ITALIABSOLUTELY LAS VEGAS 2024 Edition

Editore:

Operator Partners

Italia Highlights

Keys

of Italy

Frasassi Caves

The city of Messina

ITA Airways

Claudiana Di Cesare Communicat ons Manager c dicesare@italiabsolutely com c dicesare@travelquotidiano com

diano com eventi@travelopenday com

STRATegy Monica Lisi Project Lead m lisi@italiabsolutely com m lisi@travelquotidiano com

SAleS DepARTMeNT Claudio dell’Accio sales@italiabso utely com Carmen Tricarico account@italiabso utely com Olga Vaglio o vaglio@italiabsolutely com

ADMINISTRATIoN admin@ita iabsolute y com

ADVeRTISINg DelIVeRy adsdelivery@italiabso utely com eNquIRIeS info@italiabsolutely com

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

MEDIA PARTNER

Press: Tipolitografia Federici s.r.l. Via Adda, 3 - 05100 Terni

Press: KORE PRINT SOLUTIONS 20974 Corsair Blvd Hayward, CA 94545

Keys of Italy

g y

juna Ullrich Rimbotti: «We started out as a real estate company, and after a couple of years decided to open the tour operator Keys of Italy to add experiential tours and experiences to our short rentals business »

«Keys of Italy focuses on Italy’s most important museums including the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Uffizi in Florence, and the Egyptian Museum in Turin We also offer minibus tours for groups of up to eight people, and wine tastings in the Tuscan Val d’Orcia, in the Barolo area of Piedmont and in lesser-known areas of Emilia Romagna »

The operator's pay-off is “True Italian Experience,” and one of its main objectives is to take travellers to places that are still unknown «This is a way of getting off the mass tourism track,

Museums in Rome - The Uffizi in Florence - The Egyptian Museum in Turin

Wine tastings in the Tusca Val d Orcia, in the Barolo of Piedmont in lesser-kno areas of Emi Romagna

and authentic lifestyle

avoiding places with risks o f o v e r t o ur i s m , a n d e x t e n d i n g t h e s e a s onality of the e s t i n a t i o n s We do this by orking with loi n s t i t u t i o n s ,

which are the only ones with the necessary financial leverage to make a difference in promotional terms »

Keys of Italy’s main market is the United States, which generates some 80% of its clientele «But we are also looking at emerging markets, particularly those in Asia, to which we are able to offer a wide range of services »

Italia Highlights

FLORENCE - Experiential tours and activities closely linked to the excellence of Italy Charming properties and places from which centuriesold family histories echo Where?

From Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast, from Portofino to Piedmont to the great art cities, without forgetting smaller towns and villages which are veritable treasure troves of unexpected delights.

This, in a nutshell, is Italia Highlights, a Tuscan DMC specialized in tailor-made programmes for individual travellers and groups which also organizes exclusive events

«Since 1994 we have collaborated with tour operators and travel agencies to create original, bespoke programmes throughout Italy,» says founder and CEO Luca Carnesecchi

The company’s centre of gravity is the Tuscan Coast, «I was born and raised in the Bolgheri DOC area, a land recognized internationally for its excellence, and we organize experiential tours for lovers of great wines, history and traditions We have access to some of the most prestigious wineries in Italy and the

Top wine experiences, heritage and hidden gems from Tuscany to Amalfi

world, starting right here in Bolgheri, but also in Montalcino, Chianti, Franciacorta, Collio, and Piedmont One of our plusses is undoubtedly our relationship with small companies that develop products of absolute excellence Our collaboration with them has blossomed into a friendship that allows us to formulate truly unique itineraries »

«These include cooking classes

where you can experience the local culinary traditions firsthand, as well as olive oil and wine seminars with a sommelier, and with the customers doing the blending Our “living history” experiences welcome the clients to a different alternative luxury concept in charming familymanaged properties in evocative settings For example our cooperation on the Tuscan coast with the Della Gherardesca family, owners of Castello di Castagneto Carducci,

Since 1994 we have collaborated with tour operators and travel agencies to create original, bespoke programmes throughout Italy

Luca Carnesecchi

a private residence cupied continuousl

the family for 34 gen

This historic gem, tog villas on the estate where our guests stay, has welcomed crowned heads, actors, singers and international jetsetters »

Italia Highlights also partners with Trenitalia (with tour operator rates) for itineraries to discover Italy by highspeed train. Italia Highlights also owns the “Relais dei Molini”, a small boutique hotel located in the Bolgheri DOC area «We also officially represent the Etruscan Coast, a DMC with products and themed packages for a wide range of experiences in an area that encapsulates the essence of Tuscany »

