ITALIABSOLUTELY WTM 2023

Councillor Elvira Amata: Sicily rebounds and is a magnet for foreign visitors

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WTM 2023 EDITION

For Sicily, 2022 was the year of tourism recovery, with overnights practically returning to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 which had closed with over 15 million overnight stays by both Italians and visitors. The more than 14 million 783,000 stays recorded in 2022 were an increase of 52.6% over 2021 and 46.3% over 2020.

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Tuscany’s commitment to sustainable tourism:

unveiling the charter

© Enrico Caracciolo

of values

BY MONICA LISI

Itali BY

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Editore: Travel Open Day srl Proprietà: Network & Comunication srl Autorizzazione del Tribunale di Milano numero 793 del 30/11/91 Iscrizione a R.o.c. numero 13242 del 26.03.2005 Spedizione in abb.postale (pubblicità al 45%)

General Manager DANIELA BATTAGLIONI d.battaglioni@italiabsolutely.com d.battaglioni@travelquotidiano.com

Errata corrige Cycling Walking l Tuscany is the first region in italy to have created the Atlas of Cycling tourism routes and the Atlas of Walking routes and boasts more than 6,500 hotels and NHAs deeply committed to sustainability

Editor in Chief GIUSEPPE ALOE g.aloe@italiabsolutely.com g.aloe@travelquotidiano.com

© Guido Cozzi

FLORENCE - Sustainable travel and tourism are no longer just choices but imperatives, and Tuscany is leading the charge with a resolute commitment to long-term sustainability. guided by the regional agency, Toscana promozione Turistica, a collective of eco-conscious tour operators has crafted a manifesto of values for sustainable tourism. open for voluntary adoption by all regional businesses, it formalizes the tenets of sustainable tourism in Tuscany, advocating practical measures and a heightened awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment and local communities. The manifesto, currently in its final drafting stage, was unveiled at TTg experience in Rimini. in the coming months Tuscan businesses will be invited to collaborate with the regional tourism portal by sharing offers and initiatives that align with the manifesto. Hundreds of certified enterprises, including those in parks subscribing to the european Charter of

Executive Editor PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE p.mccourt@italiabsolutely.com

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Sustainable Tourism, and the many Tuscan entities with the Sustainable Booking travel badge, aim at enhancing the sustainability of their guests' experiences. Joining this initiative are organic and michelin green Star restaurants, organic producers, and participants in Vetrina Toscana, the region's project promoting wine and food tourism, in collaboration with unioncaMassimiliano Sarti m.sarti@italiabsolutely.com m.sarti@travelquotidano.com Manuela Ippolito m.ippolito@italiabsolutely.com

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mere. Tuscany is the first region in italy to establish the Atlas of Cycling Tourism Routes and the Atlas of walking Routes. The region boasts a remarkable 6.500 hotels and NHAs deeply committed to sustainability. Furthermore its four national and three regional parks, along with its 130 nature reserves and minor parks, adhere to the european Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CeTS) that fosters tourism that respects all forms of life. Tuscany, with its dedication to sustainability, is poised to set a compelling example for the world of tourism and beyond.

AdvErtisinG LiCEnsEE Network & Comunication Srl Address: Via Aosta, 30 – 00182 Rome T: +39 06.89.01.75.77 direzione@network-comunication.it Maria Carniglia: Liguria maria_carniglia@libero.it cell. 335 6131882

sonia Moura: veneto soniamoura60@gmail.com cell. 335 8454397

in the article “sustaining the legacy - destination verona&Garda Foundation” published in italiAbsolutely of 11-12-13 October 2023, a photo was erroneously published that reproduced a view of the trentino side of Lake Garda, instead of the verona side. We apologize for this to our readers and to those directly concerned.

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Destination Verona&Garda Foundation:

BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

MILAN - A beacon of innovation in the realm of Italian tourism, the Destination Verona&Garda Foundation, an initiative established by the Verona Chamber of Commerce, casts its vision across 66 municipalities. As the operational powerhouse behind two DMOs, Lake Garda Veneto and Verona, the Foundation, still in its nascent stages, is on a mission to breathe new life into this spectacular corner of Italy.

