April 18, 2026
The new travel luxury is revealed in an anti-overtourism revolution from Unexpected Italy, an award-winning traveltech start-up that is putting authenticity back into travel in Italy.
“Luxury today is not about abundance, it’s about uniqueness”
Founded by Elisabetta Faggiana and Savio Losito, Unexpected Italy offers slow and highly curated experience across 12 provinces in the Veneto, Lazio, Puglia, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy and other regions. “Luxury today is not about abundance, it’s about uniqueness,- says CEO Faggiana. -“True luxury is not five-star hotels which are the same all over the world. Today people are looking for unique, real experiences like waking up in a family-run villa, eating breakfast from grandma’s recipes and tasting a rare wine from a small independent cellar. It’s very different from the cookie-cutter offerings of traditional tourism.” A simple yet revolutionary concept that favours human interaction, storytelling, and artisanal creativity; those elements HNWIs, and conscious travellers of all budgets, are now seeking.
Bespoke experiences and stays in every region
The itineraries offered by Unexpected Italy highlight parts of Italy that are often overlooked by mass tourism. In Piedmont, travellers can sip vermouth with a local mixologist. In Veneto, they can visit Ca' Apollonio, a design farm-stay, and learn the art of ceramics in Nove. Rome unveils its luxury artisaanship through goldsmiths, hat makers, and bespoke perfumers, far from the crowds milling around the Colosseum. In Modena, known for Ferrari and fast cars, travellers can taste traditionally aged balsamic vinegar in family-run distilleries, and in Liguria they can stay in aristocratic palazzi.
The app guides travellers through the most authentic Italy
All the locations and hosts are personally visited and vetted by Unexpected Italy, which has selected 500 exceptional experiences which are available on the Unexpected Italy app that guides travellers through the most authentic Italy, with curated guides already available for Rome, Matera, Vicenza, Turin and Venice. For the travel trade this is shift in mindset. In this era of overtourism, luxury is all about roots, relationships, and stories that cannot be repeated elsewhere. For information:www.unexpecteditaly.com
Published in Digital
Blu Hotels has acquired the Sport Hotel Cristal in Maso Corto, Val Senales, for €6 million to create the Blu Senales Family & Sport Resort.
Expanding its portfolio of owned hotels
The group, which has been managing the hotel since 2006, is thus expanding its portfolio of owned hotels, confirming its commitment to enhancing high-end properties and offering solutions tailored to the needs of an increasingly demanding clientele. The Hotel Cristal will undergo significant renovation in 2026, thanks to the investment of over €5 million.
One of the most modern tourist complexes in South Tyrol
The project involves the complete refurbishment of the hotel and the creation, together with the Hotel Zirm (already renovated in 2019), of a single resort, the Blu Senales Family & Sport Resort, which is set to become one of the largest and most modern tourist complexes in South Tyrol.
Direct access to hiking trails and ski slopes
The new resort will have 145 spacious and modern rooms and will offer an innovative holiday experience, combining sports and wellness in an exclusive setting. It will be the ideal destination for families and sports enthusiasts looking for both physical regeneration and outdoor adventures. Its strategic location, with direct access to hiking trails and ski slopes, will allow guests to enjoy outdoor activities in
every season.
Areas for kids and a heated Olympic pool
The Blu Senales Family & Sport Resort will include large areas dedicated to children of all ages, two restaurants, conference rooms, a gym, a wellness centre with a swimming pool, saunas and relaxation areas, and a heated Olympic-size swimming pool.Great attention will also be paid to the F&B outlets with high-quality menus designed to satisfy the tastes of all ages.
“Transforming the Val Senales into an international tourist destination”
“The new resort will be one of the largest and most modern hotels in South Tyrol and will offer a perfect balance between wellness, sport and family holidays,- says Nicola Risatti, president and CEO of Blu Hotels. - Thanks to recent investments made by the ski resort, this project fits perfectly into the plan to transform Val Senales into an international tourist destination, that meets the new needs of those seeking a complete experience, ranging from sport to wellness for the body and soul."
