Conferenze e Fiere

🗽 Boscolo to feature Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in their 2025 tours of the Caucasus. Vera Rodaro highlights the region's vast potential, historical significance, and high-quality local cuisine. The 8-day "Armenia millenaria" tour focuses on Armenia's rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Khor Virap monastery and the visible Mount Ararat. The 9-day "Armenia and Georgia" tour explores Georgia's highest Caucasus mountains, ancient capital Mtskheta, and wine history. The "Azerbaijan and Georgia" 8-day tour showcases Azerbaijan's natural gas production, modern Baku contrasted with ancient Zoroastrian traditions and prehistoric sites in Gobustan Reserve.

🎵 SiVola, an Italian travel tech firm, launches a contest during FantaSanremo offering five €1000 gift cards for any destination from their catalog to lucky players. Participants must join the 313,000-member SiVola League, create a team of singers, and register for the contest. Winners will be chosen by a final draw. Additionally, a secret daily bonus will be revealed on February 15 to help contestants gain extra points and climb the FantaSanremo rankings. Daniela Sparano, SiVola's marketing manager, highlights the synergy between travel, experiences, and the gaming phenomenon.

🍾 Emirates, starting in May, will introduce 18 new dishes for Business Class travelers, created by Michelin-starred Chef Jean Michel Bardet of Moët & Chandon and Emirates' VP of Culinary Design Doxis Bekris. Developed over a year with Moët & Chandon in France, Emirates serves 149 meals per minute, totaling over 77 million meals annually. Dishes range from scallops with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016 to roast duck with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, including vegan options. Emirates has partnered with Moët Hennessy for 33 years, offering champagne in all classes.

🎢 Leonardo Massa, vice president of MSC Group's cruise division, projects a positive outlook for the cruise sector in 2025, with strong travel demand evident from booking volumes. The average cruise price is nearing 2023 values. In April 2025, MSC will welcome the 23rd fleet vessel, MSC World America. Major infrastructure developments include the inauguration of a new terminal in Barcelona in March 2025 and a Miami terminal in April, capable of handling 30,000 people daily, thanks to a $400 million investment. The company is expanding into the American market with new itineraries to Alaska from Seattle starting in 2026. The fourth World-class ship, yet to be named, will join for the 2027-2028 winter season, offering year-round 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. The luxury segment will see Explora I and Explora II operating in the Mediterranean throughout summer 2025. Additionally, 2025 brings spring mini-cruises in the Mediterranean and the continuation of Canary Islands programs into the next winter.

✈ Wizz Air reached 20 million passengers at the capital's airport and expands connections to Egypt, adding Hurghada. Flights from Rome Fiumicino to Hurghada start on June 3, twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and from July, on Mondays and Fridays. All flights will be operated with the latest generation Airbus A321neo. Tamara Nikiforova, senior communications manager, highlighted the new route and the aim to strengthen ties with Egypt after celebrating the 20-million passenger milestone at Fiumicino in January.

🏢 On February 3, the 49th edition of Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza was inaugurated in Riva del Garda, Italy, attracting over 70 selected buyers from 20 different countries. This international HoReCa sector fair, organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in tourism, as highlighted by Federturismo President Marina Lalli. Innovations such as apps for managing bookings and customizing offers were discussed, alongside the significant theme of accessibility for all tourists.

🏥 From February 27 to March 1, 2025, a MICE sector event will be held in Naples at Stazione Marittima focusing on training, networking, and updates on new trends. Early bird registration is available until February 14 and can be accessed through the provided link.

🏕️ BIT 2025, the International Tourism Exchange, will be held from February 9-11 at Rho Fiera Milano with ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi featuring the established ASTOI Village. The event showcases major Tour Operators and facilitates networking. Revenue grew by 5-6% in 2024, with a 12% spike during Christmas and New Year. For 2025, a 5-7% growth is expected. Red Sea, Maldives, Orient, East Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia are popular destinations. Challenges include higher accommodation costs and new entry taxes. ASTOI focuses on authentic experiences and digital transformation, allocating significant resources. ASTOI President Pier Ezhaya will speak on February 11 at 10:30 am at Bit4Job 2025.

🏖 Two out of three Italians are planning their summer vacations post-Christmas festivities, with over one in four also considering springtime getaways. On average, Italians spend €1,130 per person on vacations, which rises to almost €1,900 for extra-European trips. In 2024, 72% vacationed in summer, while 23% postponed to winter. For future travels, 65% already have summer plans, with 28% utilizing bridge holidays between Easter and May 1st. The sea is the top choice for 48%, followed by touring (16%), mountains (12%), and art cities (7%). Seventy-one percent intend to undertake cultural trips; half will spend a week away, with older travelers extending stays for long-distance destinations. Early booking is common, with 10% already booked in January 2025 and 74% planning to book later—65% will book online, increasing to 79% among Gen Z. Budget-wise, one-third plan to spend more in 2025 on travel and accommodation, with half maintaining the same budget. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is considered by 26%, especially for those booking in advance or for high-cost packages.

📅 In Europe, eDreams notes that the United States and France lead with each accounting for 13% of total searches toward Rome. A significant increase in searches from Bosnia and Herzegovina (435%), Slovakia (279%), and Taiwan (156%) highlights the global appeal of Rome's Jubilee. Italian searches rose by 24% compared to last year. Monthly data shows a 30% increase in January travel searches, with a year-end surge: +36% for November, +77% for December, and +80% for January 2026. Spaniards, known for their devout Catholicism, make up 33% of bookings, followed by France (21%) and Italy (12%). Portugal leads new nationalities with bookings up by 138%, UK by 81%, and Romania by 53%. Bookings in January rose by 25% over the same period in 2024, with a notable 36% increase in April, influenced by Easter. Booking habits: 41% book less than a month prior, 36% from 31 to 90 days before, and 23% plan over three months in advance. Travellers' stays: 55% visit Rome for 3/4 days, 13% stay 5/6 days, and 21% opt for 2-day trips.