The aim is to expertly foster the growth of the two destinations while elevating their brands to new heights, with the focus unwaveringly on sustainable tourism.

Foundation Chairman Paolo Artelio is resolute in his vision.

"The organization of our tourism products, hospitality, and promotional activities are the keys through which we can further evolve, both in terms of quality and added value," he says. The Foundation's mission pulses with commitment to cultivating a robust B2B network and seamlessly positioning Verona and Lake Garda as an integrated tourist destination linked with both domestic and international visitors.

In an era where tourists are

The organization of our tourism products, hospitality, and promotional activities are the key through which we can further evolve in terms of quality and added value

Paolo Artelio

e l b a n i a t s u s a g n i cha rter a rd w r o f h t a p

seeking more than just deals, the Destination Verona&Garda Foundation is pioneering a new path as Foundation chairman Paolo Artelio explains: "Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond removing boundaries. We cater to a wide spectrum of special needs travellers, ranging from couples in pursuit of romantic getaways to individuals with disabilities, to families with children and even those with canine companions. This thoughtful differentiation sets the stage for welcoming a diverse array of visitors."

With the city of Verona nestled less than half an hour from Lake Garda, convenience takes center stage, and a recent addition to the travel options is the SkyAlps flights, now connecting Verona to Rome Fiumicino,

while Milan and Venice stand just an hour away by train or car. The paraOlympics are scheduled in Verona in 2026 and the Foundation is working with public and private stakeholders to ensure the success of this global sporting event. “Our iconic Arena will be at the epicenter of the games, and as the event draws closer there is interest from international hotel chains who see the Verona area as a strategic location for expansion.”

Leading inbound markets for Verona and Lake Garda are Germany, Austria, Switzerland, with France and the Netherlands also posting strong growth, while Poland, and the Czech Republic are promising new entries.

“To boost visitor arrivals we are planning B2B familiarization trips for in-

ternational partners in conjunction with local industry players.” The United States and South America also shine brightly on the radar, drawn by the allure of heritage tourism that celebrates ancestral roots. And let's not forget the region's long-established industrial giants like Giovanni Rana, Carrera Jeans, and Calzedonia which are global household brands and, as such, a testament to the exceptional products and territorial appeal of this enchanting part of Italy.

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Marche Nord’s

BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

PESARO - Marche Nord’s Itinerary of Beauty guides, a journey into an unspoiled landscape brimming with art and history, are expanding their collection with a new guide dedicated to the region’s theaters, many of which are found in the 21 towns that have showcased their charms in earlier editions.

The new circuit of 12 unique gems, each one distinct from the other includes the famous Rossini Theater in Pesaro, the Fortuna Theater in Fano, the Sanzio Theater in Urbino, the municipal theaters in Cagli, Mombaroccio, and Gradara.

But also the delightful Apollo Theater in Mondavio, the Angel Foco in Pergola, and the Tiberini in San Lorenzo in Campo.

Together with the fascinating Trionfo Theater in Cartoceto which is currently under restoration, the tiny Perugini Theater in Apecchio - with only 42 seats, it is the smallest in the Marche region - and the incredible Rocca Theater in Sassocorvaro.

«In a polycentric region like the Marche, cultural life thrived not only in the major cities,» ex-

: e d i u g y t u a e B f o y r a r e n i t I latest s e r t a e h t l a n o i g e r g n i t h g i l t sp o

THEATRE CIRCUIT

The Rossini Theater in Pesaro The Fortuna Theater in Fano The Sanzio Theater in Urbino The municipal theaters in Cagli, Mombaroccio, and Gradara.

The Apollo Theater in Mondavio, The Angel Foco in Pergola The Tiberini in San Lorenzo in Campo.

The Trionfo Theater in Cartoceto Perugini The Theater in Apecchio The Rocca Theater in Sassocorvaro

plains Amerigo Varotti, director of Confcommercio Marche Nord, «but also in the smaller towns of the hinterland. The theaters gradually became not just spaces for entertainment and performances but also, as in the Greek agoras, places for meeting and socializing. This role has essentially remained unchanged over time, and it is no coincidence that in April 2022 the region successfully had its historic theaters included in the UNESCO Tentative List.»

