The Sardinia Region took center stage in New York with a mission led by Regional Councillor Franco Cuccureddu, convening institutional leaders, airport representatives, and key stakeholders from the tourism sector.

A wide-ranging program of institutional meetings, industry discussions, and targeted promotional initiatives has marked the launch of a structured strategy for the U.S. market. The campaign now continues with an ongoing presence: from Sunday features in The New York Times, showcasing the destination, to the iconic LED billboards in Times Square, where images and videos are reaching a global audience.

The final session took place at the prestigious headquarters of The New York Times, in the presence of media, buyers, and industry stakeholders. The delegation was welcomed by John Oros, Head of Industry – Automotive, CPG, Travel and Real Estate at the historic newspaper, who shared personal memories of his trips to the island.

Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu summed up the outcomes of the mission: “These have been three productive days, filled with meetings, discussions, and conferences at a fast pace, giving us the opportunity to better understand how to position Sardinia in the U.S. market,” he said. “It also marked the launch of a well-structured, multi-level promotional campaign.” He also highlighted how the new direct New York–Olbia flight, operated by Delta Air Lines, has provided “an opportunity to introduce a fast-growing market like the United States to new tourism products, from the island’s hiking network and historic villages to its blue zones and major events, starting with the first preliminary regatta of the 38th America’s Cup.”

Overall, there was strong satisfaction with a mission that generated significant interest across the entire

U.S. tourism industry. “The synergy between the regional institutions, chambers of commerce, tourism associations, and the airport system is essential to strengthening the perception of Sardinia as an efficient, cohesive tourism system capable of setting new ambitious goals, building on recent growth in visitor numbers, international recognition, and new intercontinental connectivity,” Cuccureddu added, while maintaining close attention to the international context and the potential impact of rising fuel costs.

Italian diplomatic institutions in New York were represented by Laura Pirino, Vice Consul General, originally from Nuoro, who expressed her appreciation for the new direct flight. “This is a strategic connection that further strengthens the relationship between Italy and the United States and, for the first time, directly links Sardinia to the American market,” she said. “This route is an extraordinary opportunity to promote iconic destinations—not only the Costa Smeralda, an international symbol of high-end tourism and Italian excellence—but also small villages rich in artisanal traditions and much more.”

Giving voice to Sardinia’s business and social community was Pietro Esposito, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of North Sardinia: “The meetings held in New York over these past days are helping us better understand how to organize hospitality services and offer an authentic experience of our traditions and the beauty of our territory. Sardinia’s Chambers of Commerce, together with the airport system and the business community, support the Region in this effort to promote and present the destination.”

Also contributing to the program were Caterina Orlando, Head of the U.S. and Mexico Markets at ENIT, whose collaboration remains essential to the development of the project; Paolo Manca, President of Federalberghi Sardegna; Gian Mario Pileri, President of FIAVET; Maurizio Battelli, President of the Extra association; Laura Zazzara, President of the B&B Association of Cagliari and Sardinia; David Crognaletti, representing Cagliari Airport; and Mario Garau, representing the airport system of Alghero and Olbia.

Also in attendance was Brekke Fletcher, Senior Content Director at Lonely Planet, widely regarded as the “bible of travelers.” Fletcher expressed strong enthusiasm for the launch of the direct flight, noting that the decision to spotlight Sardinia in 2026 is fully aligned with market trends. The island has in fact been named by Lonely Planet among the world’s top 25 destinations to visit—the only European destination on the list— a significant recognition from a guide that, at some point, has been in every traveler’s backpack.

During the day, Liz Barrera, Sales Manager at Delta Air Lines, also took the floor, highlighting the airline’s role as the leading U.S. carrier for travel between the United States and Italy. Barrera announced that, starting May 29, the new route will operate with four weekly frequencies, further strengthening connections between the two countries.

Paola Saraceni, Regional Sales Director at Delta Vacations, offered insight into evolving travel trends: “Customers are increasingly looking for more customized and unique experiences. The luxury travel segment has been growing for several years. At the same time, there is rising interest in destinations that offer more options related to nature and a healthy lifestyle, and we believe Sardinia fully meets these expectations of U.S. travelers.”

