Conferenze e Fiere

🏕 Italian tourism targets high-spending markets like the UAE, promoting "Le meraviglie turistiche dell'Italia e le Olimpiadi invernali di Milano Cortina 2026" at Abu Dhabi's 'Tour Mondiale Vespucci e Villaggio e Italia'. This initiative is backed by the Ministry of Tourism and organized by Enit. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè notes the positive trend from Gulf countries, with Enit aiding Italian businesses to seize opportunities through promotions and strategic partnerships.

🏕️ Msc World Cruise 2027 sales start, offering a 121-night itinerary aboard Msc Musica. The cruise touches 45 destinations across 25 countries on five continents, with seven overnight stays. Equator crossed twice, embarkation from Rome (Civitavecchia) on January 5, Genoa on January 6, Marseille on January 7, and Barcelona on January 8, 2027. The voyage includes South America, Ushuaia, Pacific landscapes, Australasia, Hawaii, the US West Coast, and returns via Panama Canal with Caribbean stops.

🎊 Celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 in Olbia, Sardinia with Moby as they partner with the city for a concert featuring Pinguini Tattici Nucleari and Boomdabash. Moby offers a special voyage aboard Fantasy, departing Livorno at 10 pm on December 30th and returning from Olbia on January 1st at 10 pm, with an option for 'late check-out' until 10 am.

📅 Papa Francesco opened the Porta Santa, commencing the Giubileo and pilgrims have started arriving in Rome. A recent survey shows 84% of Romans content with recent inconveniences in anticipation of the event. Rome expects 32 million pilgrims, although higher-spending tourists may avoid the city, similar to the 2000 Jubilee. Forecasts for 2026 and 2027 are positive. Stakeholders from Federalberghi, Fiavet Lazio, and city officials emphasize long-term benefits and the importance of maintaining Rome's welcoming image for future gains.

✈ Aerolinee Siciliane aims to operate in Italian skies by May 2025 post capital increase last October. Acquired Air Connect, securing Air Operator Certificate, followed by 49% stake acquisition in Southern Aerotech, a Cosenza-based aviation maintenance and logistic support company. These steps could enable market operations by next spring.

🕊 Between Christmas and St. Stephen's Day, 70,000 people queued for hours in St. Peter's Square to pass through the Holy Door of the basilica. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti noted an unprecedented number of attendees during Christmas mass. The Jubilee, themed on hope and running until January 6, 2026, is expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims. Pope Francis opted for a modest opening ceremony given the global situation, contrasting with past jubilees.

🌍 Azamara Cruises announces its winter 2026-2027 schedule featuring 66 new cruises and eight Grand Voyages spanning over 35 nights. For the first time, the company will offer winter cruises in Europe and will return to China. Highlights include an extensive Asian program with immersive experiences like exploring the Great Wall of China and a 74-night circumnavigation of South America, as well as Mediterranean and Canary Islands itineraries. Michael Pawlus and David Duff from Azamara are quoted in the announcement.

🏦 Visit Qatar in partnership with Qatar Airways and Q-Tours organized a fam trip for 13 Italian tour operators, showcasing the nation's tourism offerings. From January to October 2024, Qatar saw 4 million international arrivals, matching 2023's full-year total, marking a 26% increase. The country aims for 6 million visitors by 2030. The Italian market contributed 61,000 visitors, a 10% increase from 2023.

🎁 The 'presepe vivente più bello del mondo' in Slovenia's Postojna Cave runs from December 25-30, 2024. Marjan Batagelj highlights the event's historical value, featuring 18 living scenes. Slovenia's top destination, with 1 million international arrivals yearly, is expected to earn €42 million by the end of 2024, a 7% increase over the previous year, with an EBITDA of €20 million (+16%). Despite economic uncertainties, 22,000 visitors and 100 performers attended the 90-minute event in just 5 days.

🏖 Legend Hill, a new resort in Mauritius, is set to open in March 2025, marking the first new resort on the island in 8 years. Located on the west coast, not on the beach but halfway up a hill, it will offer panoramic views of iconic Mauritian landmarks. The resort, part of the high-end French Phoenix Hotel Collection, will feature a Beach Club opening the following year. It comprises 44 rooms and suites, including 2 penthouses, plus 6 apartments and 4 independent villas. Amenities include two restaurants—B. View and Le 1812—and the Santosha bar. The resort targets a broad audience, including couples, families, and honeymooners, with a focus on Middle Eastern guests seeking privacy. Marketing Director Kevina Mudho emphasizes the resort's integration into the landscape and interiors reminiscent of African lodges.