This year is witnessing a peakof food and wine experiences as the primary motivation for tourists choosing to come to Italy. 

Many visitors are by driven their passion for gastronomy.

There has seen a significant surge of travellers coming to Italy to explore its food and wines, with 58% making at least one trip driven by their passion for gastronomy. This is a remarkable 37% increase since 2016 and translates into an estimated 9.6 million visitors.

Food experiences and nature holidays topped the list

The trend is not limited to a specific group, as it has become widespread among all travellers exploring Italy’s charming landscapes. Seven out of ten tourists have engaged in at least five food, wine, or beer-themed experiences during their recent trips, marking a 25% increase compared to 2021. This aligns with findings from the European Travel Commission, revealing that food, wine, beer, and themed experiences were among the most popular attractions for travellers to Europe during the summer, alongside nature-themed holidays.

One in three visitors has upped their budget for food

Despite the ongoing crisis, a positive outlook prevails, with one in three tourists coming to Italy stating that they have allocated a budget exceeding that of 2022 for the purchase of food and wine offerings. These insights are drawn from the sixth edition of the "Report on Italian Food and Wine Tourism," authored by Roberta Garibaldi, a professor of Tourism Management at the University of Bergamo. Garibaldi, also the president of the Italian Association of Food and Wine Tourism and vice-president of the Tourism Commission of the OECD emphasises the immense potential for growth in this sector. 

“The challenge is to explode the potential”

“The high interest of tourists, the excellence Italy has to offer and the expected growth in tourism in the coming years gives us an incredible trio of aces for the future. Now the challenge is to explode the potential. There is a large gap between interest in experiences and actual use, and all of Italy’s regions boast a wealth that can be further valorised. It is important to preserve and enhance the Italian culinary heritage, the landscapes, small traders and artisans.” The latest edition of the Report on Food and Wine Tourism is available for free download www.robertagaribaldi.it/raiuto-sul-turismo-enogastronomico-italiano. 

United Airlines has announced an expansion of its seasonal services from Italy to the U.S. for 2024, with a second daily Washington-Rome flight.  

Seasonal United Airlines flights for Milan, Naples and Venice

The airline’s nonstop seasonal service between Washington D.C. and Rome will increase from once to twice daily, whilst seasonal flights from Chicago and San Francisco to Rome, from Chicago to Milan, as well as from New York/Newark to Naples will start up to a month earlier for summer 2024. The seasonal service expansion will build on United’s existing year-round daily services from New York/Newark to Rome and Milan as well as seasonal daily flights between New York/Newark and Venice. United is offering up to eleven daily nonstop services from Italy to the U.S. for Summer 2024.

“United will operate its largest-ever transatlantic summer schedule”

“We are excited to announce this expansion of our seasonal services from the United States  to Italy for summer 2024,- said Walter Cianciusi, country sales manager Italy, United Airlines. -For summer 2024, United will operate its largest-ever transatlantic summer schedule, offering our customers even greater travel choice and the possibility to connect via our U.S. hubs to other destinations across the Americas.” 

United has served Italy from the United States since 1997

United has served Italy since 1997, offering year-round daily services from  New York/Newark to Milan and Rome,  seasonal daily services to Rome from Chicago, Washington Dulles and San Francisco, between Milan and Chicago, as well as to Venice and Naples from New York/Newark.

Caldana Europe unveils the true value of Italy 

"We are at WTM to promote products that are not so popular abroad- said Gilda Ventura, of Caldana Europe Travel.  -We want to go beyond classic Italy by offering a range of products from active to leisure holidays, with a focus on quality.”  Caldana offers slow tourism products in the Trentino and the Dolomites for unique experiences in unspoiled places, “These allow visitors to make contact with nature and with locals which is the true value of Italy. Our main markets are North America, Brazil, China and the Arab Emirates, and for 2024 we already have good group programming.” 

Special evenings at the Avanspettacolo Venezia Cabaret Dinner Show

ItaliAbsolutely also met Mauro Furlan, Art Director of Avanspettacolo Venezia Cabaret Dinner Show. "Post- pandemic we have had a strong international response: we are now a reference point for tourists from all over the world who want to spend a special evening of entertainment in Venice. We are at WTM today to make new contacts and grow our Incentive segment, which is already active internationally."

