Every transformation is born from a new outlook: and what BIT 2026’s Think Tank is now bringing to the travel sector is already reshaping how we envision Italy as the destination of tomorrow. The Think Tank is entering its most significant stage: from a laboratory of ideas to a resource of high strategic value for those working in tourism, especially those focused on inbound travel to Italy. Around its Advisory Board, made up of top experts in the fields of reputation, innovation, hospitality, culture and communication, the network is bringing together dozens of professionals whose transversal skills span the entire supply chain.

The objective is to enrich with high-profile content a platform that can transform ideas and intuitions into concrete tools to guide destinations, operators, DMOs and companies. This commitment finds expression in the programme of the Travel Makers Fest, the heart of the new concept of BIT 2026, presented by Fiera Milano from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 February, 2026.

From the professionalism of the Advisory Board to a programme full of ideas

Simon Anholt, founder of the Nation Brands Index and one of the world's leading experts regarding the reputation of countries, brings to the Think Tank the depth of work that has redefined the way in which territories and nations present themselves. A key principle emerges in his words: "A country's reputation is an economic engine. Italy's appeal is based on cultural depth, beauty and humanity, but reputation only grows when narratives are consistent and authentic.”  

Joining him, Paolo Audino, a senior advisor with long experience in destination strategies and international development, underscores the transformation of the role of the events’ sector: "Trade fairs are no longer just marketplaces; they are platforms for knowledge, relationships and inspiration. The commercial role is markedly reduced compared to the past, to the advantage of educational content and qualified networking'.

For her part, Giovanna Manzi, hospitality expert and former CEO of Best Western Italy, brings a perspective centered on innovation and human capital. "Technology is playing a prominent role because it improves the communication and contextualisation of the experience. AI frees up time and adds skills, making hospitality more efficient and more human at the same time."

From her point of view, Caroline Schaefer, an expert on international trends and European tourism dynamics, brings to the Think Tank a vision that combines strategy, market and sustainability. "The connection between air capacity, destinations and tourist flows revolves around three key words: accessibility, sustainability and strategic connectivity. True added value is created when carriers, airports, tourism boards and territories know how to dialogue and build development strategies together: today the competitiveness of international tourism hinges on this systemic collaboration”

Finally, Paolo Verri, a cultural strategist and protagonist of projects such as Matera 2019, focuses on narrative as a competitive lever. "Places can and must be “sexy.” We must not reveal everything but let people discover the hidden parts little by little: this is the real secret of good tourism communication. Destinations that work are those that build participation, not just audience: culture is the connective tissue of a community, and the traveller immediately understands when what surrounds him is authentic or fake. A good narrative is based on small, minute, diffuse stories that stick to spaces and in our minds: it is from those fragments in chiaroscuro that the living identity of a territory emerges.”

An emerging palimpsest: data, reputation, culture, innovation

A multitude of perspectives is shaping the definition of the Travel Makers Fest schedule, where the sector’s key themes for future development will come to light.  

The programme includes appointments that directly reflect the Think Tank's guidelines: from the strategic weight of reputation in the talk ‘Italia Mammamia: come il mondo vede l'Italia,’ (Italia Mammamia: The World’s View of Italy)  in which Simon Anholt will present an exclusive preview of the latest data on the Italian national brand, to the rewriting of the cultural imagery in ‘Nessun luogo è lontano,’ (No Place is too Far) and the new visual narratives in ‘Il potere delle immagini’, (The Power of Images)  with reflections on the country's aesthetic identity in ‘Italia, museo a cielo aperto’ (Italy an Open-Air Museum)

These are joined by panels dedicated to innovation and the evolution of the digital experience, big data, the impact of AI, and the intersection between hospitality, culture and distribution. This forms a mosaic that converts the major market transformations into practical tools for territories and businesses. The masterclass that Simon Anholt will dedicate to destinations and territorial entities will also have a distinct role in this journey, designed to support those working on the positioning of territories through an advanced reflection on reputation and long-term strategies.

Travel Makers: the community that is shaping the future of tourism

Perspectives that share the same approach, which guide the entire new concept of BIT 2026: looking at travel no longer from the point of view of the product, but from that of people. Of those who design the journey, build it, or experience it. Each one adding their own value to the chain. Each with their own interests, skills, desires and passions.

Each of us, bringing our own unique contribution, thus become Travel Makers: a vibrant community of professionals, intermediaries, creators and travellers. At BIT 2026, in addition to the Travel Makers Fest, appointments such as Next Level, with the Travel Agents Academy, the Hospitality Academy, the Storytelling Farm and the Discovery Italy Academy will all offer dialogues with innovation, hospitality, mobility and intermediation. As will Future Travel Minds, the event created to give voice to and build the new generation of Travel Experts and industry leaders; and the six themed districts of the exhibition itinerary in which the Italian and international offer dialogues with innovation, hospitality, mobility and intermediation.

