Aperture

✈ Barbuda inaugurated a new airport on October 3, costing $14 million, with a runway measuring approximately 1,850 meters—compared to the old Codrington airport's 500 meters. Antigua and Barbuda's air arrivals grew by 17% in the first eight months of 2024, reaching nearly 230,000 visitors, a 13% increase over the record year of 2019.

🏖️ Viva Miches by Wyndham in the Dominican Republic opens December 11, exclusive to Alpitour World's Brand Bravo in Italy. Initial investment of $80 million for 538 units, expanding to 750 total accommodations with a $130 million investment. Direct flights from Milan commence December 22. Attractions include Samaná Bay, whale watching from January to March, and natural parks. Marketing manager Alessandro Biasi reports strong pre-opening sales.

🏠 Autentico Hospitality acquires its 20th property, the historic Grand Hotel Parker's in Naples, with origins dating back to 1870. The hotel boasts 67 rooms and suites, having hosted famous guests like Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, and Richard Louise Stevenson. The inclusion of Grand Hotel Parker's, renowned for the George Restaurant's culinary excellence, marks a significant milestone for the company, highlighting its commitment to hospitality innovation and personalized service, as stated by CEO and co-founder Mario Cardone.

🏠 Aleph Rome Hotel introduces "Emperor's Retreat Experience," a tribute to Emperor Augustus and ancient Rome, offering a stay in the opulent Augusto Suite and hotel spa. Guests receive a welcome drink, "Domus Augustana," crafted by mixologist Lorenzo Politano using a Zero Waste, Build technique with ingredients favored by Augustus. A luxurious in-room breakfast and a 60-minute spa treatment, "The Body Sculpting," inspired by Roman beauty practices, complete the experience.

🏡 Villa Radici, part of the Augustus Hotel & Resort's distributed resort project, will open in summer 2025, offering seven sophisticated and comfortable accommodations. The renovation by Discreet Architecture and De.Tales merges Forte dei Marmi's historic Liberty style with contemporary design. Giacomo Maschietto, CEO, after a successful season exceeding expectations, emphasizes the resort's commitment to luxury and the unique "villa living" experience.

🏡 Gruppo Una announced the opening of Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia, a new 4-star addition to their Una Esperienze collection, located in the ancient part of Syracuse. The hotel features 21 modern and brightly designed rooms and suites named after Sicilian cultural elements, such as "pupi" and "fichi d’India". Amenities include a breakfast room with views of a 4th century apse, a private historic garden, and an elegant outdoor terrace. Gruppo Una, with this launch, now operates 6 facilities in Sicily, affirming its growth and presence in the region.

🏨 Fondazione Fiera Milano tasks Savills to select a hospitality player to manage two hotel facilities in Rho, in the former office area of Fiera Milano S.p.A. Aiming to develop its real estate assets, the foundation plans to convert spaces into one Midscale full-services and one Economy limited-services hotel, totaling about 200 rooms plus amenities. Savills' specialized Team Hospitality & Leisure will identify the future operator. Dario Leone, Head of Hospitality & Leisure at Savills, anticipates strong interest from operators looking to expand or establish in Milan.

🏠 Tivoli Hotels & Resorts expands in Portugal with the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel opening next year, located south of the Douro River with panoramic views of Porto. The hotel will feature 150 rooms including 10 suites, two restaurants, three bars, two pools, a Tivoli Shape fitness center, six meeting rooms, 9,000 m² of gardens for events, and a Tivoli Spa with personalized treatments. It will also offer a gourmet restaurant and an all-day dining venue.

🎁 Rocco Forte Hotels announced their third "Made in Sicily" project, Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto, set to open in 2026. The meticulously restored 18th-century building boasts 31 rooms, a restaurant, bar, event/meeting spaces, spa, gym, and garden. Originally built in 1782, post a devastating 1693 earthquake, the neoclassical Palazzo once had 105 rooms. The hotel design mixes historical charm with modern luxury, featuring trompe-l'oeil walls, fine fabrics, and antique furnishings. Rocco Forte Hotels plans four new openings in the next three years, including Milan, Sardinia, Sicily, and Naples.

🏨 Moxy Hotels, launched in Milan in 2014, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a pipeline to reach 100 branded hotels in Europe, including Pompeii and Verona. Currently, Moxy, a Marriott brand, leads Europe's upper-midscale lifestyle segment with 89 hotels in 18 destinations, making up 60% of its global portfolio. Jerome Briet of Marriott International highlights Europe's demand for stylish yet affordable hospitality. By end of 2025, Moxy plans to add 17 European properties, entering Spain (Barcelona), Turkey (Istanbul), and Luxembourg, while expanding in Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Poland, Serbia, and Germany.