Italia Highlights DMC represents the Etruscan Coast DMC

Italia Highlights DMC operates mainly Central-Northern Italy and Switzerland, and director Luca Carnesecche said the highlight of their year was winning the tender, together with two partners to officially represent the Etruscan Coast DMC. “This year we have exceeded expectations with growing numbers from North America, and we confirm the 2022 numbers for our Relais dei Molini in Castagneto Carducci in Tuscany”. Carnesecche  says that for next year they are already seeing +20% growth over 2023 figures. We propose many experiences like very original winery visits with the sommelier branding customers’ wine, cooking classes with a focus on traditional recipes, trekking, biking, truffle hunting and treasure hunts." 

Italy Car Rent is adding outlets in airports and stations

Andrea Lo Faso commercial director of Italy Car Rent said he was at WTM to meet international partners. “Our reference markets, in addition to Italy, are Germany, France and England, we are looking to increase non-European markets. In 2024 we will expand our network in airports as well as in  Florence and Naples’ railway stations.”

Campagna Amica Foundation specializes in agritourism stays

At the WTM to promote lesser known Italy and experiences in rural areas, Carmelo Troccoli, director of the Campagna Amica Foundation said that Italy has more than 5,000 I small towns with rural areas for green tourism, and small farmsteads that offer agritourism accommodation and tastings of local products like oil, wine, beer, cured meats and cheeses.  “This is the Italy tourists are asking for, and we want to promote it. Last year there has we had a 60% in agritourism stays; through agricultural activities we are able to create a much more sustainable economic system which in turn, grows the local economy.” 

Piedmont welcomes the new Cuneo-Rome Fiumicino flights

This winter thanks Sky Alps fights resume again from Cuneo’s Levaldigi airport to Rome Fiumicino, which is a major hub to international destinations, as announced by Geac, Cuneo's management company through Anna Milanese, director of Cuneo Airport. Beppe Carlevaris, president of the board of directors of Visit Piedmont, also spoke about new strategies for tourism in Piedmont, illustrating events and initiatives aimed at  developing tourism to the region. 

The new Omnia Convention Centre in the Shangri-La Roma has 13 meeting rooms and is on 1,800 sqm. 

“We are bringing a landmark back to the city”

"We are particularly proud of this project," says Omnia Hotels Group CEO, Francesco Lazzarini. "The redevelopment of the Shangri-La allows us to bring an important landmark back to the city, and with all the necessary services.”

Two plenary rooms and a dedicated entrance

The multifunctional spaces of the new Omnia Convention Centre consist of two plenary rooms, that can be divided into three spaces, a hall on 400 sqm with large windows, a large kitchen, and an outdoor area with a terrace. All this on the site of the former indoor swimming pool and a 10 x 3 ledwall screen, and a dedicated entrance directly from Viale Oceano Atlantico. For information: https://www.shangrilaroma.it

The Statuto Group acquires the new Six Senses in Rome for €245 mln, helping to galvanize the real estate market in these final months of the year. 

An investment of €2.6 million per room

The acquisition is the most significant in terms of room rates ever recorded in Rome. According to the 2023 edition of Ithic, organized in Rome by Teamwork-Thrends, the Statuto Group acquired the new Six Senses Rome from Orion Capital Managers for €245 million, corresponding €2.6 million per room. 

Terraces with marble recliners and a rooftop restaurant-bar

The property, acquired by Orion's European Real Estate Fund V in 2018 for €95m, opened in March this year. Designed by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola with a style that interweaves classicism with the contemporary, the hotel boasts 96 rooms, some of which feature marble triclinia recliners on their terraces overlooking Via del Corso. Completing the offer are the Bivium restaurant-bar as well as the Notos Rooftop, both of which have been inspired by local culinary traditions.

For visitors to Rome the easiest way to discover the wonders of the Roman Hills is on one of the Castelli Romani Let's Go! tours.