For those operating in the inbound sector - DMCs, travel advisors, luxury operators and international buyers - BIT 2026 charts a clear direction: Italy's competitiveness will depend on its ability to transform identity into authentic experiences, innovation into human value, mobility into accessibility and culture into a strategic narrative shared between territories.

For the international travel community BIT 2026 is the place to explore these visions, transforming content, ideas and connections into strategies. The appointment is from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 February, 2026 at Fiera Milano.

One month after the start of the test period, Venice Airport takes stock of the new Entry/Exit system.

Digitally registering entries and exits

Launched in October by the European Union, which established its definitive adoption and application by the 29 Schengen countries from 10 April 2026, the new system is aimed at digitally registering the entry and exit of visa-exempt third-country nationals over 12 years of age staying in the Schengen area for short periods. It went into operation at Marco Polo on 20 October, in this first test phase, as for all other European airports, only for arriving passengers.

The average registration times is around 90 seconds

In the non-Schengen arrivals area of the terminal, Save has installed 30 self-service kiosks (another 18 have already been set up in the departures area for future use), which in the thirty days since activation have been used by 14,000 arriving passengers. The average registration times is of around one minute and thirty seconds, 30% less than the initial test expectations. Once passengers have registered at the kiosks, they can proceed to the border crossing control through the e-Gates provided by NAITEC, a Save Group company. There are a total of 24 devices between arrivals and departures, equipped with latest-generation biometric panels, advanced sensors for face and fingerprint recognition that can acquire travellers' biometric data quickly and securely.

Treviso and Verona airports also got new kiosks

Alongside these devices, the traditional border remains fully operational, staffed by police officers, for the handling of passengers requiring manual control. Assistance personnel are present in the area to guide passengers through the entire procedure and provide technical support, ensuring that the use of the Entry/Exit system is smooth and efficient. At the same time, the airports of Treviso and Verona, managed by the Save Group, have also been equipped and us the same methods with comparable results. At Canova 12 kiosks have been installed (six at arrivals and six at departures) and six e-gates are active (three at arrivals, three at departures). At Catullo there are 21 kiosks (12 on arrival, nine on departure) and six e-gates are active (three on arrival, three on departure).

ABTOI’s Annual Summit 2025 in Cambridge focused on critical strategies for business growth and personal well-being.

33 member delegates from 26 travel companies

Held at the University Arms Hotel on 27–28 November, the Summit brought together 33 member delegates from 26 companies (more than 50% of ABTOI member companies) alongside ten delegates from eight Associate partners, including ItaliAbsolutely. This year’s theme “Lead, Live, Thrive: Your Blueprint for Resilient Success” explored factors that underpin long-term performance in the UK–Italy travel sector. 

Setting up members for resilient success in 2026

Discussions centred around four major topics: male mental health, the changing sphere of foreign exchange, how to spend more time working on the business rather than in it, and practical, accessible ways to use AI. The keynote on men’s health stood out for its candid and highly relevant approach, while the AI and FX sessions offered concrete tools. "The strategic insights gained, especially around AI and FX management, coupled with the unmatched opportunity to build strong trade relationships, sets our members up for resilient success in 2026, said ABTOI’s chair Lisa Leggate. 

Networking is one of ABTOI’s strengths

B2B networking once again proved to be one of ABTOI’s strengths, and the culinary highlight was the elegant and convivial dinner held in the Upper Hall of Jesus College Cambridge, which provided a memorable backdrop for delegates exchange views and to deepen their professional relationships. The Summit was supported by EveryWhen, DWF Law, Xenadin, and ENIT, along with Trenitalia and ITA Airways who provided attractive prizes. draws.

The ABTOI Summit 2026 will be in Italy 

The rapport between ItaliAbsolutely and ABTOI continues to grow thanks to a mutual commitment to supporting and promoting Italy travel and, with the Association already planning its 2026 Summit in Italy, ItaliAbsolutely and the Travel Open Day Group look forward to welcoming its members on home ground next year. For information: www.abtoi.com

A land where volcanic hills, lakes and century-old olive groves meet temples by the sea. This is Basilicata seen through the lens of LucanaSapiens, a project curating thematic itineraries from Mount Vulture to the Ionian coast, weaving together wine, olive oil, archaeology and landscapes. It is an invitation to travellers to explore the region at the proper pace, discovering local producers, museums, nature reserves and stone-built hill towns.

