With Germany ranked as Italy’s number one inbound market, there was a high-ranking turnout at the ENIT, Italian National Tourist Board, pavilion at the ITB in Berlin.

Some 50% of Germans are repeat visitors to Italy

Present at the ENIT stand, with the minister of tourism Daniela Santanchè, were the governor of Emilia Romagna Stefano Bonaccini, the new president of ENIT S.p.a. Alessandra Priante, and the managing director of the Italian national tourist board Ivana Jelinic. Minister Santanchè said the ITB is an extraordinary opportunity to further increase the visibility of Italy. “Almost 50% of German tourists return to Italy and the Venus of the “Open to Wonder” campaign influences their choice or confirmation of Italy as a travel destination.  “Thanks to ENIT's contribution the Italian regions and the many businesses present at this Berlin show provide a unified image and are “an example of how the Italian system must move in order to aspire to ever greater success, while at the same time constituting a precious opportunity to create the best business climate for our enterprises.” 

The new president of ENIT S.p.a. Alessandra Priante, and the managing director of the Italian national tourist board Ivana Jelinic

The importance of promoting Italy’s appeal 

ENIT S.p.a.’s new president Alessandra Priante said that Germany is the first market for Italy, a position that it is essential to maintain while improving on tourist satisfaction. "The essence of tourism is not only arriving at a destination, but above all returning there and promoting its appeal by word of mouth. We are also seeing the return of long haul big-spenders, and consolidating an interesting position in the Middle East and Asia. With the new ENIT S.p.a. we will work in a more agile and innovative way to give the right support to Italian tourism stakeholders, operators, and the industry in general, promoting Italy’s excellence, focusing heavily on training, and helping destinations to diversify and deseasonalize even more effectively."

“Focusing on developing progressively varied and eco-conscious tourism products”

"Italy is the first country abroad for Germans who know a lot about our cultural influence in terms of fashion, entertainment, brands, trends, cultural heritage and tourism," said ENIT CEO Ivana Jelinic. - The Germans love Italy so much that they choose to return again and again, compelling us to focus on developing progressively varied and eco-conscious tourism products.” Armando Varricchio, the Italian ambassador to Germany commented that with over 12 million arrivals, Germany is confirmed as the first country of origin for tourism to Italy.  “Moreover, this is a market with great growth potential, as demonstrated today by the presence of the minister of tourism and over 200 Italian exhibitors at the ITB. This is a valuable opportunity to present Italy’s excellence to Germany and to international audiences.” 

Emilia Romagna is investing in sporting and cultural events

In 2023 the Emilia Romagna region posted record overnights and arrivals thanks to synergies between the public and private sectors which also enabled the region to cope with a dramatic event such as last year’s floods in Romagna. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure and in the redevelopment of the coastline and accommodation facilities, while focusing on major sporting and cultural events”, said Stefano Bonaccini, president of the Emilia-Romagna region.

An Italian debut is planned in Taormina in 2025 for Kimpton, the brand acquired by the IHG group in 2018 for €430 million.

A 59-room boutique hotel with a Mediterranean garden 

The Italian Kimpton opening, scheduled for the second half of 2025 in Taormina Sicily, is the result of a management agreement with the Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese for a 59-room boutique hotel with a restaurant aimed at both tourists and locals. The property will also have a breakfast room and a terrace bar with panoramic views, as well as a Mediterranean garden, a 20-metre swimming pool and a tennis court.

“In 2023 we more than doubled our luxury and lifestyle properties in Italy”

“Italy is an ideal destination for luxury travel, – says Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe IHG Hotels & Resorts. - Our growth strategy in Italy aims at completing and further enriching our offer.  Following exponential growth in 2023, which saw us more than double our luxury and lifestyle properties in Italy, we are now thrilled to partner with Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminase to further expand our presence in Italy with this boutique and lifestyle property in Sicily."

Indigo hotels are planned for Turin and Trieste

The Kimpton in Sicily will be IHG's thirtieth hotel in Italy and will be added to the openings in the pipeline of IHG's luxury and lifestyle segment in Italy. Among these, the first Six Senses urban resort opened in Rome as well as the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and the Hotel Indigo Florence. Two more Indigos are due to open in Turin and Trieste, followed by the first Vignette Collection, the Alexandra Hotel, in Rome in 2025.

Le Dune Piscinas which will open in April is the luxury of slowness in the “other” Sardinia.

