connectivity, attracting new airlines, developing passenger services and strengthening the airport's sustainable and intermodal profile, also in synergy with the railway network and other regional infrastructure. His leadership will be crucial in strengthening the airport's strategic position within the transport system of the Upper Adriatic, confirming it as an essential hub for the economy and mobility of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

Published in Transportation

Wizz Air raises the bar for low-cost travel with the introduction of WIZZ Class, a new optional service designed for cost-conscious passengers seeking privacy.

WIZZ Class is on selected flights

The service is available for purchase on selected flights to and from Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, Warsaw, London Luton, London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino. For those choosing WIZZ Class, one of the middle seats in the first rows (1B or 1E) will remain reserved. As the first row already offers extra legroom, the service will provide more comfort for relaxing or working while flying in the airline's usual single-class cabin. 

“We have listened to our passengers' requests”

WIZZ Class will be available as an additional option during the booking process for those purchasing the Smart and Plus packages, on the seat selection page. These packages already include priority boarding with a 10kg trolley, now with the WIZZ Class integration, passengers will also get a blocked middle seat and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage snack.  “Business travel is growing across our network and we have listened to our passengers' requests,”  said Silvia Mosquera, Wizz Air's commercial officer. 

More space and high-efficiency configuration 

“They ask us for a bit more space and speed, but they don't want to pay the business class prices of traditional airlines. WIZZ Class responds to this demand, offering passengers the space they want and the service they deserve, without compromising on our simple and affordable model. We also confirm our commitment to remaining a single-class carrier to maintain our efficiency goals. Unlike traditional business class offerings, WIZZ Class does not require expensive cabin upgrades. The solution is simple: reserving only two middle seats gives customers space to stretch out and work, while maintaining the high-efficiency configuration Wizz Air is known for.

Published in Transportation

Toscana Aeroporti scored a new traffic record in 2025 with 9.8 million passengers, a growth of +8.4% over 2024.  

Record numbers for Florence’s Vespucci Airport

The company that manages both Pisa and Florence airports recorded 9.8 million passengers, a solid performance of both traffic segments: the international component growing by +8.8%, while the domestic one rose by +7.4%.  Florence’s Vespucci Airport handled 3.8 million passengers, equal to an increase of +9.4% compared to 2024, numbers that make 2025 its best year ever. Driving the excellent performance was the international traffic segment (+12.2%), which accounted for 87.2% of total passengers. This high percentage was not affected by the drop in the domestic segment: -6.4% compared to 2024. The most popular connections were Paris, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Munich.  

Pisa’s Galilei Airport handled almost six million passengers

2025 was also an excellent year for Pisa airport, which saw a growth in traffic in every month of the year compared to 2024. Galilei Airport handled almost six million passengers, 7.8% more than the previous year, the best result ever for Pisa’s airport. As in Florence, the highest percentages were recorded in Pisa by the international traffic segment, which grew by 6.3% (compared to 2024 which was 74.7% of the total.

“This record validates our industrial vision” 

“Closing 2025 with the record result of 9.8 million passengers is a clearest demonstration of the vitality and strategic centrality of the Tuscan Airport System,- said Marco Carrai, president of Toscana Aeroporti. -This record result, obtained with growth in every single month of the year in both Florence and Pisa, definitely validates our industrial vision. 2026 opens with a clear perspective: transforming these traffic volumes into structural value. The urgency of completing the planned infrastructural investments, from the expansion of Pisaìs terminal to the realization of the Florence Masterplan, is no longer just a strategic objective, but a dutiful response to a demand for mobility that we are ready to satisfy efficiently and sustainably with a concrete and positive impact on our region.” 

Published in Transportation

Cathay Pacific is boosting capacity between Hong Kong and Rome Fiumicino, which will be linked by four flights a week this summer.

Airbus A350-900 flights four days weekly

From 30 March to 24 October 2026, the seasonal route between Hong Kong and Rome - operated with Airbus A350-900s- will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The increase in frequencies responds to growing passenger demand and further expands travel opportunities both for Asian travellers eager to discover Rome and Italy's rich cultural heritage and  those flying to the Asia-Pacific region.

“Offering customers…a wide and flexible range of travel solutions” 

With this expansion, Cathay Pacific consolidates its presence in the Italian market, where it currently operates direct flights from Milan Malpensa. “The increase in frequencies to Rome reflects the strong demand for travel from and to Hong Kong and the entire Asia-Pacific region,- said Adrien Ng, Cathay’s area head Southern Europe. -It also underscores our commitment to offering customers an increasingly wide and flexible range of travel solutions. Italy is a key market for us, not only because of its global tourism relevance, but also because of its strategic role in fostering trade and cultural ties between Europe and Asia".

Connections to numerous Asia-Pacific destinations

Passengers travelling from Asia can reach Rome directly from Hong Kong, landing in one of the world's most iconic cultural capitals and an ideal gateway to explore Italy's artistic, historical and gastronomic excellence. Passengers departing from Rome will benefit from connections to numerous Asia-Pacific destinations via Cathay Pacific's main hub in Hong Kong.