Vulture is the matrix. It is here that the Aglianico del Vulture wine ages in underground cellars and Vulture DOP olive oil releases aromas of herbs and almond. A few kilometres away, the Monticchio Lakes are a green amphitheatre at the foot of the ancient volcano. Further south, Magna Graecia illuminates the Metapontino Ionian coastline with the Tavole Palatine, the Herakleia Archaeological Park and the Sirtide Museum in Policoro. Between these two areas lies a mosaic of fields, woods and farmsteads that brings back the meaning of a learned, sustainable and welcoming rurality.

LucanaSapiens was created to connect these places along well-crafted, modular routes. The project offers short breaks for long weekends and four-day itineraries for those who want a more complete narrative. Each stage alternates landmarks and hidden gems: a vertical tasting of Aglianico in historic Vulture cellars, a technical olive-oil session with sensory experiences, a walk in the medieval centre of Venosa in the footsteps of Horace, the Doric light of Metaponto’s temples, and the paths of the WWF Oasis of Policoro, where forest meets sea.

Policoro Oasi WWF

The packages at a glance

• Aglianico Immersion
  Guided tastings and visits to Vulture’s underground cellars, an introduction to volcanic terroir and local pairings.
• Olio Sapiens
  Technical tasting of Vulture DOP olive oil, visit to the mill, meeting producers, everyday use in Lucanian cuisine.
• Verses of Lucania
  A literary walk between Venosa and Valsinni with references to Horace and Isabella Morra, plus tasteful stops in bakeries and food shops.
• Magna Graecia & Ionian Tavole Palatine, Museo della Siritide, views over the Ionian shoreline, with Matera DOC tastings in the Metapontino.
• Grand Tour Vulture–Ionian
  Four days across lakes, through vineyards and archaeological sites, at a relaxed pace to visit a curated selection of producers.
• Nature & Flavours
  Monticchio Lakes and Bosco Pantano, seasonal produce, easy micro-treks and panoramic stops.

Monticchio Lakes - Belvedere Vulture

The programmes can be adapted for couples, families and small groups. Logistics favour short transfers and sensible schedules, with recommended seasonality from spring to early autumn. During harvest and milling, from September to November, the area offers live processing experiences. In summer, the Ionian–Magna Graecia axis adds the sea and open-air archaeology.

Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity of Venosa

The cultural dimension is integral to the experience. Short readings, countryside anecdotes, pocket guides and audio micro-guides help interpret places and products without weighing down the journey. The environmental dimension is addressed pragmatically: short-distance mobility, small numbers, local supply chains and attention to water and waste during stops.

At the heart of the project is a network of players: mills and wineries that open their doors, museums and parks that offer keys to interpretation, guides and tour leaders who are familiar with schedules and options, restaurateurs who choose Lucanian ingredients. The goal is a form of travel that gives value back to the area while offering visitors a coherent narrative of flavours, history and landscapes.

The official website provides detailed information, practical advice and contacts for tailored requests, both in Italian and English. Each itinerary indicates the duration, stops, level of effort and possible extensions. The image galleries help readers orient themselves on itineraries of lakes, hills and coasts, while suggested readings and audio aids can accompany the trip before and after departure.

For information, updates and bookings, visit LucanaSapiens at:https://lucanasapiens.it/
For the itineraries overview: https://lucanasapiens.it/itinerari/ 

According to the European Travel Commission, 11% of travellers now prefer quieter destinations, up from 7% percent last year. And, as the heat (quite literally) rises, Italy is rethinking how to use green activities to attract more travellers during the cooler months of the year. 

With scorching summers now the norm, more and more visitors are skipping the peak months and heading to Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan when its cooler to find fewer crowds, better prices, and a more authentic pace of life. And with the focus on easing overcrowding, the great art cities are turning to green itineraries that encourage the exploration of lesser-known neighbourhoods.

Like Rome, which is now pushing self-guided nature walks, Florence which has launched new cycling routes in its parks, and Milan which is inviting visitors to discover quieter corners like the Prada Foundation, a 19th-century gin distillery which is now a museum.  

The message is clear: travel to Italy doesn’t need to stop when summer ends. For the savvy traveller it’s no longer about chasing sizzling summers but taking time to discover how relaxing and beautiful the, more often than not, sunny Italy’s off-season months can be. 

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

ITA Airways will introduce Houston-Rome flights on 1 May 2026, and tickets are on sale on all the carrier's distribution channels.

ITA Airways’ 9th North American destination

The Texan city will be ITA's ninth destination in North America: the United States is the main international market for the airline, which already operates direct flights from New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and, during the summer season, Chicago and Toronto.