Published in Hospitality
Piedmont recorded over 6.28 million arrivals in 2024 and is showcasing its sixteen Royal Residences.
International overnight stays outpaced domestic tourism
In 2024 for the first time, international overnight stays in Piedmont outpaced domestic tourism, confirming the northern region’s growing global appeal. The new tourism record consisted of over 6.28 million arrivals and 16.89 million overnight stays, which were a +3.6% and +4.1% increase respectively over the previous year. These figures, released by the regional tourism observatory Visit Piemonte, confirm that the international demand rose by 5%, bringing the share of foreign overnight stays to 53%. Traditional key European markets like Germany, France, and Benelux performed solidly, while the United States posted +12% in arrivals, and China made a strong comeback with +36% in arrivals and +19% in overnight stays.
Piedmont has 16 UNESCO royal residences
As part of a recent press tour organized by Visit Piemonte a group of Italian journalists visited several of the 16 royal residences of the House of Savoy, all of which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative coincided with the “Royal Wonders. Journey through the 16 Savoy Royal Residences - UNESCO World Heritage”, photographic exhibition hosted at the Piedmont Region’s office in Brussels. This is the first international exhibition entirely dedicated to this extraordinary architectural and landscape complex which is a testament to the legacy of Italy’s Savoy dynasty.
A meeting with Tourism Councillor Marina Chiarelli
After visiting several royal sites, including the Govone, Racconigi, and Agliè castles in the province of Cuneo, and Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace, and La Venaria Reale in Turin, the journalists met with the regional tourism councillor Marina Chiarelli, who told them how heritage and major events are driving tourism growth in Piedmont. “Events are a key driver for Piedmont’s appeal” “Events are a key driver for Piedmont’s appeal. From the men’s professional Nitto ATP tennis finals to winter sports tourism and from the destination wedding sector (which generated 148,000 overnight stays and an economic impact of €68.5 million in 2024 Ed.) to trade fairs and cultural festivals: they all boost visibility and deliver tangible economic benefits, particularly in Turin and across the Langhe district,- said Councillor Chiarelli. - Working with regional stakeholders we have created a strong promotional system, and the feedback from international trade fairs like the WTM in London, the ITB Berlin and Osaka, confirms we’re on the right path. Return visitors also play an important role, returning again and again for the welcome they get and for our region’s unique and unforgettable experiences.”
“Piedmont is a benchmark for Italian culture abroad”
The Visit Piedmont press tour highlighted the diverse nature of the UNESCO-listed Savoy Residences, from the baroque grandeur of palaces like Turin’s magnificent Palazzo Reale to the intimate charm of royal hunting lodges and lesser-known properties. “Piedmont has truly acquired an international profile and is a benchmark for Italian culture abroad. The House of Savoy Royal Residences are emblematic of our drive to promote beauty, heritage, and culture as instruments of dialogue, and as major attractions for visitors from far and wide.”
Published in Cities & Regions
Piedmont’s finest bubbles were on stage in Rome recently at Palazzo Brancaccio for the second edition of "Alta Langa Roma."
Putting the Alta Langa into the tourist spotlight
The event was a dynamic showcase of Piedmont’s premium traditional-method sparkling wine and highlighted the region’s vocation for authentic tourism. Organized by the Consorzio Alta Langa, the event welcomed a strong showing of accredited trade guests and 34 producers who presented 75 cuvées.
“Connecting the trade with the quality, and market potential of Alta Langa”
The goal was to create a strategic appointment in the capital for industry professionals to engage directly with Alta Langa DOCG—a vintage-only, classic-method sparkling wine grown in the high hills of southern Piedmont. “This is more than a wine tasting, it is a platform to connect the trade with the quality, and market potential of Alta Langa,” said Paolo Bongioanni, regional councillor for commerce, agriculture, and tourism, Regione Piemonte. The sold-out masterclasses led by Marco Reitano, head sommelier at Rome’s 3-Michelin La Pergola, were a sell-out.
