Nobu Hospitality announces that Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Roma is now accepting reservations.

The hotel blends Roman elegance with Nobu's Japanese aesthetic

Ahead of the hotel’s highly anticipated opening this early autumn, the global luxury lifestyle brand has proudly announced that reservations can now be made and, to celebrate this milestone, Nobu Hospitality has unveiled a preview of the interiors of the hotel and restaurant. Images that give a glimpse of the blend of timeless Roman elegance and Nobu's distinctive contemporary Japanese aesthetic.

Nobu Roma - a new culinary destination

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings his world-famous dishes to the Eternal City at Nobu Roma. Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine with South American influences including the iconic Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, New Style Sashimi, Toro Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura and the acclaimed sushi synonymous with the brand. The restaurant offers the option to dine in the main dining room or experience an intimate Sushi Counter, giving diners a front row seat to admire the artistry created by Nobu's sushi chefs. The bar will serve a curated wine list, premium sake and Nobu's exclusive cocktails. The opening hours are Sunday to Wednesday from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 6.30 p.m. to 23 p.m.

Redefining hospitality on Via Veneto

The public opening of the Nobu Hotel Roma marks the transformation of the former Grand Hotel Via Veneto. The award-winning international architecture and design studio Rockwell Group has designed the rooms, suites and rooftop, blending Nobu's refined Japanese minimalism with Roman traditions to create an oasis of modern luxury in the heart of the Eternal City. Nobu, the iconic Japanese hospitality brand founded by partners Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, has grown to include 57 restaurants, 46 hotels and 20 residences around the world. For information: www.nobuhotels.com/roma

Oasi Zegna, an outdoor destination in Piedmont, is an Alpine playground for all seasons.

Experiencing the mountains year-round

Oasi Zegna, founded by the textile industrialist Ermenegildo Zegna in the 1930s, is an outdoor destination in the Biella Alps of Piedmont offering year-round outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to skiing, along with stunning natural landscapes and cultural and heritage trails.  Spread over 100 kilometres and free to the public, it invites travellers to experience the mountains year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for trekking, mountain biking, and picnics in high pastures, while autumn brings the season of rich hues, offering some of Northern Italy’s most stunning foliage. Winter transforms Oasi Zegna into a playground for snowshoeing, skiing, and other adrenaline-charged Alpine adventures.

A hiking circuit, gourmet meals and simple snacks

Oasi Zegna’s Cammino di Ermenegildo is a three-day, 51-kilometre circular route combining natural landscapes, cultural points of interest, and industrial heritage. Experienced hikers can make their way through forests and alpine meadows, enjoying sweeping views over the Po Valley and the surrounding Alps. This multi-day trekking itinerary appeals to active tourists, wellness seekers, and groups looking for immersive experiences off the beaten path. From a gourmet meal to a simple snack, Oasi Zegna's dining options cater to all tastes, its array of culinary experiences reflecting the rich traditions of the Biella Alps with authentic Piedmontese dishes available at restaurants and farmhouses. 

An authentic choice for safe outdoor activities

Oasi Zegna also stands out as a model of sustainable tourism, replying to the growing demand among international clients for environmentally responsible travel. It is positioned as an authentic, low-impact alternative to more commercial Alpine resorts, and for families the park offers accessible trails, educational programmes about local flora and fauna, and safe outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Weekend getaways and slow travel itineraries can include wellness and reconnecting with nature, while adventure packages can focus on mountain sports and guided exploration.

A premier destination for sustainable travel

With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and year-round appeal makes Oasi Zegna is a must-have inclusion in Italy’s Alpine portfolio, reinforcing Piedmont’s position as a premier destination for sustainable and immersive travel.

At a time when tourism is increasingly demonized for its environmental and social impact, Jane Gooddall, primatologist and a lifelong advocate for both people and the planet, who died recently, offers a powerful reminder of the industry’s potential for good when managed responsibly.

“The travel industry, and especially I’m thinking of tourism….benefits in so many ways. It benefits the country because it brings foreign exchange in, it benefits the travellers because they learn about situations face to face that they otherwise might read about, but it wouldn't really get home to them, so they care more. It benefits the animals because the local people are now prepared to look after them rather than kill them, because by looking after them they know that brings in more tourists. It's basically spreading awareness about the problems, so I think you know, the tourism industry when it's done correctly and wisely, it is a really good investment for the future of conservation and biodiversity.”

In just a few powerful lines, Goodall distills what responsible tourism champions have said for years, that when done right, travel isn’t the problem. It’s the solution - a force for conservation, education, and economic empowerment rather than harm.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Generation 35+, aka the Millennials, is quietly emerging as an increasingly influential and lucrative travel sector. Traveling with no children and often solo, they bring something every destination dreams of - independence, flexibility, and an open-ended travel budget.