Wineries in Italy

The company has access to some of the most prestigious wineries in Italy and the world, in Bolgheri, in Montalcino, Chianti, Franciacorta, Collio, and Piedmont

ess charm of ini Terme’s Hotel onale Esplanade A c e n t u r y of elegance:

, p tion, lobby, La Terrazza Res t a u r a n t , m e e t i n g s a n d events rooms, a garage and

djain39 99 s in ame the plamore icaw i t h u i po o m the 45 um, yle aller bils, a out-

«The menu in our restaurant has been completely

revisited in terms of taste and presentation, and the service is of the highest level The restaurant has natural light and large windows, and is also ideal for

events, gala dinners and business lunches for up to 180 people Then there is our large garden which has a swimming pool and is also ideal for events, parties and

aperitifs, and well as being an oasis of relaxation for our guests »

Martello Hotels Group

Quality service, comfort, and cultural richness

PALERMO - «Our group was founded to offer top-quality services on a human scale » This is how the company’s director, Antonio Martello, describes the Martello Hotels Group «So it is not surprising that we chose small boutique hotels to guarantee a stay tailored to the specific needs of each individual guest »

The Martello Hotels Group currently consists of three e s : t h e i p e d i m p e d u s a o t e l , i n he histoic centre o f P ae r m o , t h e M a re l l o H oe l , o v e roking the r i s t h a ra n d t h e

We chose small boutique hotels to guarantee a stay tailored to the specific nee d s o f e a c h i n d i v i d u a l guest

Antonio Martello

Guitgia bay of Lampedusa, and the Oasis Residence and Resort also in the Lampedusa area «Each of our properties is designed to guarantee guests unforgettable stays, whether it be for business or pleasure Our guest rooms and public areas are comfortable and welcoming, and our professional staff make sure that each guest discovers the beauty of Sicily with cultural visits, wine tastings, excursions to wineries, boat trips, trekking, and much more »

The Principe di Lampedusa, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Sicilian capital, has a particular focus on the American market «Interna-

tional tourists make up 80% of the clientele, and for the most part they are from the United States I belie they are attracted by location and the elega a hotel that is open a y round, and is an ideal starting point for visiting cultural sites in and around Palermo

The rooms are cozy and modern and are designed to make guests feel pampered from check-in to check-out »

The handsome old building, dating from the early 20th century, is on the Arab-Norman route, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each of the classic and deluxe rooms in the Principe di

ms a ep i r conditioning, TV with international channels, Wifi and Ethernet connections, USB sockets, a telephone, safe, minibar, kettle, large shower or bathtub, hairdryer, backlit courtesy mirror, and courtesy set The deluxe rooms also have a balcony overlooking the Cassa di Risparmio square, while the breakfast buffet features a selection of the best typical Sicilian products and a wide selection of tasty dishes

Noema Viaggi’s real Sicily

Beaut y, qua lit y and affordabilit y

PALERMO - «Since 1984, we have been dedicated to showcasing Sicily through innovative packages diverging from the conventional offerings,» says Pino Lomb a r d o , o w n e r o f N o e m a Viaggi «From our head office in Palermo and four branches in Cefalù and Taormina, we support operators who bring travellers here Our Sicily consists of experiences and emotions, with products that range

from visiting wineries, to discovering typical dishes, exploring the Sicilian hinterland to visit local markets and appreciating the natural beauty of our island »

Noema Viaggi continuously strives to offer a suitable balance between quality and affordability for this single destination with endless facets

«Sicily is a true open-air museum, each of the peoples that have set foot here down the

centuries have left indelible traces - culture is Sicily’s common denominator We provide transfers, three, four and 5-star hotels, rental apartments, daily excursions with guaranteed departures, cooking lessons, wine tastings, and so much more!»

Our Sicily consists of experiences and emotions.

Exploring the Sicilian hinterland to visit local markets and appreciating the natural beauty of our island

Pino Lombardo

Kiwi Travel

LIDO DI NOTO - Kiwi Travel is a Destination Management Company (DMC) specialized in providing unparalleled services and experiences throughout southern Italy

Established in 2016, Kiwi Travel can boast decades of expertise in the travel industry, and has many major European tour operators among its clients,

From its headquarters in Sicily, to its branches in Sardinia and along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Kiwi Travel is fully equipped to curate travel itineraries and services, catering to both individuals and groups Their comprehensive range of services, offered in multiple languages, includes airport transfers, hotel reservations and assistance, as well as traditional, experiential and cultural tours to some of southern Italy’s most popular destinations

Kiwi Group also owns and manages hotels Under its Kiwi Beach Resorts branch, the company oversees four-star properties which are located in strategic locations near key airports in

