Conferenze e Fiere

🏕 Pier Ezhaya, President of Astoi, emphasized the importance of the association's participation in the TTG Travel Experience, highlighting a cohesive approach to strengthen the market. The event features the 'Villaggio Astoi' of about 900 square meters, including travel industry members like Alidays Travel Experiences, Alpitour, and Costa Crociere. The Astoi Party, an event for networking and celebration among tourism professionals, is also scheduled to foster greater industry involvement and unity.

🏦 Hotelbeds' stock market debut, initially scheduled for November 28, has been postponed due to the current situation in the Middle East affecting tourism. This marks the second delay influenced by industry giants like IAG, Air France, Amadeus, Accor, and Meliá experiencing 3-7% losses recently. Additionally, the US presidential elections on November 5 historically contribute to market uncertainty.

🎥 "Glamour Nights" by Costa Crociere consists of 12 evening events, starting on September 24 in Turin, and will continue until the end of October, visiting cities like Milan, Brescia, Padova, Cagliari, Florence, Bari, Bologna, Rome, Palermo, Naples, and Catania. The series aims to engage with over a thousand travel agents across Italy, discussing the cruise company's results, news, and goals, as stated by Riccardo Fantoni, the Commercial Director for Italy.

🎵 In Valle d'Aosta, summer showed a dual nature with June and July seeing a decline in Italian tourists, attributed to unfavorable weather, while August marked a turnaround. Italian arrivals in August increased by 8.22% (144,366) and stays by 5.65% (576,008). Foreign tourists also rose by 16.76% (98,697 arrivals) and 17.47% in overnight stays (196,507). The region looks forward to winter sports events including the World Cup of Alpine Skiing at La Thuile and the Snowboardcross World Cup at Cervinia. Additionally, the MTB World Cup will take place in La Thuile for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons, as highlighted by Tourism, Sport, and Commerce Councilor Giulio Grosjacques. Valle d'Aosta will present at the TTG Travel Experience in Rimini from October 9-11.

✈️ Brussels' Zaventem Airport faces a potential complete shutdown on Tuesday, October 1st, due to a strike, impacting 50,000 people. Airlines have preemptively canceled all flights for the day in anticipation of the halted operations. The strike, concerning poor working conditions and employee services, could extend to other European airports as the issues are not exclusive to Brussels.

✈ Icelandair launches a direct flight between Reykjavik and Nashville starting May 16, 2025. The service will be available on a B737-800 MAX, seating 16 Saga Premium and 144 economy passengers, approximately 7 hours flight time, four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Doug Kreulen and Deana Ivey highlight the route's enhancement of international connectivity and travel opportunities to Europe.

✈️ Ita Airways' lounge at Milan Linate will undergo complete refurbishment, expanding from 480 to 562 square meters to handle 400 daily entries and accommodate 140 guests simultaneously. Accessible to business class, top-tier frequent flyers, and partner airlines, the updated lounge is set to open in summer 2025 and will operate daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Andrea Benassi, General Director of Ita Airways, announced the development, highlighting the strategic importance of the international market.

🗽 Rome's average tourist stay increased from 1.9 nights to 4 over three years under Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who also mentioned an 8% economic growth through cultural events. With the upcoming Holy Door opening in 3 months, Rome faces challenges with 1,000 ongoing constructions, aiming to close 300 by December, some extending beyond the Jubilee period. Additionally, Rome is developing a world-first AI-powered virtual assistant to aid tourists against the repetitive suggestions of social and digital channels contributing to overtourism.

🌅 Raaya Resort, part of Atmosphere group, will be highlighted at TTG Travel Experience in Rimini, Italy, from October 9-11. It caters specifically to Italian travelers, offering all-inclusive services with a focus on luxury and attention to detail. Atmosphere comprises three brands: Colors of Blue (vibrant Maldives touch), Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (all-inclusive), and The Ozen Collection (ultra-premium all-inclusive with luxurious design).

📍 True Puglia's third edition runs from October 1-4, showcasing Puglia's unique properties and landscapes to 50 luxury travel buyers and international media personalities. Puglia boasts about 865 km of coastline, 98% of which is swimmable, and has 22 Blue Flags indicating exceptional sea quality. The region's tourism appeal also stems from its rich history, diverse agriculture, tasty cuisine, and distinctive architecture. The event emphasizes direct connections with local places and people for authentic experiences and includes B2B meetings, thematic panels, and networking to strengthen relationships between international demand and local hospitality offerings.