With no school holidays shaping their schedules, they can book shoulder-season city breaks, midweek escapes, and long-haul adventures at the drop of a hat. They want quality, from boutique stays to curated cultural encounters and wellness retreats with a touch of gourmet flair - and they are willing to pay for it.

For the trade, the message is loud and clear. Marketing that once invested heavily on families and honeymooners now needs to speak to confident solo travellers and small groups of friends who see travel not as a reward but as a lifestyle. Having traded hostels for heritage hotels and cheap beer for craft cocktails and high-roller bubbles, Generation 35+ is calling on the industry to keep pace.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

For over 25 years Ferretti Hotels Group has grown with a family spirit.

Expanding locally and internationally 

Ferretti Hotels is a fixture of Italian hospitality, with strong roots on the Romagna Riviera. From the beginning, the vision was clear. “Our deveopment follows the path set 25 years ago, when from the very first property we saw growth both locally and nationally,” explains CEO Fabrizio Ferretti.

Looking at opening in a mountain area

The vision of bringing the Romagna’s style of hospital onto a national level has shaped a portfolio ranging from seaside resorts and lakeside destinations to art cities, business hubs, and inland tourism. “The only segment we’re missing is the mountains, but we’ll get there soon.” In a crowded market, the Ferretti formula is deliberately focused. “Our strength is being a small family group. Everything is under control, there are no unnecessary roles, and everyone works hard to achieve results.”

A raft of new openings in the pipeline

Sustainability is also important. “At the moment, we are starting with photovoltaic systems, but expectations are always higher, so to keep up you have to keep investing in properties, innovations and people.” The Group’s growth plans include developing a family hotel and a sports hotel with on-site facilities in Misano Adriatico. A new opening is also planned in central Milan, with further projects in Rome, Venice, Florence, Modena, and the mountains also in the pipeline.

“We will always be a family-run group”

As for the future Ferretti Hotels sees resilience in diversification. “During Covid, while art cities struggled, seaside hotels performed well. That balance sustained us.” And despite expansion Ferretti’s philosophy remains unchanged. “We will always be a family-run group, with our feet on the ground. Managing hotels isn’t easy, you need to think with your own head, invest wisely, and carry forward your own vision.”

In 2026, all eyes will turn to L’Aquila, the Abruzzo city that is the Italian Capital of Culture 2026.  

The theme is L’Aquila s a Multiverse City 

At 700 metres above sea level in the heart of the Apennine mountains, as it takes centre stage as Italian Capital of Culture. Celebrated under the theme Città Multiverso – Multiverse City, L’Aquila is set to become a hub where art, heritage, creativity, nature, and innovation converge. The programme promises to showcase the city’s resilient spirit through exhibitions, festivals, live performances, and immersive creative projects designed not just to display L’Aquila, but to inspire dialogue, new ideas, and lasting connections benchmarking L’Aquila’s extraordinary resilience – in 2009 it was hit by a devastating earthquake that destroyed much of its historic centre - into inspiration for the future.  

Museums and artisan workshops 

Strolling along the cobbled streets of the historic centre visitors can admire the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, a 13th-century masterpiece, and the Forte Spagnolo, a striking Renaissance fortress. Art lovers will delight in museum exhibits celebrating traditions and innovation, while local workshops allow them to engage directly with artisans who keep centuries-old crafts alive.

Hiking, mountain biking and skiing are nearby

Nature and adventure are close by as L’Aquila’s surroundings are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, climbing Corno Grande, the highest mountain peak in the Apennines, or exploring hidden alpine lakes and trails all appeal to travellers. Winter brings skiing in nearby Roccaraso, while spring and summer offer horseback riding, paragliding, and mountain biking across lush valleys and forests.

Involving neighbouring towns and areas

Beyond L’Aquila the 2026 Capital of Culture programme extends to Rieti and other neighbouring towns, creating a network of experiences across central Italy. Towns and villages, rural areas and mountain resorts will host pop-up events, workshops, and festivals, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves fully in the traditions and contemporary creativity associated with this part of the Abruzzo region. Sustainability is central to the concept, with projects designed to leave a lasting cultural and environmental legacy well beyond the 2026 Italian Capital of Culture year.

ItaliAbsolutely takes part in some of the travel industry’s most important trade fairs, including TTG Travel Experience, which will take place from October 8 to 10 in Rimini (Emilia Romagna region). Italiabsolutely will be at Hall A2, Booth 221. These events are opportunities to establish new contacts with international travel specialists and forge agreements with leading players across the global tourism industry. They also offer the chance to strengthen relationships with partners and advertisers, while showcasing editorial initiatives that highlight the latest market trends and business opportunities. 

On October 8, ItaliAbsolutely will be presented to the international B2B travel market with a brand-new look: a compact, more user-friendly format, featuring fresh content, news, articles, columns, and stories. The first issue will also be distributed in digital format to 70,000 travel agents and international operators.