Southern Italy expert for services and experiences Services offered

Sicily and Sardinia: the Club Eloro in Noto (Catania airport), President Sea Palace in Noto (Catania airport), Hopps Hotel in Mazara del Vallo (Trapani and Palermo airports) and Castelsardo Resort in Sardinia (Olbia and Alghero airports) Kiwi Travel will transform your southern Italy travels into seamless and unforgettable experiences. www kiwitravel it

GiorgiaVitale DMC manager

aves Frasassi

BY PAMELA MCCOURT FRANCESCONE

FRASASSI - With over 298,000 visitors last year the Frasassi Caves set a 20-year record for what is now, more than ever one of the most loved and visited nature sites in Italy

Visitors to the Frasassi mus e u m s a n d a r t s i t e s t o p p e d 84,000 to the Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary, better known as the Valadier Temple, and 53,200 to the Genga and San Vittore Museums, for a total of 435,200

Record-breaking numbers that far exceeded all pre-pandemic figures, and reconfirm the site as the most popular tourist attraction in the Marche region

break 20-year attendance record and add the Frasassi Experiences portal

298k

Not just nature

The Temple of Valadier, built in 1828, is an octagonal church in travertine marble with a domed roof the Frasassi Caves in 2023

tes experiences and business activities, offering visitors a seamless journey through the region Like the recently launched tourist passport, that grants access to Frasassi's main sites, and an honorary citizenship, personally signed by the mayor of Genga

Ita Airways

long-haul momentum ts,

surpassing expectations

BY MARIELLA CATTANEO

ROME - Thanks chiefly to its longhaul, and in particular the transatlantic routes, ITA Airways is gearing up for the coming summer, and raising the bar even higher, says Emiliana Limosani, CCO of the Italian airline, and CEO of Volare

How did you close 2023?

«We are very satisfied, we exceeded all forecasts and closed with an operational breakeven a year earlier than forecast in the Industrial Plan, and with a positive EBITA of t e n s o f m i l l i o n s , c l o s i n g m o r e 0 r e 5 n, ,l s -

2024 will be another season of expansion, with 56 destinations, of which 16 domestic, 26 international and 14 intercontinental. We will launch new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Chicago (April 2024) and Toronto (May 2024)

Emiliana Limosani

bling the number of passengers We hit EBIT in 2023, after just a year and a half of full operations, on the intercontinental sector The average load factor was 79%, with intercontinental routes recording the highest average figure of 82% Total revenue grew by 67% to €2 4 billion, and here too our intercontinental routes drove the results, contributing almost 50%, and doubling the revenue recorded the previous year »

What are the main highlights for summer 2024?

«It will be another season of expansion, with 56 destinations, of which 16 domestic, 26 international and 14 intercontinental We will launch new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Chicago (April 2024) Toronto and Riyadh (May 2024), Accra and Kuwait City (June 2024) and Jeddah (August 2024), as well as boosting seasonal flights in the Mediterranean (from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate to Rhodes, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Menorca, Heraklion, Corfu, Lampedusa and Pantelleria and from Rome Fiumicino to Split and Kefalonia) Our summer 2024 capacity compared to 2023 is up 24% And our intercontinental routes again show the biggest increase with +43% over 2023, and with+30% on international and +15% on domestic routes »

What’s happening on the North American market?

«In 2023 the US market was the first internationally for us, both in terms of passengers carried and Volare membership This year the US is more than 50% of ITA Air-

ways’ long-haul network, and the market is showing robust growth compared to 2023 »

As US carriers add new routes transatlantic competition is stronger this year. What is ITA’s response?

«Competition is a stimulus for us to do better both in terms of service and growth Our Italian style is reflected in our products and our onboard service, and American customers like it Our competitors capacity is increasing but so is our network, with new flights to Chicago and Toronto, which have strong Italian roots The United States is our most strategic market after Italy and it has the largest number of citizens of Italian origin which makes ITA Airways one of their favourite airlines Beyond tourism and business travel, we guarantee connectivity to the Italian community »

How are your commercial partnerships evolving?

«Our partnerships include TMSs, n e t w o r k s , r e t a i l e r s , O T A s , t o u r operators, cruise companies, incentive houses and specialists in longmedium haul and high yield traffic By 2024, with a target of over 290 w o r l d w i d e a g r e e m e n t s w i t h agency groups managing around 16,000 sales outlets, our agents will rise to over 75% of the brokered revenue I would also like to mention our loyalty Volare programme, which today has over 1 7 million members, which we expect to increase to 2 6 million by the end of 2024 »

NEW FLIGHTS - ITA

The new intercontinental flights to Chicago and Toronto will be operated with the Airbus A330neo and A330- 200 and add to Ita Airways’ connections to New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and New Delhi, all served from Rome Fiumicino Flights to Riyadh, Accra, Kuwait City and Jeddah will be operated with the Airbus A321neo.