In addition to its cultural and artistic riches, Marche is renowned for its culinary specialties, including tacconi, a type of pasta crafted from broad-bean

flour. Adele Cerisoli of La Palomba Hotel in Mondavio explains the process, saying, «To bind the mixture together we incorporate wheat flour, and then we shape the dough into long, slender noodles. Tacconi can be added to soups or prepared in the traditional Marche fashion, tossed in lard with garlic, and garnished with crispy pork jowl and parsley. Another typical kind of pasta dish is our Cappelletti in Brodo. The size of these little stuffed twists of pasta that are shaped like a hat differs from one part of the re-

Amerigo Varotti

gion to another. In Pesaro and its hinterland they are extremely small and served, particularly at Christmastime, in a rich broth. Even in the poorest homes traditionally the best capon was kept to make this festive broth.»

The Marche’s seaside city of Pesaro, celebrated as the birthplace of the legendary opera composer Gioacchino Rossini, is set to shine as Italy’s Cultural Capital in 2024, further cementing the cultural significance and unspoiled allure of this captivating Italian region.

Hotel Scapolatiello A hillside oasis of history and serenity

BY MASSIMILIANO SARTI

CAVA DEI TIRRENI - From the fascinating itineraries of the 18th-century Grand Tour to the present day, Hotel Scapolatiello in Cava de’ Terreni, which lies in a beautiful green valley above the Amalfi Coast, has preserved the traditions of the family that down the generations has contributed to its enhancement.

Giuseppe and Cesare Scapolatiello

The hotel, located in the old medieval village of Cava de’ Tirreni and just 10 minutes by car from the motorway exit, was built in 1821 not far from the Benedictine Abbey that dates back to 1011. Guests are won over by its delicious cuisine, family atmosphere, and a landscape so relaxing and fascinating that it has attracted travellers and artists since the 1800s.

Today at the property’s helm the father and son team Cesare and Giuseppe Scapolatiello are the fifth and sixth generations of the family, and with true passion and deep commitment they continue to write the history of this wonderful establishment.

The hotel’s strategic position makes it possible to easily visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, to

admire the tradition of Vietri’s ceramics, to relax in the sun of Amalfi, or to discover the nature and the many trails of the Monti Lattari Park, all this while enjoying the tranquility and relaxation of a unique structure with many services. Set in a park of over 4,000 sqm with panoramic terraces directly overlooking the Lattari Mountains, the nearby Benedictine Abbey of Cava de’ Tirreni, is a place where history and serenity come together in harmony, a medieval village where time seems to stand still and which is just waiting to be explored.

Hotel Scapolatiello is also located on the legendary Alta Via

Nearby Attractions

l The hotel’s strategic position makes it possible to easily visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, to admire the tradition of Vietri’s ceramics, to relax in the sun of Amalfi, or to discover the nature and the many trails of the Monti Lattari Park

The old m ediev of Cava deal village ’ Tirreni

dei Lattari trail, which is almost 90 kilometres long and crosses the Lattari Mountains from Cava de’ Tirreni to Punta Campanella, the headland that looks across the Mediterrean waters to the island of Capri. This first section of the trail leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna Avvocata sopra Maiori located at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres asl and overlooking the Amalfi Coast. This is a wonderful experience for both experienced trekkers and for professional team building. In addition, Hotel Scapolatiello immerses its guests in an ambience of peace and harmony with yoga at sunset, embraced by the magic of the centuries-old park while the hotel’s genuine Mediterranean cuisine is an introduction to the best of traditional Italian flavours.

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on the path to greater vibrancy and style

BY FEDERICA DE LUCA

TURIN - The 2006 Olympic Games marked a new direction for Turin, with the event sustaining its effect on the area’s welfare. Since the Olympics, when it revealed its attractions to the world, the city once not so highly prized as a tourist destination, has successfully structured many of its promotional strategies jointly planned by the city council, Turis m o T o rino and the re-

gional and provincial councils.