Special guest of the final event, Alessandro Nivola, actor and grandson of renowned Sardinian sculptor Costantino Nivola. “Since I was very young, I’ve felt a strong connection to Sardinia, almost unconsciously. When I first arrived there as a teenager, I realized there was something indescribable—yet deeply familiar to me—in the place, the people, and their way of life,” said the actor, fresh off the success of the miniseries Love Story streaming on Hulu.

“From that first visit, Sardinia has become an essential part of my life and will always remain so. I believe it holds some of the oldest civilizations in the world. And because of its position in the Mediterranean, it has absorbed many influences over time, creating a culture unlike any other. I hope more and more people will discover it and come to appreciate it,” he added.

Reflecting on his grandfather—one of the most influential Sardinian artists of the 20th century—Nivola emphasized how the island was always a constant presence in his vision and work, an enduring

cultural and emotional legacy that continues to live on in New York, where many of the sculptor’s works are still on display.

Following the event, Nivola joined Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu at Times Square to take in the iconic LED billboards, where striking images of Sardinia are reaching a global audience.

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MILANO (ITALPRESS) – The Lombardy Region celebrates the results of the Design Week 2026, which has seen protagonists the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone 2026, confirming the territory as the international capital of design and integrated platform between industry, culture and tourism. With more than 800.000 overall presences from 167 countries, Design Week is established as one of the most important global events, capable of generating a direct economic impact of 255 million euros (+14.7% compared to 2025) and to activate a widespread supply chain involving enterprises, productive districts and regional services. With an average per capita expenditure of 250 thousand euros (+8.6%). “The Lombardy confirms itself as the European leader of the supply chain: 30 thousand design and furniture companies active on the territory. Approximately 90 thousand employees, a sector worth over 10 billion turnover. The occupancy rate of the hotels touches 90% in the days of the Salone”, adds Debora Massari, Councillor for the Design of the Lombardy Region. The Salone del Mobile. Milan 2026 registered 316,342 presences, with a share of foreign operators equal to 68% and the participation of 1,900 brands from 32 countries, confirming itself a strategic platform for internationalization and business development. In parallel, the Fuorisalone 2026 has animated the territory with over 1,300 events and more than 500,000 visitors, transforming Milan into a common stage of experimentation between design, technology, fashion, art and sustainability.

The 2026 edition marks a significant evolution: Design Week goes beyond urban boundaries and is configured as a Lombard ecosystem, involving the entire regional territory. From Brianza’s production districts to contract managers, to the hospitality and business system, the event activates an integrated network that enhances skills, know how to do and international attractiveness. “The Design Week 2026 confirms Lombardy as a globally competitive and attractive system, capable of integrating industry, creativity and territories into a single development platform. The Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone are no longer just Milanese events, but a regional heritage that generates widespread value, employment and opportunities for the whole chain. As Region we continue to invest in this model, supporting internationalization, innovation and integrated promotion, because design is one of the strategic drivers for the growth and identity of Lombardy in the world”, declares the Councillor for Tourism, Regional Marketing, Fashion and Design of Lombardy Region, Debora Massari. The growth of international presences, with expanding markets such as the United States, Germany, Spain and new emerging geographies, together with the strong participation of new generations and global media, confirms the centrality of Lombardy in the process of transformation of the sector.

Design Week consolidates itself as a permanent infrastructure of design, able to transform relationships into opportunities and visions into economic development, strengthening the position of Lombardy as an international hub of innovation and culture of the project. Appointment to the next edition in April 2027, to continue to tell a Lombardy increasingly protagonist in the global panorama of design.

– photo press office Regione Lombardia –

(ITALPRESS).

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by Stefano Vaccara

NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS) – In the heart of Manhattan, within the New York Times Palace, Sardinia presented itself to the American tourism market opening a new chapter in relations with the United States. The occasion was an event dedicated to tour operators, media and operators of the sector, organized by ENIT, Sardinia Region, Delta Vacations and Sardinian camera system, to officially launch the first direct flight between New York and Olbia.