An alternative off-the-beaten-track region
Founded in 2001, the Consorzio Alta Langa today unites 90 producers and 90 growers, with a shared goal to build a sparkling wine category that reflects the identity and value of the territory, complementing the Langhe and Roero while offering a less saturated more discoverable alternative for visitors seeking to explore Italy off-the-beaten track.
“We offer emotions, not just experiences”
Giovanni Minetti, at the helm of the Consorzio Alta Langa for just four weeks, described Alta Langa not only as a product, but as a destination brand. “When we talk about wine, we talk about culture. And when we talk about culture, we’re talking about tourism, The Alta Langa is different, it offers experiential tourism with authenticity. With pristine landscapes and many biking and hiking trails, it is far from mass tourism, a new frontier for high-value wine tourism. While the Langhe area is now grappling with overtourism, the Alta Langa offers space and the chance to discover something untouched. But more than that, we want to deliver emotions. Because emotions are what stay with people, and what they talk about when they go home.”
Published in Food&Wine
The FS Treni Turistici Italiani proposal is expanding, and from next autumn it will add new destinations departing from Rome to Umbria, Tuscany and Piedmont.
Slow travel on renovated trains
These are itineraries designed for travellers wishing to enjoy a slow, sustainable and comfortable travel experience on board completely renovated trains. The itineraries lead through nature to destinations that are rich in culture and traditions and with excellent food and wine. The autumn offer is already on sale, allowing travellers, groups and tour operators to plan their trip in advance.
Daily round-trips through Tuscany
Starting in September it will be possible to travel from Rome to Siena aboard the Val d'Orcia Espresso, running every Saturday and Sunday from 6 September to 1 December. The train will depart from Roma Termini at 7:42 a.m. stopping at some of the most charming locations on the Maremma coast and in the Tuscan hinterland, such as Tarquinia, Capalbio, Orbetello, Grosseto, Montepescali, Monte Antico, Monte Amiata, Torrenieri Montalcino and Asciano, with an expected arrival in Siena at 1:20 p.m. The journeys include round trips on the same day, offering the opportunity to explore the Val d'Orcia and historical Tuscan villages.
Weekends in the Langhe and day trips to Umbria
The Langhe-Monferrato Express will depart Roma Termin from 19 October to 28 November, taking passengers to Alba for the International White Truffle Fair. The train will leave every Friday evening at 19:57, with stops in Acqui Terme, Nizza Monferrato and Asti, and arrive in Alba on Saturday morning at 10:35. The return journey is scheduled for Sunday, leaving Alba at 18:20, offering an entire weekend immersed in the autumn atmosphere of the Langhe. The Assisi Express will run every Sunday from 5 October to 7 December between Umbria and Tuscany taking passengers to some of the most fascinating and spiritual locations in central Italy, before arriving in Arezzo.
Published in Transportation
UNA Italian Hospitality makes its debut in Calabria with the affiliation of Tenuta Contessa Farm & SPA Cosenza, a member of the UNA Hotels Collection.
Breathtaking views from the Pollino Massif to the Sila plateau
The property, in the heart of Calabria’s Valle del Crati, with UNA Hotels , has has breathtaking views from the Pollino Massif to the Sila plateau, and is an old 19th century farmhouse. It is close to some of the most important urban centres in the area, as well as to characteristic local villages.
Ideal for families and business travellers
Thanks to its wide range of services and its strategic location, the elegant 4-star hotel is the ideal base for couples and families wishing to visit the Calabrian hinterland and enjoy a few days of relaxation to discover the region's cultural and gastronomic appeal. It is also suitable for business travellers who choose to stay in the tranquillity of the countryside, where comfort and good food are combined with the convenience of being close to the main communications routes to the surrounding urban centres.
23 suites surrounded by vineyards and olive groves
Easily reachable from the A2 motorway junction of Montalto Uffugo, Tenuta Contessa Farm & SPA Cosenza allows guests to travel comfortably around the area for conferences and business meetings between Cosenza, Rende and other nearby locations. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, UNA Hotels Tenuta Contessa Farm & SPA Cosenza has 23 suites overlooking the surrounding landscape, for immersive and regenerating stays. All rooms have modern furnishings, rustic colours, and details inspired by Calabrian rural tradition as well as large desks designed to comfortably use tablets and PCs. The charming location and the availability of workstations directly in the room allow business travellers to work comfortably even in the hotel.