At TTG Travel Experience in Rimini Vittoria Poggio, regional councillor for culture, tourism and commerce stated: «Major events are an important economic asset for the region, producing spin-offs, boosting employment, acting as a commercial and image multiplier and increasing Piedmont’s authority on the international stage.»

Proof of this are events such as the Nitto ATP Finals, the last men’s tennis tournament of the year which, for the third consecutive year and until 2025, will bring the eight best tennis players of the moment to Turin from 12 to 19 November. These finals will attract a vast international audience which will also discover the region’s nature, UNESCO sites, art and culture as well as its foods and wines.

The regional council recently expressed its interest in putting forward its candidacy for a further five editions of the ATP Finals, also in light of the economic return for tourism, «for every euro invested the return is €7.5.»

In 2024 and 2025 sports will again take centre stage with the Giro d’Italia which starts on 4 May 2024 on the Venaria Reale-Turin stage for three days before heading to Liguria. On 1 July it will be the turn of the Gran Boucle, with

the Vittoria third Poggio stage of the Tour de France. The Universiade will return from 13 to 23 January 2025, and from 8 to 16 March the Special Olympics will be held for the first time in Italy - in Bardonecchia, Sestriere and Pragelato - with an expected 300,000 spectators. In 2024 Turin will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Egyptian Museum, the second largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, and the most important outside Egypt. From 9 to 13 May it will host the 36th International Book Fair and from 20 to 24 September the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto food fair.

All this is a source of pride for Marcella Gaspardone, director of tourism Torino e Provincia.

«Once again this year our city is confirmed as a hub for events of international reach, ranging from art to culture, and from te-

chnology to sport. But the spotlight of international tourism will also be on culture, with contemporary arts events, major exhibitions and music festivals. As always, it will be an opportunity to make Turin, its history, nature and gastronomy known to tourists from all over the world, and a prime sustaining force for the area's economy.»

s r a o s m is r u o t ’s t n o m d ie P s e i r a r e n i t i e v i Innovat e g i t s e r p l a n o i t and interna TURIN - Piedmont’s tourism soars and Alessando Zanon, director of VisitPiemonte, the region's operational tourism arm, reconfirms the positive trend for the first half of the year.

Innovative itineraries and international prestige

«Compared to the first half of 2022 we had a +14.3% increase in arrivals and 10.1% in overnights. Foreign markets drove this trend with +22%, and Germany was the leading foreign market with+14.3% in arrivals, followed

by France and Switzerland. UK visitors were down although overnight stays rose by 14%. The United States, in sixth position, registered an increase of about 50% while Italian arrivals rose by 9.6%, with overnight stays remaining stable. All our attractions were successful from Turin (+23.1% arrivals and +5.4% overnight stays) to our lakes (+13.1% arrivals and +20% overnight stays), hills (+10.4% arrivals and +7.8% overnight stays) and mountains (+2.2% arrivals and +7.7% overnight stays).»

We are also planning an event in the Arab Emirates, and we will focus on trade fam trips linked to specific products.

“We launched Historic Mountain Roads for bikers and trekkers” Piedmont as a destination for nearby markets is mainly determined by individual choice, but for the more distant markets, the role of TOs and travel agencies is decisive said VisitPiemonte’s director. «Among the novelties launched in 2023 the Historic Mountain Roads consists of 17 itineraries from Cuneo to Val di Susa along old military routes that are ideal for trek-

Alessando Zanon, director of VisitPiemonte

king or mountain biking but can also be travelled - with due rules and limits - by motor vehicles. And there is also the new Via Francigena for All.» With reference to investments Zanon confirmed VisitPiedmont’s presence at the WTM in London and, in 2024 at Utrecht, the Fitur in Madrid, Munich, the ITB in Berlin, and Lisbon. «We are also planning an event in the Arab Emirates, and we will focus on trade fam trips linked to specific products.»