An initiative that marks a strategic step, not only for connectivity but for the positioning of the island in international tourism.

Regional Councillor for Tourism Franco Cuccureddu stressed the concrete and strategic value of the agreement with Delta Airlines for direct flights. “In the last two years American presences have increased by 80%, despite the need, so far, to make at least three steps to reach the island,” he explained. The aim of the Region is now to diversify the offer: not only the sea “premium” of the Costa Smeralda, but also the nuragic culture and the Domus de Janas protected by UNESCO, hiking and great sporting events such as the America’s Cup.

The point, Cuccureddu explains, is not only logistic. Sardinia wants to expand its story: next to the high-end seaside tourism, there is a cultural, archaeological and identity heritage that can attract a different audience, more attentive to the overall experience of the trip.

A shared vision also on the side of the tourist offer. Paola Saraceni, Regional Sales Director of Delta Vacations, highlights how Sardinia represents a unique destination in the Italian landscape, able to combine exclusivity and authenticity. Not only luxury, therefore, but a distinctive product that meets the new needs of the American traveller, increasingly oriented towards personalized experiences.

On the infrastructure front, Mario Garau, responsible for the development of routes of the airports of Alghero and Olbia, defines this link a historical event. For the first time Sardinia enters directly into the US market, with an impact that can go beyond the summer season. American tourism, in fact, is less linked to seasonal peaks and more interested in living the island in all its dimensions, from food to lifestyle.

Alessandro Antine Nivola, actor and nephew of the sculptor Costantino Nivola, who offers a more intimate and cultural reading. Sardinia, she tells, is a unique place where sea, mountains and millennial traditions live together. From small villages like Orani, linked to the history of his family, to the landscapes of the coast and the cities, emerges a complex and authentic island.

Food also becomes part of this identity: porceddu, cannonau wine, myrtle. Elements that tell a territory and help define an experience that goes beyond the simple holiday.

With the direct flight New York-Olbia, Sardinia is a mature destination, ready to compete on a global scale and to welcome an increasingly demanding international audience.

– photo xo9/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

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MILANO (ITALPRESS) – The Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi has been visiting the Salone del Mobile in Milan, a prestigious event that celebrates Italian excellence and creativity in the furniture industry. “The Salone is a showcase of design that attracts tourists from all over the world, creating a significant economic impact. In fact, 68% of visitors are foreign and are estimated – according to the analysis of the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Tourism – that the event in 2025 had a total economic relapse of more than 270 million euros, of which 202,1 million come from foreign tourists and 75,9 million from Italian visitors highlighting the important role of international visitors in supporting the local economy” comments the minister on its social channels.

During his visit, Minister Mazzi commented: “This is the confirmation of the ability of Milan and Italy to dominate the international stage and be an economic, cultural and social engine thanks to the best expressions of Italian creativity, able to design furniture for houses and hotels that are not simple objects, but synonymous with elegance and quality”.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The spring holidays confirm the good trend of Italian tourism in this 2026. After a first trimester growing, according to the data processed by the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Tourism, both April 25 and May 1 show a performance already at last year’s levels, with an average price of approximately 7% and an average online OTA saturation rate. Numbers that acquire a greater importance especially considering that in 2025 travelers were able to take advantage of the maxi-bridge from Easter to May 5, while this year the only short bridge is that of the Workers’ Day.

For the entire spring season, the intention of travelling to Italy is growing from the United States of America and more marked by Germany, the United Kingdom and India, with moderate increases also from China, Japan and the Netherlands. Milan presents the best results, mainly because of the Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile e Fuorisalone).

In the week of 20/04 there is an increase of the OTA saturation (62,1 vs 39,9, +2.2%). In the week of 27/04 the price is less than 2025 (-8.5%), but saturation remains higher (+8.7%). Overall, Milan highlights the best differential between the cities analyzed (saturation +15.5%).