A Bio and Wine Bar and the Lucia Madre Restaurant
The hotel's offer is enriched by the Escape Bio & Wine Spa: an exclusive wellness centre, and a fitness room. The beating heart of the estate is the Lucia Madre Restaurant, inspired by a philosophy of agricultural cuisine with a Mediterranean flavour, aimed at enhancing the work of small local producers and the produce coming directly from the estate's organic vegetable garden. In parallel with the restaurant's usual gastronomic offer, guests have the opportunity to enjoy personalized experiences around the local area, designed to allow them to discover its traditions and peculiarities: sensory paths, cooking lessons, and extra virgin olive oil and wine tastings.
UNA Italian Hospitality now has 56 properties
With this new UNA Hotels Tenuta Contessa Farm & SPA UNA Italian Hospitality has 56 properties, consolidating its presence in Southern Italy, reinforcing its vocation to promoting levels of hospitality that know how to tell a story of territorial excellence while offering personalized experiences of Italian style.
Published in Hospitality
Following its debut in June last year, Neos' seasonal Palermo-New York route is back in operation, with two weekly frequencies on Fridays and Sundays until 24 October 2025.
The first flight arrived from JFK last week
Last week the Alpitour group company's B787-9 Dreamliner touched down on the runway of Palermo's Falcone Borsellino airport with 227 passengers on board. The aircraft had taken off from New York on 5 June, at 17:00 (local time), arriving in Palermo just before 8:00, from where it departed at 11:50 to make its return to the Big Apple.
Daily flights from New York to Italy
"Following the success of the flight that, since last summer, has linked the United States to Sicily, we have decided to expand our offer. In this way we will have daily connections between New York and Italy with four frequencies from Milan, two from Palermo and, from 4 June, also a flight from Bari,” said Carlo Stradiotti, Neos CEO. The flight is important both in terms of outbound and inbound traffic, given the high number of Italians living in New York.
Seeking new carriers and direct connections from Canada and the UAE
“For the second year running,- says Salvatore Burrafato, president of GESAP, the management company of Palermo's air terminal, -Neos is debuting a direct flight between the United States of America and Palermo, landing at JFK. This route is a great opportunity for Sicilians and for Sicily as, according to the latest estimates, the presence of Americans on the island is increasing. This also translates into economic growth for our region and for companies working in the tourism sector. The GESAP board of directors is working to increase the presence of new airlines, with regard to the international and intercontinental segments, from countries such as Canada and the Arab Emirates,” Burrafato concluded.
Published in Transportation
Club del Sole has its focus on the growth of foreign markets thanks to a new commercial partnership with TravelJet.
Working in close synergy
At the helm of the project is the Group's sales director, Pierluigi Ceci, who, since joining Club del Sole, has launched a process of expansion into international markets. Historical inbound tourism Italian operator TravelJet will play a central role in the management of commercial relations, agreements and sales, through a dedicated sales force that will work in close synergy with the Club del Sole team.
Foreign markets like Club del Sole’s open-air product
"We believe this agreement is full of expectations and potential; foreign markets are showing very encouraging numbers towards the open-air product and Club del Sole is leading the way in Italy. We are extremely confident of a very positive and quick response from numerous international players, and we are counting on starting the 2026 planning already very soon with very targeted and specific actions and tools" said Filippo Bacchini, CEO of TravelJet
“It is very important for us to reach the German public”
"This operation is part of a broader development strategy, aimed at consolidating the Italian leadership in the open-air segment while extending Club del Sole brand recognition also beyond the national borders - said Angelo Cartelli, general manager of Club del Sole. - Our commitment towards internationalization is confirmed by the recent launch of the first advertising campaign on German TV. The campaign, focused on the regions of Baden and Bavaria, is aimed at strategic areas selected for their high tourism potential and strong affinity with the Club del Sole target. It is very important for us to reach the German public which is attentive to quality, authenticity, sustainability and the family aspect of the travel experience."
