Go to BIT – the International Tourism Exchange – is a bit 'like traveling. I repeat every year, because this important tourism event held in Milan for over thirty years, shortens the distance to an encounter between those living in the territories and those who want to learn about them. A passion – that of travel – involving more and more people and that knows no age.

“We do not travel to escape life, ma perché la vita non ci sfugga.”

Una vetrina internazionale con grandi presenze che permette di scoprire nuove destinazioni, e che vede l’Italia al primo posto nel mondo nei desideri dei viaggi per la sua grande forza attrattiva storico-artistica e paesaggistica. The numbers prove it, among other numbers always destined to grow more.

That said, cosa chiedono i viaggiatori agli operatori turistici italiani alla fine di una vacanza? More services.

During my visit in addition to the moments of meeting and discussion at the various exhibition stands, were so many insights and insights offered by a number of thematic conferences. Yup, because in order to promote tourism need serious reflection, ma soprattutto servono operatori disposti asuperare gli individualismi, quei paletti che intoppano sul concetto di fare sistema. Operatori con intraprendenza che sappiano ascoltare l’ospite, perché il viaggiatore di oggi vuole esperienze di viaggio più significative, che diano un impatto autentico nella propria vita. Vuole entrare in contatto con la realtà del luogo, with esperienze emozionali che lo arricchiscano. Mi riferisco a viaggiatori sempre più connessi, ma che non disdegnano scollegarsi dalla rete per qualche ora per favorire le connessioni con le persone. 

In addition to this, per lo sviluppo del turismo – che vale il 13% del nostro PIL (dati Eurostat) – è necessario investire sempre più in accessibility, sostenibilità e innovazione. Servono strategie di marketing territoriale, anche e soprattutto nelle stagioni in cui l’Italia non è favorita dai flussi turistici. Unadestagionalizzazione che richiede programmazione e persone competenti che sappiano promuovere i tanti segmenti di questo comparto così importante per la nostra economia: il turismo enogastronomico, il turismo culturale, il turismo verde, il turismo del benessere, il cineturismo, il turismo sanitario, il turismo sportivo…

Purtroppo chi vive il territorio spesso non lo conosce a sufficienza, tasto dolente che ahimè – per esperienza diretta – mi trovo spesso a constatare. In tal senso può venire in aiuto un’informazione diffusa: strumenti digitali e cartacei facilmente fruibili negli esercizi ricettivi costruiti sulla base delle domande abituali dei turisti. Aiuti concreti che fanno guadagnare reputazione a chi li crea e che aiutano il viaggiatore ad ambientarsi.

C’è tanto da fare, c’è tanta bella Italia da comunicare…

Few remember that Florence – from 1865 to the 1871 – It was the capital of Italy. I must admit that after having visited it deserves I understand better the reasons. Really exciting to see his masterpieces ... if it were not for the long queues! Yes, endless queues that the cold of early January has certainly not helped! D’altronde, or rather fortunately, let's talk about one of the four Italian cities most visited in the world that offers a steady flow of tourists throughout the year. A place where you breathe art everywhere, who gave birth to great artists known around the world. One among them is Leonardo Da Vinci (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) Italian genius who in May this year will be celebrated the fifth centenary of his death.

"Learning never tires the mind." Leonardo Da Vinci

One hour and fifty minutes by train from Milan and I found myself in the heart of its historic center. Dare I say finally, given the times that I have scheduled this trip that I was forced to postpone a number of commitments. I refer not to a hit and run, but a visit as I like, calmly and with time that this city requires. To tell the truth, at the end of my stay, made me listen species that the person from whom I stayed - a native Florentine – I have seen half of what I've visited in a few days. Always the same story, rather, the same mistake… we take too much for granted what we have close. There is, however, also be noted that those who live in this city – that the high tourist movement has a bit distorted – It does not always easy life. Just to say that the Florentine hotelier aforementioned, He told me that just may flees to a small island in South America, to recover the peace and tranquility that now in Florence has become a dream.

Florence, beautiful but overrun

Well, aware that a few days would not be enough to know his immense artistic heritage, provided with the program and map, I started walking to my first stop. Obviously I was keen to book in advance, and fortunately! The risk, in otherwise, It would have been to run into long delays, and often, because of the many reservations, to lose the visit.