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BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

exploring

PALERMO - Renew, get back in the game, set a new course. Dimsi, a Sicilian company, founded in 1985 and deeply rooted in the world of hôtellerie and incoming tourism, has consolidated its position as a leader among Sicilian tour operators over the last decade. This can be attributed to Julian Zappalà, the enterprising scion of the industry who, in 2014, took on the challenge of reshaping the company’s destiny.

Now general manager of Dimsi Incoming Operators - Dimensione Sicilia, Zappalà shares his perspective on the company’s evolution: «My team and I embarked on a journey of rejuvenation, crafting a forwardlooking, digital, and smart project.

We specialize in curating tailormade travel experiences, personalized to the dreams and desires of our clients. Sicily, with its multifaceted beauty, serves as the canvas for our adventures.»

Indeed, Dimsi offers an array of unique experiences, from sharing a meal with a Sicilian family to sensory escapades and adventurous activities on the awe-inspiring Mount Etna which is Europe’s most active volcano. They also offer exclusive boat charters to the Aeolian Islands, each experience customcrafted to meet the client’s vision.

«Specializing in bespoke travel itineraries for groups and individuals, thematic tours, luxury travel, incentive trips, and conferences, we serve a global clientele with unmat-

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Dimsi Group l

a i t n e i r e p x e g n i r e e n Pi o tourism in the heart of Sicily We specialize in curating tailor-made travel experiences, personalized to the dreams and desires of our clients

Julian Zappalà

ched competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm,» Zappalà affirms.

The core mission of Dimsi Group is to transform traveling into an unforgettable experience on Italy’s second-largest island. «Among our signature offerings the guided tours under the Sicilian Secrets brand have weekly departures and diverse itineraries. They can also be combined with other splendid regions of southern Italy, such as Puglia and Campania as well as with the Amalfi coast, Lazio, and even Malta. Dimsi’s repertoire extends to eco-tours with rental cars, selfdrive adventures, gulet cruises to the Aeolian Islands, and a plethora of holiday ideas catering to every traveler’s needs and preferences.»

The Group’s commitment to the

hotel industry is a pivotal facet of its multifaceted portfolio. It has four business-oriented properties, all strategically positioned around the key tourist hubs of Sicily: the Ibis Styles Palermo President, the Catania Acireale, and the Palermo Cristal which are all part of the same franchise. Then there is the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre in Isola delle Femmine, a coastal gem which underwent a grand makeover in 2016. With its stunning seafront location, lush gardens, and state-of-the-art congress center, it ranks among the largest hotels in Sicily. To explore the world of Dimsi and discover the unparalleled travel experiences it offers, visit www.dimensionedìsicilia.com

Southern Italy’s hidden treasures with Martulli Viaggi

MATERA - Amidst the rich tapestry of Southern Italy, Martulli Viaggi stands as a beacon for visitors seeking to uncover the hidden gems of the region.

With an unwavering focus on Puglia, Basilicata, and the Marche, this travel specialist based in Matera has become synonymous with crafting unforgettable experiences. "We revitalize these small towns with our tailor-made packages,- says director Michele Martulli, who underlines the company’s mission to share the authentic beauty of Southern Italy with the world. -It's a place where time seems to have stood still, where the spirit of these small towns and villages, known as borghi, captivates the hearts of visitors.”

With the sun-drenched landscapes of the South beckoning travellers, Martulli Viaggi offers a unique lens through which to explore the region. "Our international clients are increasingly drawn to the allure of these genuine experiences, often intertwined with discovering the rituals of local food and wine.Michele Martulli explains. – And for those looking to extend their stay and delve deeper into the South's hidden treasures we provide an excellent range of villas and residences.”

“Our business is chiefly that of an OTA, and having attended

both Travel Hashtag in New York and TTG Travel Experience in Rimini we are now ready for the WTM and ETOA events in London. Every year we like to add at least ten new experiences to our product range, from culinary tours to excursions like those on the Maratea coast by boat, canoe or kayak. This year these sea

products were particularly in demand with Spanish visitors.”

“Our clients like to interact with locals, like with a grandfather who invites them into his garden to pick figs and demonstrates how to peel them. It is a rediscovery of ancient traditions and roots. We work with both individuals and groups of all kinds, and we have hot-air bal-

loons over Matera where we also have an open-bus in collaboration with IoBus of Rome for the Sassi and Murgia areas.”