Sand dunes and transparent seas

In south-western Sardinia, in the Costa Verde area, there are 47 kilometres of wild and spectacular coastline in the municipality of Arbus with an expanse of fine sand dunes, the highest in Europe, that become endless beaches bathed by a sea of surprising transparency. 

This is the other Sardinia

This is the other Sardinia, the one reserved for lovers of nature and silence and from Arbus, you come to the Ingurtosu mining park, a monument of industrial archaeology included in a UNESCO World Heritage area that stretches over 18 kilometres of deserted beach.  From here you proceed along a dirt road until you reach the beach of Piscinas, untouched and solitary, lapped by crystal-clear water. 

junior suite - Le Dune Piscinas

A 5-star hotel with 28 rooms and suites

Le Dune Piscinas Resort, directly on the beach, reopens on 24 April after three years of radical renovation. A project aimed at protecting and enhancing the historic property, an integral part of the local mining industrial archaeology, now elevated to the pinnacle  of environmentally sustainable hospitality. This five-star hotel with 28 rooms and suites, three restaurants, an American bar, spa and gym, and an outdoor pool.

Menus from a Michelin-star chef 

Le Dune Piscinas has all the comforts of a 5-star hotel, with impeccable service and guests will delight in the food and wine with a menu created by chef Fabio Ciervo, who got a Michelin star at the Eden Hotel Terrace in Rome, and who blends the simplicity of local cuisine with the creativity of fine dining. 

Simone Farci, the new general manager of the InterContinental Rome, puts the focus on the US market, and more.

Simone Farci, with long years of experience in the US, has been appointed general manager of the new InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace which last May marked the return of the IHG house brand to the Eternal City. The revival of Rome’s hospitality, with many prestigious openings already underway or in the pipeline, goes hand in hand with the recovery of US demand, which literally exploded in 2023.

The importance of loyalty programmes

“The US is a very important market for Rome,- says Farci, who spent eight years at the helm of several IHG Caribbean properties. -The target clientele here is certainly a little different from Central America, but the needs of US visitors are often similar. They are accustomed to brands that rely heavily on loyalty programmes, and we at IHG are certainly a guarantee.” 

“Competition will inevitably grow”

“Last June and July we recorded significant growth. Just ten minutes from our hotel there are at least thirty potential competing facilities, and they are high level.” In Rome the post-Covid period marked a turning point with no shortage of investors seeking to maximize investments. “This can usually only be done with luxury brands. In our area alone there is talk of numerous new openings such as Rosewood, Nobu and Baccarat. Competition will inevitably grow, but I believe that demand will too, proportionally.”

Management and franchising contracts are soaring

The latest Chains Monitor from Thrends shows that chain rooms have now exceeded 20% of the total. And many belong to foreign brands. "The number of owners and investors willing to link up with large groups through management and franchising contracts is soaring,” adds Farci, highlighting a relatively new trend for the Italian market. But the majors are holding their own, and IHG saw their operating margins exceed one billion dollars for the first time in its history.  

Ristorante Scarpetta NYC InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

Rome’s F&B offer has improved

The city of Rome is also playing its part: 'I lived in Rome some fifteen years ago and I find it improved in many ways.  The growth in luxury demand has shaken up the general organization of the city, which is now a destination accessible to all types of tourist. The F&B offer has improved and is no longer limited to Italian and local restaurants. Here at the Ambasciatori Palace, for example, we have an international brand, Scarpetta Nyc, always of course with an eye to the US market.” 

“In the future an important role will be played by events”

This year’s slightly earlier than usual Easter could mean an early start to the high season, which will run to August, with a strong tail end in September and October. “In the last three weeks we have recorded strong demand from Asian markets, thanks chiefly to the Chinese New Year. I believe that in the future an important role will be played by events, starting with next year's Jubilee which will benefit all Rome’s hotels, from two stars up. From this point of view, I truly believe that Rome is a unique destination.” 

With technology advancing faster than you can say "jet lag," it may come as a surprise to find that many airplanes cruising the skies today are much older than you would think! In fact, the oldest is a Boeing 737-200, built in 1974, which is still flying with the Canadian charter airline Nolinor Aviation, at the ripe old age of 50.