The United States is our most strategic market after Italy and it has the largest number of citizens of Italian origin which makes ITA Airways one of their favourite airlines

THE CLASSES

4 Business Premium Comfort Economy

H o w i s I T A A i r w a y s C o n n e c t doing?

«In just over two years our B2B ITA Airways Connect community has exceeded 20,000 members in Italy and worldwide (+10,500 unique a g e n c i e s ) C o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s have exclusive benefits such as the offer available up to 3 March 2024 for agents and an accompanying person, who can purchase tickets at special fares for travel until 24 March 2024 on all ITA’s domestic, international and intercontinental flights »

PARMA - Food Valley Travel & Leisure, a leading tour operator and DMC founded in Parma in 2003, designs, promotes and organizes incoming travel and business activities in Emilia-Romagna, the famous Food Valley of Italy.

We see ourselves as enthusiast regional specialists and happy travel artisans, rather than just tour sellers We have grown up here, and are scouts even in our everyday lives when it comes to choosing a place for a celebratory dinner, a cozy hotel for a special weekend or just something nice to do nearby!

Have you ever heard of Parmig i a n o - R e g g i a n o , P a r m a h a m , balsamic vinegar, Culatello di Zibello, tortellini, truffles, extra virgin olive oil, Lambrusco, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and Ducati, just to give you s o m e m i n d - b l o w i n g n a m e s ? And what if we tell you that we also have some 30 charming castles scattered in a radius of 50 miles, and that several are also luxury hotels that even have m e e t i n g r o o m s f o r M I C E events?

In a nutshell, we are so proud of where we live that, besides the iconic and extraordinary places and activities our customers may have on their wish list for that dream trip to Italy, we would like them to try our lifestyle

Travelling is far more than just v i s i t i n g p o p u l a r d e s t i n a t i o n s We feel it is our mission to bring you the most authentic essence of places and give you an insider's perspective on the

bespoke expertise unveils the flavors of

F ood Valley T ravel and Leisure’s EMILIA

gastronomic delights, traditions and cultural diversities of Emilia-Romagna and Italy with our original and bespoke luxury experiences

Emilia-Romagna is our base, but feel free to ask us for itineraries in the surrounding regions, and the rest of Italy as well. And last, but not least, our MICE department can arrange from the simplest to the craziest event!

Vintage cars, supercars, cooking experiences, orienteering, treasure hunts and much more – this is what we love to do!

R o m a g n a

a year-round haven for experiential

M E S S I N A

, emerges as a premier destination

NCESCONE

MESSINA - With t i l a n d s c aa rich culh e r i t a g e , a s t a n d s eacon of n a l l u r e , ng an enm e n t a l l y cious apch and a h o r a o f p e r i e n t i a l urism opr t u n i t i e s r o m i t s r i s t i n e b e a c h e s to its tant a l i z i n g c u l i n a r y s c e n e , v i b r a n t u l t u r e , d history, doorway sitors 365

«Our city witnessed a remarka-

ble surge in tourism last year, with 35,000 visitors, marking a notable 38% increase, comprised of some 30,000 Italian travelers and 5,000 international guests,» says Federico Basile, Messina’s mayor «This surge underscores Messin a ’ s t r a n s f o r m a t i o n f r o m a mere transit point to a destination ripe with diverse experiences,- continued Mayor BasileTo bolster tourism we are focusing on cultural promotions, on events, and on revitalizing previously closed sites Our marketing campaigns showcase Messina’s culinary delights, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks By reclaiming our narrative we want to shift the spotlight from larger cities like Palermo and Catania, which have of course their own great appeal, to Messina and we are looking at European markets like Germany and at America given the history of emigration from our city »

Accessibility to Messina has never been easier, as it is located just 50 minutes from Catania Airport, and eight new routes w e r e r e c e n t l y i n t r o d u c e d a t Reggio Calabria Airport by Ryanair, thus transforming it into a vital nearby hub «And let us not forget that Messina extends its reach beyond the city limits,- added mayor Basile,encompassing the entire province with Milazzo and the enchanting Aeolian Islands, and our climate allows us to cater to y e a r - r o u n d e x p e r i e n t i a l t o urism » With its 55 kilometers of picturesque coastline, Messina also offers opportunities for exploring its mountainous terrain, embarking on scenic bike trails, and enjoying the excitement of t r a d i t i o n a l s w o r d f i s h f i s h i n g «We are collaborating with the private sector, fostering local initiatives to promote Messina’s allure and reinforce our position as a premier destination for immersive experiences »

Federico Basile Mayor of Messina

We are focusing on cultural promotions, on events, and on revitalizing previously closed sites

We want to shift the spotlight from larger cities like Palermo and Catania

Federico Basile