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The participation of Travel Open Day S.r.l., owner of the ItaliAbsolutely brand, at TTG Travel Experience was made possible through the contribution of €15,240 for each trade fair, granted by the Lazio Region under the “Voucher Internazionalizzazione PMI 2025,” an initiative of the Regional Programme ERDF Lazio 2021–2027. This programme supports the participation of regional SMEs at international trade fairs, enabling them to expand access to foreign markets and foster their internationalization processes. Through this participation, Travel Open Day S.r.l. establishes relations with the Italian tourism market to promote Italian tourism worldwide.

Grimaldi Lines. A positive summer and new proposals for winter travel.

Following a positive summer season Grimaldi Lines has new proposals for winter travel.

A network of 20 Mediterranean routes

This summer Grimaldi Lines connected all the shores of the Mediterranean, with a network of 20 maritime routes to and from Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia, Francesca Marino head of Grimaldi Lines’ passenger department, outlines the shipping line’s extensive range of services. 

“Routes with convenient timetables and regular frequencies”

“The Grimaldi Line routes, which have convenient timetables and regular frequencies, are the key to our success with very different target customers from families, couples, groups of friends and caravanners, to nature and adventure lovers, not forgetting the Over-60s who benefit from special concessions. This wide-ranging offer positions us as a benchmark for mobility and tourism in the Mediterranean, and it creates added value for our commercial partners, who can build tailor-made packages linked to events, festivals and shows around our routes, even in the low season.”

New itineraries and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona

Alongside the shipping line activities, the group’s Grimaldi Lines Tour Operator offers original holiday experiences such as themed trips -l ranging from literature to wellness, games and dancing - on the Civitavecchia-Barcelona and Palermo-Naples routes. New December itineraries include the Barcelona Christmas Markets (6–10 December) and these are also available from Palermo to Naples for Sicilian customers (6–9 December). Another highlight is Palermo, with a package combining a stay at the Hotel Mediterraneo and a crossing from Naples aboard the Cruise Ausonia (5–9 December). The winter calendar concludes with the eagerly awaited New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, the ideal occasion to celebrate 2026 in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

“A clear and rewarding commercial policy for agents”

The Rimini fair will provide the stage to present Grimaldi Educa, the company’s project dedicated to youth training. On this initiative Marino underlines: “In this area Grimaldi Lines is a flexible partner offering from a single sea voyage to full experiences curated by Grimaldi Lines Tour Operator, combining stays, excursions and on-board programmes to create tailor-made packages for schools and groups.” The Tour Operator’s programme also extends to Mediterranean holidays with travel by sea and stays in hotels, residences and villages in Sardinia, Sicily, Spain and Greece. With regard to the trade, Marino stresses: “Travel agents are our fundamental partners, and we have a clear and rewarding commercial policy for them. In addition to a wide range of products tailored to end-customer needs, we allow overcommissions on the achievement of set objectives, something that goes to reinforce a partnership built on mutual trust and shared success.”

  

The contemporary art exhibition Nullpunkt will run at the eCampus University in Rome up to 24 October 2025.

Promoting art in danger of disappearing 

The exhibition, conceived and directed by Count Daniele Radini Tedeschi, well-known art critic, curator of eight editions of the Venice Biennale Art for Latin American countries, with the valuable contribution of Anselm Jappe, professor of aesthetics at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.  Promoted thanks to the support of eCampus, the exhibition’s title is the German term for the zero point, which is to say the limit from which a new phenomenon can originate, the ideal starting point for a change, for a renewed cycle and a new phase. The initiative says Anselm Jappe underlines art's mission to safeguard “ways of feeling and doing that are in danger of disappearing under current conditions.”. narcissism.

Peter Nussbaum, As Above, So Below

“Recovering the semiotic intensity of images”

The exhibition, says Radini Tedeschi, "Embraces artists living in the current historical period, The art of  Nullpunkt seeks to recover the semiotic intensity of images and the works on display anticipate or follow the crisis point, bringing art - and therefore culture - back to a place of secrecy, initiation and seduction".

Nicola Pica, MU. Soulless, high relief in resin and iron oxide on canvas

The entrance is free Monday to Saturday

Three authoritative masters of modernism - Peter Nussbaum, Nino Perrone and Nicola Pica- confront the new group of young artists from various academies who include Shohreh Bayatipour, Francesca Biancalana, Flavio D'Agate, Elisa Fabbri, Maria Ginzburg, Elena Griscioli, Michela Lambraia, Stefan Loata, Aurora Macella, Giulio Martellotti, Annalinda Maso, Beatrice Pellegrini, Ilaria Racca and Alice Sortino.  Visiting hours: Monday to Friday 8.30-20.00; Saturday 8.30-13.00.