Martulli’s top markets are America, Germany, France and Spain, with clients looking to rediscover places of the past, where ancient traditions are still alive.

We are very strong in the South of Italy and we have unique tours to the borghi, which are small towns and villages where time seems to have stood still.

Michele Martulli

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Trade's SNAV's service delivers top choice a successful summer and beyond

BY MARIA CARNIGLIA

By the end of October will we perhaps have a clearer picture of the situation, and have more reliable projections on the final budget.

Giuseppe Langella

NAPLES - 2024 will be an important year for SNAV, with many innovations in terms of the fleet and the routes to be announced in the coming weeks. Among the objectives the focus is on the trade which has always chosen SNAV for its high levels of service. As is demonstrated by the number of awards the shipping line has received and with SNAV once again on the podium this year in the Italy’s Best Customer Service ranking in the Maritime Transport - Ships and Ferries category.

This extraordinary result is thanks both to team work and SNAV’s traditional Neapolitan hospitality, with the company always putting placing the clients and their satisfaction at the core of every action by providing high quality services and responding to customer needs effectively.

2023 balance: a succesful season

«The 2023 balance is satisfactory,- says Snav’s director Giuseppe Langella. - All-in-all we had a positive summer that la-

Fleet and connections

The SNAV fleet consists of hydrofoils, catamarans, fast ships and Ro-Ro drive-on ferries.

Seasonal connections Ancona - Split by ferry from May to October Naples - Aeolian Islands by fast ferry from May to September Naples - Ventone/Ponza by fast ship from June to September

sted into autumn thanks to the weather, which favoured September holidays. We are satisfied with the results achieved both on the Ancona-Croatia and on the Naples lines to the Aeolian Islands, the Pontine Islands and the islands in the Gulf of Naples.» Results are in line

with the predictions at the beginning of the year and with early autumn favouring off-season holidays, «only by the end of October will we perhaps have a clearer picture of the situation, and have more reliable projections on the final budget.»

After the summer seasonal services SNAV will maintain its traditional connections in the Gulf of Naples, focusing on the regularity and efficiency of services, with a particular attention to improving the quality levels on which it continues to invest.

All year daily high-speed connections in the Bay of Naples Naples - Capri Naples - Ischia Casamicciola Naples - Procida Castellammare - Capri Sorrento – Capri

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ThGroup

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ance m r o f r e P Peak According to the latest Hotels & Chains in Italy report from Horwath Htl, the Th Group with its 32 total managements is now top of the ranking by size among domestic hotel groups and brands

Pursuing excellence and achievement

TH Hotel Corvara

Stefano Maria Simei

BY MASSIMILIANO SARTI

MILAN - The Th Group’s turnover for the 2022-2023 financial year, which ended on 31 October, exceeded €180 million. A more than satisfactory result, despite a drop in attendance in August mainly due to inflation.

«It was a slight slowdown,- explains sales and marketing director Stefano Maria Simei, offset by an increase in rates, so luckily it did not compromise the summer season.»

2023 saw Italy return to the centre of attention of foreign

One of our primary objectives is to maintain our leadership in mountain tourism, where we currently hold a substantial 23% share in Italy

Stefano Maria Simei

markets. «In our properties we had a 10% increase in foreign guests, mostly from Europe,» says Simei. The group is therefore preparing to face the coming months with enthusiasm given the growth in bookings for the winter season. «At the moment we are looking at a rise of 30% on a like-for-like basis.

This is a rapidly expanding cluster, with flows that are already well-adjusted seasonally and contribute to boosting the

competitive and innovative capacity of Italian tourism, particularly on foreign markets. Our growth trend in the mountains is driven chiefly by international demand, starting with the UK and German markets.»

According to the latest Hotels & Chains in Italy report from Horwath Htl, the Th Group with its 32 total managements is now top of the ranking by size among domestic hotel groups and brands. «An extra-

ordinary result for an Italian company, if we think that in Italy 90% of hotels having fewer than ten employees. In recent years, we have made significant investments in the modernization of our management, the reduction of fixed costs, and the enhancement of product quality and brand recognition. Our core strategy has remained consistent throughout this period.»