Venice is one of the most solid destinations. In the week of 20/04 the average price is still less than 2025 (-12.0%), but the saturation is already higher (+7.6%). In the week of 27/04 the price is substantially in line with saturation still growing (+6.7%). In the week of 04/05 a strong acceleration is observed (saturation +19.5%), highlighting a particularly robust question. Rome shows a very solid dynamic, especially on the saturation front. In the week of 20/04 there is a reduction of the average price (-9.1%) but a significant increase of saturation (+14.0%). In the following weeks the price remains slightly lower than 2025 (-5.8% and -5.2%), while saturation continues to be higher (+6.5% and +3.9%). This indicates a present and active question, with even slightly more prudent pricing than 2025.

Florence is similar to that of Rome. In the week of 20/04 the average price is less than 2025 (-11.1%), with saturation higher (+6.0%). In the week of 27/04 the price gap is reduced (-3.2%), while saturation grows further (+7.9%). In the week of 04/05 the price remains slightly lower (-4.0%) with still positive saturation (+3.7%). The city is among the most solid art destinations in terms of demand. Palermo highlights a particularly interesting dynamic, resulting from the nearest destinations to the 2025 levels already in the bridges. The price changes are contained (-2.0%, -1.7% and -2.5% in the three weeks analysed), while saturation is generally online or higher, except for the week of 04/05.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Published in the Official Journal the decree of the Ministry of Tourism from 109 million euros for two of the main objectives of the dicastery: favor the “tourism all year” through projects of seasonalization and innovate, digitizing the sector to make it more technological, as they ask the tourists of 2026.

The resources allocated, of which 59 million were lost and 50 million in the form of subsidised financing, are intended for energy redevelopment for tourist buildings and production facilities, which include solutions for digitization, automation and intelligent measurement, in order to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and promote the use of renewable energies, especially to push tourism all year round, addressing flows in less congested periods.

The recipients of the intervention are the operators identified by the ATECO codes in a wide range of categories. The subject in charge of the measure, in so far as it holds receipt, assessment and approval of the applications, granting and providing the benefits, as well as monitoring and monitoring, is Invitalia.

“This is good news for the industry. The Meloni government has confirmed its commitment to tourism, focusing on the sustainability and innovation of a sector, a key pillar of the national economy, which analysts value, with the induced, up to a quarter of the entire Italian GDP“, said the Minister of Tourism, Gianmarco Mazzi.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “We reaffirm the line of the European Commissioner for Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas: we are not in emergency, so enough alarmism on fuel supply for airlines. Obviously the situation is constantly followed. Exaggerated or even false news damage Italy. We must learn from other European countries – like France, Spain or Germany – that are attentive to balanced communication and not to generate alarmist scenarios that only hurt tourism. Industry data in the first months of 2026 are all positive. Let’s talk about this, let’s not make stories that do not exist.” So in a note the Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – On the Anas network, the company of the Fs Group, for the maxi Spring Bridge, on the occasion of the Liberation Day and on 1 May, approximately 95 million vehicles are planned from today until 3 May. Compared to the ordinary weekly traffic trend today is estimated a growth of +6%; tomorrow, Friday 24 April, +6% and Saturday 25 April a decrease of -11%, day in which all destinations will be reached. “In the course of the maxi spring bridge, Anas – said the CEO of Anas Claudio Andrea Gemme – will increase the surveillance and will be guaranteed the uninterrupted presence of the staff with 2500 resources in turn, technical staff and exercise, and over 200 units in the Territorial Operating Rooms and the National Security Room to ensure the monitoring of traffic in real time h24. Our commitment has always been to make the circulation safe and smooth with the monitoring of our operating rooms in close collaboration and synergy with the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport and the Order Forces. To our daily work – said the Ad Gemme – we add the invitation to all users of the road to always drive in compliance with the Code of Road and without distractions for a peaceful and safe journey”. The preferred destinations of tourists confirm the regions of the Centre, the South and the Islands with particular attention to sea destinations.