Published in Hospitality
The two new Saudia flights connecting Jeddah and Riyadh with Venice are served by Airbus A320s, configured with 20 Business Class and 90 Economy seats.
“With travel agencies ours is a relationship of mutual trust”
"We are very happy about these new routes, and opening a third station in Italy, after Milan and Rome. For us this is a source of pride and an important strengthening of the offer for Saudi Arabia in terms of frequencies and capacity,- says Fabio Zinanni, Saudia's sales manager for Italy. -We have always privileged the sales channel through travel agencies, ours is a relationship of mutual trust. 2024 marked a record year for our airline, and 2025 is headed to further growth, as confirmed by the flights to Venice”
Venice is an important hub for North-East Italy
“Venice can become an important hub for us, especially for the North-East, which has many many companies that do business in Saudi Arabia, and having more destinations that can be reached in a few hours is certainly an advantage. We are therefore very focused on ensuring that flights to and from Venice become a constant in our airline's schedule.”
Connections within the Arabian Peninsula and to South-East Asia
"Welcoming the national airline of Saudia Arabia to Venice is a source of great satisfaction for us, considering that the country is an important Middle Eastern market in terms of population and that flights from Riyadh and Jeddah allow Saudi travellers to reach Venice and the Veneto region directly, taking advantage of a complete offer of cultural and tourist attractions - says Camillo Bozzolo, Save Group aviation development director. -Saudia's two hubs, in addition to being extensively connected to destinations within the country, also offer convenient connections within the Arabian Peninsula and to South-East Asia.”
Published in Transportation
The Hotel Terme & Spa San Michele reopened its doors on the island of Ischia on 30 May.
Under the new management of Fedegroup
The property is under the new management of Fedegroup, a company specializing in food and beverage services for the hotel industry and hotel management, part of the Industry 4.0 Fund, a vehicle of the Quadrivio Group. Located in Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, the Hotel Terme & Spa San Michele enjoys a privileged position on the island, its typical Mediterranean architecture combining the beauty of nature with the effectiveness of thermal waters.
Indoor and outdoor thermal pools
There are 42 rooms and suites with panoramic views overlooking the sea or set in greenery. Thanks to the Acquamarina Wellness Centre and indoor and outdoor thermal pools, the hotel offers a unique spa experience, fed by a private thermal spring. The two thermal pools, one indoor and one outdoor, with water flowing at 50°C and maintained at an ideal temperature of 37°C, promote muscle relaxation, improve blood circulation and promote general well-being. Mud therapy and massage therapy, inhalation treatments and osteopathy complete the range of treatments.
Set in a beautiful park
The hotel's extensive park overlooks the sea and offers an immersive experience in Mediterranean nature. Centuries-old olive trees, majestic palm trees, colourful bougainvillea and fragrant oleanders create an authentic and relaxing atmosphere, while there is breakfast with a sea view served at the Le Anfore restaurant, room service and a pool bar.
Fedegroup also owns hotels in Romagna and Venice
Fedegroup, already owner of Ròseo Euroterme Wellness Resort in Bagno di Romagna and Villa Barbarich in Venice Mestre, boosts its hospitality line with the addition of Hotel Terme San Michele to its portfolio, managing all aspects of the hotel facilities and combining its experience in food & beverage with its managerial expertise in the hospitality sector.
“There is an increasing preference for southern Italy”
“Fedegroup returns to one of the most sought-after and romantic tourist destinations in Italy, the island of Ischia to which we are very attached and in which we want to invest. There is growing interest in travel dedicated to personal well-being with an increasing preference for southern Italy, the ideal destination for the Italian summer,- says Mirko Sanna, CEO of Fedegroup. -We are delighted to have acquired this gem and to be able to bring it back into operation. All the services at the Hotel Terme & Spa San Michele are tailor-made, taking into account the strengths and unique characteristics of the area and highlighting the intrinsic features of the destination, the Bay of Sant'Angelo, which is unique for its beauty and nature."
Published in Hospitality
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