Aperture

???? Cloud 7 Hotel Roma, part of the Kerten Hospitality lifestyle brand, opened its doors in Rome between via del Corso and via di Pietra, marking its debut in Italy and Europe. The hotel caters to young, digital nomads, and art lovers, seeking a “conscious” travel experience with quality and design. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, aims to transform guest experiences with a focus on authentic experiences, innovative design, and community. The hotel is artistically centered, collaborating with local artists and students from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma for site-specific artworks. The brand is expanding its presence in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, integrating local talents and cultural elements. Cloud 7 Hotel Roma offers 37 rooms of various sizes and types, has a panoramic terrace, and is developed over six floors, totaling approximately 2,000 square meters. The interior design is inspired by Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” with warm nuances in communal areas and ethereal tones in rooms. The Social Hub, a common area on the first floor, is designed for socialization, work, and cultural discovery, also serving locals with a welcoming, multifunctional space.

🏠 Cloud 7 by Kerten Hospitality debuts in Rome, Italy, marking its first foray into the city and Europe. Located between Via del Corso and Via di Pietra, close to Piazza di Spagna, the boutique hotel aims to attract design enthusiasts, creatives, and those seeking local culture. CEO Marloes Knippenberg highlights the brand's commitment to authentic experiences, innovative design, and community spirit, indicating it as a step in Kerten Hospitality's global expansion plans, including Europe and Morocco. The hotel caters to young travelers, digital nomads, and art lovers, offering a 'conscious' travel experience without compromising on quality and design. Art curator Agnese Landolfo and Genius Loci Architettura collaborated on the project, integrating site-specific artwork from established and emerging local artists and students from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma. General Manager Romina Lupattelli emphasizes the immersive experience and community-focused atmosphere at Cloud 7 Hotel Roma.

🤗 Tui Group's 500th hotel project will rise in Agadir, Morocco, under the Magic Life brand. Scheduled to open in summer 2027, the facility will boast 427 rooms, three restaurants, four bars, and three pools. The expansion will elevate Tui's portfolio in Morocco, complementing the existing Tui Blue Riu Tikida Beach and Robinson Agadir hotels. Tui aims to grow its portfolio from 433 to 600 hotels in the short term.

📢 BWH Hotels Italia & Malta announces the affiliation of Sure Hotel by BW Hotel Milano in Padova, their fourth in the city. The hotel, owned by Giorgio Boaretto, is a 4-star eco-friendly and pet-friendly establishment with 80 rooms, a 24/7 gym, and two 20-seat meeting rooms. It is located within walking distance of Palazzo della Ragione and 3 km from Musei Civici Eremitani and Cappella degli Scrovegni. The hotel emphasizes sustainability with magnetic key cards to save electricity and towel reuse to conserve water, and welcomes dogs of all sizes.

🏖 Ota Viaggi enhances Italy's coastal offerings with five summer club additions in Sardinia, Sicily, and Basilicata. Baja Blanca in San Teodoro reopens after an 8-year hiatus since 2016, now boasting a refurbishment and doubled beach concessions from 70 to 140 umbrellas. Baja Aranzos returns after three years, while Tonnare di Stintino, added mid-2024 season, is now exclusive to Ota. Cefalù Resort with 130 seaside rooms in Sicily and ClubEsse Aquilia in Calabria join as exclusive offerings. "Io prenoto" promos run until March 31, offering registration fee waivers, free cancellation within 30 days, money-back, and vacation booking with just 10% down, balance due one month before travel.

🏖️ Ten new Travelbuy travel agencies will open in early 2025 across various Italian cities including Rimini, Catania, Imperia, Napoli, Rome, and Salerno. These agencies are notable for predominantly featuring young entrepreneurs, indicating the tourism sector's appeal to the under-30 demographic. Alfredo Vassalluzzo, founder of Travelbuy since 2008, credits their long-term success to a consistent and proven business model. The network supports new travel agents by providing essential value-added services to ensure market competitiveness.

🏠 The Social Hub opened its first hybrid hospitality hub in Porto, Portugal, marking the company's entrance into the Portuguese market. Spearheaded by COO Marion Koopman, the €60 million investment created over 30 jobs and spans 11,200 square meters. The Porto site, located in Bonjardim, features 310 rooms including 271 hotel rooms and 39 apartments, alongside 580+ square meters of coworking space, 450 square meters of meeting/event space, and an auditorium with 250+ capacity.

🏨 BZAR hotels expanded its portfolio by acquiring 6 new properties in three months, from January to the present. The Signature brand welcomes Hotel Adoro, Palazzo delle Coppelle, Hotel Fori Imperiali in Rome, and Palazzo Buenos Aires in Milan. The Gateway brand adds Castello di Leonina in Tuscany and Borgo La Ferriera in Tuscia. BZAR now boasts over 50 hotels in Italy, totaling 1,700 rooms and suites. Filippo Ribacchi, BZAR's president, aims for significant growth with a revenue forecast exceeding €65 million by 2025.

🎉 The Grand Hotel Minerva's Rooftop in Florence reopened on April 7 during Florence Cocktail Week. Barman Dariosh Kohnehkar introduced two new cocktails blending tradition and innovation. Chef Edoardo Papiani curated a special Easter menu featuring authentic Tuscan flavors. The hotel is part of the Em Collection, led by the Maestrelli family, offering guests a unique sensory experience immersed in the city's history and culture.

🌊 Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Aqua from Fincantieri, marking its 20th fleet ship and the inaugural ship of the new Prima Plus class. The Norwegian Luna's exterior completion was celebrated as it touched water for the first time, with interior outfitting set for a Spring 2026 debut. Norwegian Aqua, 10% larger than its predecessors, accommodates 3,571 passengers, features the Aqua Slidecoaster, and sails to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Great Stirrup Cay. After European inaugural cruises, it will cross from Southampton to the U.S. on March 28, 2025, arriving on April 4, for inaugural events in Boston and New York City, before regular departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, and NYC.