While you can rest assured that this old trooper, and many other younger but still outdated planes are not about to drop out of the sky, you may wond how they manage to stay airborne? Well, their structural integrity will be as sound as it was the day they were rolled out, thanks to dependable engineering expertise and, of course, if they are getting that essential TLC which is ongoing meticulous maintenance.

While older models may not have the sleek comforts of today’s cabins, and their maintenance and fuel costs are far higher than planes being made today, not many people taking a United or a British Airways flight stop to think about the age of their plane. Which, in the case of Delta averages 16.3 years, while BA’s fleet stands at 13.5 and ITA Airways at 10. Just as many of those taking a flight operated by Turkish low-cost Pegasus will be more interested in the cheap fares rather than knowing that its 103 planes are an average 4.9 years old, making it the world’s youngest fleet. 

Now you’re probably itching to know just how vintage your next flight might be? No problem, there are websites like FlightRadar24 that provide data on the age of every plane in the sky.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

easyJet is currently the second airline to unveil its debut from the Salerno Amalfi Coast airport, scheduled for 11 July next.

London Gatwick will operate from 13 July

The carrier will operate a network of five routes: the first from Milan Malpensa, followed on 12 July by flights from Basel, Geneva and Berlin. On 13 July the long-awaited flight from London Gatwick will land. The new flights, on sale since 29 February, will initially be operated during the summer season with three weekly frequencies for the Milan Malpensa - Salerno route and two weekly frequencies for London Gatwick, Basel, Geneva and Berlin. 

easyJet is operating 52 routes into Campania

With the addition of these five new routes departing from Salerno - the 23rd airport served by easyJet in Italy - the total capacity offered by the airline in Campania in the coming summer season rises to almost three million seats, with 51 routes to 13 countries. 

The carrier also announced that it will place an additional aircraft, the eighth, at its base at Naples international airport next summer, introducing some new flights including Nantes in France, Sitia (Crete), Preveza (Lefkada) and the island of Zakynthos

More easyJet Holidays packages

Next summer will also see an increase in tourist packages offered by easyJet Holidays, the group's tour operator which every year transports thousands of tourists from the United Kingdom (and recently also from Switzerland, Germany and France) to numerous destinations in Southern Italy, through partnerships with local hotels and taking advantage of the wide range of flights guaranteed by the easyJet network. This year over 700 Italian hotels will be part of the easyJet Holidays offer, which already brought thousands of British tourists to Naples last summer.

Gubbio, known as Umbria’s City of Stone, is among the oldest towns in central Italy, and is a true masterpiece. 

Elevators and a cable car for visitors 

This true masterpiece of the medieval city-states of the 13th and 14th centuries,  which is less than an hour from Perugia, has steep cobbled streets but there are public elevators to reach the town’s two upper levels  and some of its most striking monumental buildings. There is also a cable car (the standup birdcage-like cabins have protective railings to chest level) up Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, work on which began in 1513 and which holds the remains of the town’s patron saint.

Gubbio’s Fountain of the Madmen

The Palazzo dei Consoli, on a lower level than the magnificent Cathedral, is the symbol of the city and now a museum, while the Palazzo Pretorio is the seat of the Town Hall. Also worthy of note is the Palazzo del Bargello with one of Gubbio’s most famous monuments, the Fountain of the Madmen. Tradition has it that by running three times around the fountain, one can obtain a madman's licence, but this has to be done in the presence of a citizen of Gubbio!  

A medieval marketplace and a Roman theatre

The handsome Renaissance Ducal Palace documents the reign of the Montefeltro lords over the town. In the lower town the Piazza Quaranta Martiri was an important market area in the Middle Ages.  A visit to the remains of the Roman theatre helps to understand the social organization of the Roman city of Iguvium, revealing the customs and lifestyle of that period. Completed around 20 B.C., it was built with large rusticated limestone blocks and could seat about 6,000 spectators, making it among the largest of its day.

A town with links to Saint Francis of Assisi 

The Church of San Francesco is on a piazza of the same name, and the nearby Spadalonga foundry belonged to a family that welcomed St Francis into their home after he left Assisi. It is believed that the saint tamed a fierce wolf that had been terrorizing the townspeople of Gubbio, another of the many legends of the saint’s extraordinary influence over animals and nature.  The local dishes include crescia, a flatbread of flour, water and salt eaten with cooked greens and local cured meats, while pan caciato is made by adding small pieces of pecorino or caciotta cheese to the bread dough. In season the black and white truffles found in the area are used in a variety of pasta and meat dishes. For information: www.comune.gubbio.pg.it

New private villas are in the pipeline at the Verdura Resort in Sciacca (Sicily). 