«One of our primary objectives is to maintain our leadership in mountain tourism, where we currently hold a substantial 23% share in Italy. Our extensive presence of over 1,800 rooms in the Valle d’Aosta, Trentino, and Piedmont underscores our commitment to this sector. For us the mountains are a year-round destination, complementing our coastal offerings. This strategic combination not only provides greater stability for our workforce but also ensures a more recognizable product, ultimately fostering guest loyalty. In addition to this, we naturally continue to evaluate new management opportunities, as we want to continue to grow both in Italy and abroad.»

Expo Tuscia DMO : Pioneering targeted territorial marketing

VITERBO - (p.mcf.) Vincenzo Peparello, President of the DMO, explains the significance of the Expo Tuscia DMO project. «It emerges from the profound realization that the significant shift in distribution patterns has ushered in new societal needs and lifestyles and was profoundly influenced by the pandemic which dramatically impacted travel, and introduced a new breed of tourist. We established Expo Tuscia DMO as a tool to ignite virtuous processes, amalgamating territorial and entrepreneurial marketing and with the engagement of both public and private stakeholders.»

Francesco Comotti, Destination Manager, underscores the essential

Francesco Comotti

Tuscia aims to introduce alternative and complementary offerings to both the Italian and international markets

Vincenzo Peparello

shift in tourism dynamics, noting, «Destinations must be adept at delivering thematic tourism to a clientele increasingly concerned with a destination’s quality of life, excellence, and sustainability. In light of the objectives set forth by the EU and the PNRR Italian national recovery and resilience plan, we must reposition our destination to meet the evolving demands of national and international tourism.»

Within this framework, Expo Tuscia DMO assumes a pivotal role in realizing the region’s tourism development plans, including the redistribution of tourist flows, prolon-

ging the season, and extending the length of stay. Francesco Comotti underscores this, saying, «We envision ourselves as an instrument for the realization of these objectives, and are committed to taking concrete actions that spotlight the economic and cultural value that tourists contribute to a destination.»

«Tuscia aims to introduce alternative and complementary offerings to both the Italian and international markets, including niche products rooted in our culture, traditions, culinary delights, and wines,- adds Pepperallo. We will also promote

Vincenzo Peparello

activities like trekking, environmental engagement and heritage and religious tourism in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee. Experiential tourism enhances entrepreneurial competency and respects places and local communities.»

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s e v a C i s s a s a r F

BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

GENGA - It is now possible to become an honorary citizenship of Frasassi, signed by the mayor of Genga. Thanks to the Genga municipality, the Frasassi Caves Consortium has introduced a Tourist Passport endorsed by Mayor Marco Filipponi. This unique passport outlines a captivating five-stop itinerary, unveiling the region’s rich artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage. It’s available to all visitors exploring the Frasassi Caves, with each site’s stamp serving as a step towards receiving a personalized certificate of honorary citizenship of Frasassi at the Info Point, located at the car park ticket office.

This innovative Tourist Passport is more than just a souvenir. Alongside it, visitors receive a detailed area map, brimming with information about the captivating historical and natural sites. «The Tourist Passport was created to promote the art and culture of the area cente-

Mayor of Genga confers honorary citizenship on visitors

red around the Frasassi Caves and Genga’s most esteemed sites,» said Mayor Marco Filipponi. «The concept of granting honorary citizenship of Frasassi allows us to actively engage visitors, making them an integral part of our region.»

What makes the passport even more special is its presentation.

Each Frasassi Tourist Passport bears Mayor Marco Filipponi’s personal signature and is handed to visitors in a beautifully crafted paper casket from the Cartiera Manualis of Fabriano.

A delicate filigree representing

Frasassi Caves Visittors The The Hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa mus at The Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary The Abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuse stop

Ge stle of The Ca

nga

The Castle of Genga

Pierosara and the Fortress of Pierosara

The Caves

the iconic Temple of Valadier, a symbol of Frasassi, adds an elegant touch. For the younger visitors, a small gift is also extended as a token of appreciation.