Published in Transportation

Transavia France is expanding its 2026 summer operations and launching new Paris Orly to Alghero flights.

New flights from French cities

With six new international routes departing from Paris-Orly, Lyon, Montpellier and Marseille, the airline is also accelerating on the digital front with the launch of the Transavia News WhatsApp channel and a mobile application that has already exceeded one million downloads.

Transavia is the leisure low-cost arm of Air France-KLM 

The new route to Alghero, departing from Paris-Orly consists of two weekly flights which will launch on 18 April 2026. It is worth mentioning that Transavia Holland will also connect Alghero from Amsterdam-Schiphol from 6 April. These launches complete a first wave of new flights already announced for summer 2026 (Araxos, Burgas, Sarajevo, Pisa and new connections from Lyon, Nantes, Rennes or Marseille), confirming Transavia's role as the low-cost arm of the Air France-KLM group in the leisure segment.

“Sardinia has strong appeal for leisure tourism”  

“We are very pleased to inaugurate this new route between Paris-Orly and Alghero, which further strengthens Transavia's presence in the Mediterranean basin,- commented Julien Mallard, deputy commercial director Transavia France. -Sardinia is an extremely attractive destination, combining extraordinary natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage and strong appeal for both leisure tourism and trips to visit family and friends.”   “This new route boosts Alghero Airport's flight portfolio, confirming the commitment of the management and Transavia in strengthening air connectivity to Alghero and Northern Sardinia, connecting the island to France as well as to the main European destinations,” said Fabio Gallo, general manager of Sogeaal.

Published in Transportation

Ryanair returns to Trapani-Marsala Airport with four new international routes: Brussels Charleroi, Baden-Baden, Katowice, Bratislava (and a domestic to Pescara). 

Over one million passengers a year 

The Irish low cost airline will operate two weekly flights on the Trapani-Bratislava, Trapani-Katowice and Trapani-Bruxelles Charleroi routes, and three weekly on the Trapani-Baden Baden and Trapani-Pescara routes. "These are part of Ryanair's wider investment in Trapani-Marsala, which includes the opening of a new base from January 2026 with two new aircraft one for winter 2025/2026 and two for summer 2026 -  a $200 million investment), Trapani-Marsala now becoming Ryanair's third Sicilian base, over one million passengers a year,  and more than 800 local jobs - said Fabrizio Francioni, head of communications Italy. 

Trapani-Marsala is Ryanair's third Sicilian base 

“This follows the decision of the Sicilian Region to abolish the municipal surtax at the island's smallest airports, with Trapani-Marsala now becoming Ryanair's third Sicilian base, and its twentieth in Italy, This further improves international accessibility and ensures year-round connectivity for Sicilians, favouring inbound tourism and a constant flow of visitors to support the local economy throughout the year".

“Trapani is flying high again”

"After eight years of absence, the Ryanair base is returning to Trapani-Birgi and I am particularly proud to be able to welcome it, for the second time, under my presidency, said Salvatore Ombra, president of Airgest. This propels us towards periods with increasing passenger flows: passenger growth will be 33% over 2024 and in the summer we will have a 22% increase compared to 2025.  The return of the Ryanair base, which will increase to two aircraft from March, means more flights, more passengers, and more opportunities. Trapani is flying high again. This is the result of the fruitful cooperation and support of the Sicily Region which as of this January abolished the Trapani-Birgi municipal surtax with the aim of increasing routes and tourism.” 

Published in Transportation

Air India will return to the skies over Rome, reconnecting Delhi-Rome Fiumicino from 25 March 2026.

Four weekly Boeing 787-800 flights

After an absence of almost six years on 25 March four weekly non-stop flights from Delhi will guarantee Italian travellers greater choice not only for direct access to the Indian capital but also for direct connections to South-East Asia through the airline's hub in Delhi. The service to and from Rome will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with Boeing 787-8s, with 18 flatbeds in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy. 

“Rome, a natural addition to Air India's expanding network”

"Connecting India to the rest of the world remains among our top priorities. India and Italy have deep cultural, economic and commercial affinities that make Rome a natural addition to Air India's expanding network,- said Nipun Aggarwal, Air India's chief commercial officer. -These non-stop flights not only increase direct connectivity between the two capitals but also offer Italian travellers more choice and connections with stopovers at our Delhi hub to destinations in the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia.

Italy is one of India's largest trading partners in Europe

“Air India's return from Delhi to Rome Fiumicino is a major development that contributes to the prospect of further growth on long-haul markets in 2026,- adds Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer Aeroporti di Roma. -This new flight responds to an increasing demand in the main traffic segments, strengthening economic and cultural ties between Italy and India and expanding opportunities for exchange between the two countries.” Italy is one of India's largest trading partners in Europe and passenger traffic between the two countries is increasing steadily, thanks to the presence of a large Indian community in Italy and the growing interest of Indian travellers in Italian art, history, cuisine and experiences. Air India's flights to Rome are scheduled to offer connections via Delhi to destinations such as Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket and Singapore.

Published in Transportation
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