Operating between George Bush Airport and Rome Fiumicino

The schedule from 1 to 31 May 2026 will be for three weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departing at 10.20 a.m. from Rome and arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 3.40 p.m. (local time), From 1 June to 24 October 2026 there will be 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The return from Houston from 1 to 31 May 2026 will be three times weekly (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departing from George Bush Intercontinental at 18:10 and arriving at Fiumicino at 11:50 (local time the following day). From 1 June to 24 October 2026 there will be five weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

“We are consolidating our expansion in the US market”

The new route, served by an Airbus A330-900, guarantees passengers convenient connections to multiple Italian destinations, aNd to further expand passengers' travel options, ITA Airways recently partnered with United Airlines and Air Canada through codeshare agreements. “The Houston-Rome route will contribute to further enriching the company's intercontinental network, one of ITA Airways' main assets: long haul not only sustains profitability, but also favours short haul traffic, boosting our Rome Fiumicino hub,- said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. "With this new route we are consolidating our expansion in the US market, the most important on an international level. The wide offer from the Rome hub allows us to be the reference carrier from the US to Italy and, through Rome, to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and other countries in the area. The new destination is also part of a broader path of growth on international markets, culminating with the entry of ITA Airways into Star Alliance, scheduled for 2026, as part of the integration into the Lufthansa Group."

“It strengthens…mutual understanding and shared prosperity”

"The direct connection to Rome represents a decisive moment for Houston and is a direct result of the solidity and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment and new business opportunities to our region,- said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. -It expands Houston's presence in Europe and demonstrates that disciplined and strategic growth at Houston Airports generates measurable economic impact. As a Texan and as US Ambassador to Italy, I am excited about ITA Airways' new direct connection between Houston and Rome. It strengthens the economic ties that fuel mutual understanding and shared prosperity,” commented Tilman J. Fertitta, US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

ITA Airways has signed a new agreement with Assocamerestero - the association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad - to promote and support Italian companies abroad. 

Facilitated conditions for business travel

The agreement will enable the more than 20,000 members of the Assocamerestero network - present in 63 countries with 86 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad - to access facilitated conditions for their business travel. This will make travel between Italy and the main international destinations more efficient and accessible. In particular, the agreement provides for the activation of dedicated corporate fares for all Assocamerestero members, valid on all routes served by ITA.

“Supporting the competitiveness of Italian companies abroad”

"With Assocamerestero we share values and the mission of representing and promoting the excellences of Italy at a global level - says Joerg Eberhart, ITA’s managing director and general manager. - This agreement is in line with ITA Airways' strategy, aimed at supporting the competitiveness of Italian companies abroad, in favour of a sustainable, efficient and development-oriented business mobility of the Italy’s industries. We are confident that this is only the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that will be consolidated in years to come."

Boosting Italy’s image around the globe 

Mario Pozza, president of Assocamerestero, says "The partnership with ITA Airways is fully in line with Assocamerestero's strategy aimed at strengthening the synergies of the Italian system. The agreement not only enhances an excellence of national air transport but also promotes the mobility of representatives of Italian business communities associated with the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, thus contributing to strengthening the ties between Italy and international markets."

Pellicano Hotels unveils new details of La Suvera, a luxury retreat due to open in 2027 in the heart of Tuscany.

A new member of the Pellicano family

La Suevra is the newest property to join the Pellicano family. Just 30 minutes from Siena, La Suvera is an exclusive retreat that combines luxury and history: a country oasis that went from being an ancient 12th-century fortress, to becoming a Renaissance villa. Pellicano Hotels is carrying out a careful renovation of property under the guidance of CEO and creative director Marie-Louise Sciò who will respect the historic charm of the villa while introducing modern comforts and the discreet luxury that is the brand's hallmark. Upon completion of the project, the estate will have some 60 restored rooms and suites, a spa, two swimming pools, three bars, an exceptional culinary offering, a fitness area, a tennis court, versatile event spaces and an Issimo boutique.

“Elegant, discreet and authentically linked to the land”

“La Suvera embodies the layered history and timeless beauty that make Tuscany so special,- says Marie-Louise Sciò. -We want to preserve and enhance the original spirit of the estate - from Peruzzi's architectural interventions to the magnificent gardens - by offering experiences that are at once elegant, discreet and authentically linked to the land.” The Pellicano Group's investment in La Suvera reflects the brand's philosophy: to create hotels in unexpected destinations that offer guests an experience deeply connected to local history and culture. Tuscany, with its landscapes, artisan traditions and artistic heritage, is at the heart of this vision, and La Suvera is a unique opportunity to restore and enhance a historically significant property.

The group also has Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole

With an investment of over €53 million between acquisition and renovation, the project confirms the Pellicano Hotels Group's role as a guardian of Italy's heritage, reinterpreting historic residences for the contemporary traveller without altering their uniqueness. La Suvera will become the group's second Tuscan destination, after the hotel Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, and will be a fundamental step in Pellicano Hotels broader growth programme.