SURVEY & FOOD FOR THOUGHTS
The sixth edition of the European Travel Commission’s monitor, which examined the travel intentions (national and continental) of Europeans, shows positive signs for this Summer: when asked about the possibility of making a trip by the end of August: 56% of respondents – never had similar percentages been reached in previous editions, which had reached rock bottom with 49% – is strongly intentioned to do so, while a good 22% already went on holiday between May and June. The main reason for summer travel remains vacation: 66% of those who will travel this summer said they will do so for leisure. Only 19% of them, on the other hand, will move to visit family and friends. 52% will choose the plane, while 36%, being more cautious, will travel by car. More info
WHAT’S UP IN ITALY
Palladium Hotel Group, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year and is present with 48 hotels in 6 countries (Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Italy, Brazil) and more than 14,000 rooms under 10 different brands, has open two facilities in Sicily: Grand Palladium Garden Beach Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa.
Qatar is investing 120 million in tourism over 5 years in Costa Smeralda through its Smeralda Holding. The group, owner of the main assets, focuses on the redesign of the rooms and on a wider range of restaurants, but also strengthens wellness, sports and facilities for families with children.
From July 22, from Thursday to Sunday, the food park Fico – the only food park of its kind in the world – heir to the concept of Expo Milano 2015 and symbol of the Food Valley, reopens its doors with many new features in the name of fun and especially pleasure at the table.
Grand Universe Lucca, an iconic hotel recently reopened in the heart of Lucca, has been included in the Travel + Leisure 2021 It List, a special ranking of the best openings of 2020 chosen for their ability to innovate while maintaining a well-defined identity. The hotel is part of the Marriott family and of the Autograph Collection brand.
HNH Hospitality, one of Italy’s leading independent hotel operators, opens in September in Milan the voco® Milan-Fiere hotel, the first voco® in Italy, lifestyle brand of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).
In Aosta Valley La Thuile reinvents the Summer mountain experience with the Energy Village Open Air: this concept redefines the space of the mountain vacation, transforming it into an energizing bubble for guests who want to offset the stress of work with physical activity, for those seeking relaxation and open and safe areas for children, for those who choose an active vacation or simply want to abandon body and mind to total regeneration.
Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort of the Italian Hospitality Collection group in Monsummano Terme, Tuscany, is reopening in Summer 2021 following major renovations, and will become part of Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s extensive and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels.
FUN LIFE AROUND THE WORLD
New York celebrates the reopening of the iconic Coney Island amusement park with the Italian tricolor flag of Zamperla Spa, one of the world’s leading players.
The first tourist destination on the Old Continent, Disneyland Paris, reopened its doors. Compulsory reservation of tickets on the Internet, mask required from 6 years old, suspension of the parade, postponed opening of two hotels: these are the measures to respect Covid-19 restrictions and to have fun in safety.
In Aqaba, Saraya Aqaba Waterpark, Jordan’s largest water park, will be opened soon during the summer season. The park, the first of its kind in the country, will have more than 25 slides and attractions for children and families. It’s a major investment for Jordan, which is looking to its tourism future with optimism.
Airbnb launched the project “Live Anywhere on Airbnb”, a program that will choose 12 individuals among candidates from all over the world to live exclusively in listings on Airbnb for approximately one year. Whether it’s joining Zoom meetings by the beach, taking family on the ultimate road trip, or learning a new language in a favorite city – participants can make the world their home. Airbnb will cover the cost of accommodations and provide an allowance for transportation for the duration of the program.