To acquire the Tourist Passport, visitors need to make stops at five key locations: the Frasassi Caves, the Hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa, and the Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary. Additionally, the Abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuse, the Castle of Genga, Pierosara, and the Fortress of Pierosara, all of which await exploration on this unique cultural journey.

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Councillor Elvira Amata:

BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

Continues from page 1

We have detected a trend that was not tracked before and is useful for guiding governance in the sector

Eliva Amata

«This upward trend continued into in the first months of 2023, albeit at a less marked pace,commented Eliva Amata, regional councillor for tourism, sport and entertainment. From January-August 2023 Sicily recorded some 11 million 274 overnights, an increase of 7.5% over the same period in 2022. «And this is an even more macroscopic figure,- the councillor remarked, - if we look at the foreign component of +21.5%. In the first eight months of this year foreign overnights were 5,176,776 (+21.5%), some 80% of those recorded for the whole of 2022.»

The CIR Regional Identification Code adopted by the council with the aim of obtaining statistics as close to reality as possible in the hospitality sector, is fostering healthy competition between the area’s accommo-

dation facilities. «We have detected a trend - generated mainly by so-called short rentals - that was not tracked before and is useful for guiding governance in the sector and adopting more effective policies and schemes for the benefit of hospitality operators and tourism in general. To give you an idea, before the introduction of the CIR our database had just over 7,000 accommodation facilities (hotels and non-hotels), today it has over 34,000.»

Concerning the MICE sector, the region has oriented the programming of events that cover a good part of the year. «By way of example there are the Bellini Celebrations and the Sacred Music Week, the Sicilia Jazz Festival, and the Historical Trains, which today are enjoying a very good autumn edition that allows us to redistribute new flows over alternative and longer periods.»

onal Sicily’s internati surge,

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Daniela Santanch a path to solidify, with tourism minister are on d an isl e ably, th to votal role. Not Tourism arrivals nt playing a pi robust resurgence ne po m co n ig with a the fore this poan visitors, along French and Germ ve been the driving force behind from se ha t, ea cr ke in ar m % in the US pressive 18.7 im an g thy in or er w st te gi rticularly no sitive trend, re a2022. What's pa se r er be m em m pt su Se ak to pe January nfined to the co t isno e as th w g th rin on, undersco is that this grow into the low seas gic move son but extended to deseasonalization as a strate for its t en ne cily is renow d deland's commitm anning. While Si pl y ctive lic po ism ur itself as an attra in its to s now positioning summer allure, it' hout the year. stination throug

The World in Florence: Heritage A Festival of Tourism and Cultural

BY MARIA CARNIGLIA

FLORENCE - Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is set to host the third edition of the international festival The World in Florence from November 21 to 23, 2023. This cultural extravaganza which is poised to explore the new challenges facing tourism and cultural heritage while seeking innovative solutions is organized by the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation in collaboration with the Life Beyond Tourism - Travel To Dialogue Movement and has garnered support from the municipality of Florence, the Tuscany region and various institutional and private stakeholders.

The proceedings will unfold in the heart of Florence’s historic center, in the Palazzina Reale of Santa Maria Novella and Palazzo Coppini, a medieval residence in

the San Lorenzo district. Unique settings that offer an ideal backdrop for discussing the critical issues surrounding cultural heritage, travel, the environment, and dialogue between diverse communities.

Over the course of three days, the festival will feature a

series of meetings, debates, workshops, events, and firsthand accounts revolving around the theme of tourist mobility, encompassing challenges and the potential solutions that can be implemented.

The Life Beyond Tourism Movement’s interactive panels,

known as Luoghi Parlanti®, will play a central role in promoting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The countries sending delegations are Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Georgia, Japan, Nigeria, Romania, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

In addition to the thought-

provoking discussions and cultural exchange, the festival will feature a cutting-edge “phygital” exhibition focused on Talking Places® in the Palazzina Reale of Santa Maria Novella, where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of curiosities and new dimensions.