A new way to discover what’s outside the Eternal City

Using the hop-on hop-off formula, well known in large cities but never before applied to an outlying tourist area, these itineraries are curated by Marco Benazzi's tour operator Don't Stop Me and promoted by partner Castelli Romani DMO. They are the handiest and most comfortable way to explore the many charming towns and attractions in the Castelli Romani, which are the hills that encircle the Eternal City

Ariccia

Hop-on and hop-off at planned stopping points 

The customizable itineraries, departing from Piazzale Appio at the San Giovanni Metro station in the centre of Rome, allow visitors to hop-on and hop-off on request at the various planned stops. This is a great way to discover the vast wealth of attractions awaiting outside the city, from the remains of ancient Rome, medieval villages, noble palaces and underground passages, to catacombs, volcanic lakes and nature trails. And also a unique chance to taste local specialties and wines in wine cellars, trattorias and restaurants which serve 100% farm-to-fork products. 

Two itineraries to choose from…or do both! 

In addition the hop-on hop-off tours also promote local handicraft activities and the numerous festivals that are organized in the various Roman Hill towns almost weekly, during which it is possible to enjoy some truly authentic experiences. There are currently two itineraries: the first, departing on Saturdays stops in Frascati, Grottaferrata, Marino, Castel Gandolfo and Castel Gandolfo’s lake, while the second, scheduled for Sundays stops in Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Genzano, Lanuvio, Nemi and Castel Gandolfo. After each stop, the hop-on hop-off bus continues and returns after about two hours to move on to the next stage of the route. During these stops visitors can customize their time with visits, activities and experiences, many of which are exclusive. For information: www.letsgotour.it/tourdeicastelliromani,  www.visitcastelliromani.it

Renew, get back in the game, set a new course. Dimsi, a Sicilian company, founded in 1985 and deeply rooted in the world of hôtellerie and incoming tourism, has consolidated its position as a leader among Sicilian tour operators over the last decade. This can be attributed to Julian Zappalà, the enterprising scion of the industry who, in 2014, took on the challenge of reshaping the company's destiny.

Julian Zappalà 

Now general manager of Dimsi Incoming Operators - Dimensione Sicilia, Zappalà shares his perspective on the company's evolution: "My team and I embarked on a journey of rejuvenation, crafting a forward-looking, digital, and smart project. We specialize in curating tailor-made travel experiences, personalized to the dreams and desires of our clients. Sicily, with its multifaceted beauty, serves as the canvas for our adventures."

Indeed, Dimsi offers an array of unique experiences, from sharing a meal with a Sicilian family to sensory escapades and adventurous activities on the awe-inspiring Mount Etna which is Europe’s most active volcano. They also offer exclusive boat charters to the Aeolian Islands, each experience custom-crafted to meet the client's vision. "Specializing in bespoke travel itineraries for groups and individuals, thematic tours, luxury travel, incentive trips, and conferences, we serve a global clientele with unmatched competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm," Zappalà affirms. 

The core mission of Dimsi Group is to transform traveling into an unforgettable experience on Italy’s second-largest island. “Among our signature offerings the guided tours under the Sicilian Secrets brand have weekly departures and diverse itineraries. They can also be combined with other splendid regions of southern Italy, such as Puglia and Campania as well as with the Amalfi coast, Lazio, and even Malta. Dimsi's repertoire extends to eco-tours with rental cars, self-drive adventures, gulet cruises to the Aeolian Islands, and a plethora of holiday ideas catering to every traveler's needs and preferences.”

The Group's commitment to the hotel industry is a pivotal facet of its multifaceted portfolio. It has four business-oriented properties, all strategically positioned around the key tourist hubs of Sicily: the Ibis Styles Palermo President, the Catania Acireale, and the Palermo Cristal which are all part of the same franchise. Then there is the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre in Isola delle Femmine, a coastal gem which underwent a grand makeover in 2016. With its stunning seafront location, lush gardens, and state-of-the-art congress center, it ranks among the largest hotels in Sicily. To explore the world of Dimsi and discover the unparalleled travel experiences it offers, visit www.dimensionedìsicilia.com