A new peak of traffic is scheduled for next week starting from Thursday 30 April with increments of +6% regarding the average: in particular peaks of +10% will be directed to the Centre and the South until reaching +13% in Sicily and Sardinia. The last big return is scheduled on the weekend of 2 and 3 May with an increase of +8% traffic on Sunday. Here are some of the itineraries involved: the A2 motorway “of the Mediterranean”, the A19 motorway “Palermo-Catania”, the highway 16 “Adriatic”, the highway 6 “Appia”, the highway 16 “Adriatic”, the highway 106 “Jonica” and the highway 18 “Tirrenia Inferiore”. To facilitate the movement, the movement of heavy goods vehicles will be suspended on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May, from 9 to 22. In the course of the bridge will increase the surveillance and will be guaranteed the uninterrupted presence of the staff with 2500 resources in turn, technical staff and exercise, and more than 200 units in the Territorial Operating Rooms and the National Security Room to ensure the monitoring of traffic in real time h24.

– photos of Anas press office repertoire –

(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The General Council of Federturismo has appointed president Massimo Caputi for the mandate 2026-2030. Currently he is president Terme & Spa Italia and Terme di Saturnia Spa; he is manager and entrepreneur expert in finance, real estate and tourism, as well as executive president and founder member of the investment company Feidos SpA. He is the president of the Association of Historical Marks of Italy; he is president of the Tourism section of Confindustria Toscana Sud and vice president of the Italian Association Confindustria Hotels.

In the course of his previous term he was the head of Federterme, “ contributing to the consolidation of the role of the spa sector within the national tourist system, promoting initiatives of valorization of tourism of wellness and health tourism”, we read in a note. The President’s designation must be formalized by the Shareholders’ Meeting held in Rome on 11 June, while the presentation of the programme and the team will take place at the next General Council meeting on 28 May.

– Photo press office Federturismo Confindustria –
(ITALPRESS).

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ROMA (ITALPRESS) – In the first trimester of the year, according to the administrative source Accomodation Web, tourist arrivals are up 5.5%, while attendance is up 6.8%. On a monthly basis, January shows an increase of arrivals of 4.3% and attendance of 6.1%. A similar trend is observed in February, with an increase in arrivals of 6.5% and attendance of 6.1%. There are slightly higher figures in the March tourist presences, which recorded an increase of 7.9% with an increase of 5.6% arrivals.

The trend is also positive for spring holidays. Both April 25th and May 1st, in fact, show a performance already at the levels of last year, with an average price of approximately 7% and an average online OTA saturation rate, according to the data processed by the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Tourism. Numbers that acquire a greater importance especially in the light of the fact that in 2025 travellers could take advantage of the maxi-bridge from Easter to May 5, while this year the only short bridge is that of the Workers’ Day.

Air connectivity to Italy is also estimated to increase, with a +10.6% in 2026 on an annual basis: percentage increases are recorded both for short-range routes (+10.8%) and for medium-range routes (+11.2%), as well as for long-range (+7.3%). In particular, domestic air connectivity is expected to rise by 11.7% in 2026, while among the 20 main markets for capacity of places are Poland, Albania, Romania and Denmark, with year-over-year increments of 20%.

Other key markets also show a solid expansion, including Spain (+10.7%), United States (+11.1%), Greece (+12.2%), Egypt (+14.7%) and Hungary (+12.4%). Mature markets such as Germany (+3.4%), France (+1.7%), the Netherlands (+4.5%), Switzerland (+7.2%) and Belgium (+4.7%) record more moderate increases in seating capacity. It should also be noted that American tourists are travelling in spring and, especially in summer, reaching 7.6% of the US demand for Europe. Data that does not correspond to actual bookings as to online searches, but that still show good signs.

The trend of Italian tourism in this first part of 2026 is therefore positive and encouraging. Of course, the Ministry of Tourism closely monitors the current geopolitical situation, also maintaining a constant interlocution with the associations of category and promoting itself, as Minister Mazzi recalled, of a European fund dedicated to emergencies to adequately support the operators in addressing current challenges without compromising the quality of the services offered. In the background, the awareness that tourism is an area that has already proven, in the past, its resilience in difficult times. Not by chance, it was the first sector to recover after the Covid and to give back momentum to the national economy, as Minister Mazzi recalled today.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

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