Branded residences on the Group’ Sicilian estate

Located along the picturesque Sicilian coast, on a verdant hillside within the Rocco Forte Group's Sicilian estate, these are the company's first branded residences available for purchase and are the result of a collaboration between the architects Asa Studio Albanese and Olga Polizzi, director of design of the Rocco Forte Group.

Rocco Forte Private Villas Verdura Resort Villa

Private villas with infinity pools and sea views

Available in three to seven-bedroom sizes, the private villas feature modern and innovative architecture that aims to blend harmoniously with Sicily’s heritage. With floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious outdoor living areas with private infinity pools and furnished terraces, the two-floor properties, with gardens and sea views, offer total privacy and access to the amenities of the Verdura Resort. 

Rocco Forte Private Villas Verdura resort

 “An extraordinary opportunity for expansion in the real estate market"

Thanks to Rocco Forte Hotels' rental management programme, buyers can also make their villa available for rent during the periods when they are not using it. "The launch of our first branded residences in Sicily represents an extraordinary opportunity for expansion in the real estate market," says Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and chairman of the company. The private villas are for sale starting at €2.95 million per unit.

United Airlines is ramping up its investments in Rome by boosting seasonal flights from the US to Rome Fiumicino. 

Flights are starting earlier than originally planned

Flights from Washington D.C. to Rome Fiumicino will operate almost year-round, s and started almost two months in advance in February, operating up to 6 January 2025. During the summer peak, daily flights will increase from one to two. Flights from Chicago will commence on 8 March 2024, and those from San Francisco on 30 March, both starting more than a month earlier than initially planned.

Up to eleven direct daily summer flights to Italy from the US

These increased seasonal connections and additional flights between the United States and Rome complement United's existing year-round daily routes to Rome and Milan from New York-Newark. Additionally, there are daily seasonal flights from Chicago O'Hare to Milan and from New York-Newark to Venice and Naples. For the summer of 2024, United is set to operate up to eleven direct daily flights to Italy from the United States.

Largest summer transatlantic schedule in its history

Marcel Fuchs, United’s managing director international sales, says that for the summer of 2024 the airline will be operating the largest summer transatlantic schedule in its history. This year United is operating direct flights from 38 overseas destinations, a record number for the airline, surpassing all other U.S. carriers combined. And United remains the sole airline directly connecting the United States with Dubrovnik, Malaga, Mallorca, and Tenerife.

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, announced ten summer routes at its new base in Reggio Calabria. 

A new aircraft is based in Reggio Calabria

Commencing from 1 April eight destinations will take off, including five international routes (one more than expected) and three domestic routes. The national network encompasses the cities of Turin, Venice, and Bologna, while internationally, travelers can fly to Manchester, Marseille, Berlin, Barcelona, and Tirana from Reggio Calabria.

Ten routes from Lamezia, Crotone and Reggio

Ryanair's summer plans for Calabria involve a total of ten new routes across the three airports of Lamezia, Crotone, and Reggio. The launch of the new base in Reggio Calabria is expected to create up to 200 new jobs, coupled with a substantial investment of $100 million in new aircraft. From Lamezia, the airline will open a new route to Valencia (bringing the total to 18) and offer over 180 weekly flights. From Crotone, a new connection to Turin will be added (bringing the total to 4) with over 30 weekly flights, resulting in a 13% and 33% increase in connectivity at the two airports, respectively.

A commitment to positioning Calabria

Ryanair's ambitious objective is to transport up to 1.3 million passengers to Calabria for summer 2024, marking a growth of +20%. Eddie Wilson, the CEO of the carrier, expressed the company's commitment to positioning Calabria as a leading destination in Europe, promoting inbound tourism, connectivity, and employment while offering affordable fares to citizens and visitors.

Showcasing Calabria's natural beauty, history, tradition, and culture

Roberto Occhiuto, president of the Calabria Region welcomed the significant investment by Ryanair, saying: “Ryanair has decided to invest hundreds of millions of euro in Calabria, bringing ten new routes and creating many new jobs.” Highlighting the region's aim to reach four million passengers in 2024, with a long-term goal of six million passengers within a few years, Occhiuto emphasized the need for improved receptivity of hotel facilities