• 1′ Stage: Uffizi

A building in Vasari's work dating back to 1560 which it was originally built to hold the city administration offices. Today the gallery's most visited Italy, forty-five rooms that can accommodate many Renaissance masterpieces exhibited in chronological order. Admire them live is another thing ... the sensations are amplified, and the heart beats faster!

Bacchus (1597-1598) Michelangelo Merisi, said Caravaggio

• 2'Stage: Piazza del Duomo

To reach the heart of Florence means being in the presence of a white beauty complex that proud and catches the eye. I mean the nineteenth century facade of Santa Maria del Fiore, that, along with Brunelleschi's Dome (1434) and Giotto's Campanile (1337), creates a truly magnificent scenery.

The Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, It is the third largest Christian church in the world

If you stay a bit 'it disappointed simple and austere inside the Cathedral, certainly the visit to the Baptistery - the oldest building in Florence, where Dante was baptized - will leave you breathless. With head you can admire the rich Byzantine mosaics dating from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. A triumph of beauty!

The Baptistery dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron of the city

Guests can visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Situated in the square at number nine, houses numerous works of art from the cathedral, The Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. Three floors of treasures that end with the magnificent view enjoyable from La Terrazza Brunelleschi.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

• 3'Stage: Appointment with a Chianina

Go to Florence and not stopping to eat a Scottona Chianina steak does not make sense, at least for me. An ancient race, la Chianina, He is known for its somatic gigantism. Do you think that is the largest cattle breed in the world. That said, Following a suggestion, I went into one of the seats of Trattoria dall'Oste. A Chianineria in Via dei Cerchi was born in the name of Fiorentina steak. Five minutes of cooking on the grill on each side and… Bon Appetite!

Trattoria dall'Oste

• 4'Stage: Piazza della Signoria

A square of the most beautiful, an outdoor museum and a venue. There are several sculptures that enrich. In particular, in the Loggia dei Lanzi in the side of the square, I was struck by the perfection of Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus. A work in bronze, which was commissioned by Cosimo I de 'Medici by the political significance. Built between 1545 and the 1554, It depicts the greek myth of the hero with Medusa's severed head, but not only ... Looking at the nape of Perseus, it can be seen distinctly a face: It is the author of the self. I leave you the surprise.

The Cellini's Perseus

• 6’ Stage: Appointment with a Lampredotto

If there is a representative dish of the Florentine culinary tradition that is the Lampredotto. I am referring to a sandwich to enjoy in one of the many kiosks present in the streets of Florence (lampredottai) stuffed with tripe, or better, con l’abomaso (quarter of the bovine stomach also said lampredotto). A typical preparation to consume informally on a coffee table or walking on foot through the city. I have had the pleasure to taste in a small shop located in front of Palazzo Pitti: “Food Del Chianti”. A lovely little place in which to savor the true taste of Florence including tastings and stories of the area. Yes, because of the limited dimensions promote dialogue and understanding.

Buttermilk Lampredotto

• 7’ Stage: Accademy's Gallery

And here is the David of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1504)! The famous statue in the Accademia Gallery which the artist created in just twenty-seven years from a single block of marble. A work that impresses with its perfection among the most recognized in the world. I am the daughter of a stonemason. Myself, led by my father, I got to work this limestone that smoothes the man's ability and transforms. Well, Perhaps it is for this reason that I was a long enchanted by so much precision and superior beauty.

David di Michelangelo Buonarroti 1504 – marble, height cm. 516,7

• 8'Stage: Church of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross, a sacred building, but above all a place of great memories. Inside this Gothic church lie three hundred men who have distinguished themselves in the arts and in science. A sort of Pantheon in which to walk with reverence next to tombs of illustrious Italians: Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Niccolò Machiavelli, Ugo Foscolo, Gioacchino Rossini, and ... just to name a few.

Holy Cross – 1385

• 9’ Stage: Appointment with the ribollita

Walking through Florence I got confirmation that the typical traditional cuisine of the restaurants is the host. I must admit to my delight, as my passion for the traditions leads me to choose for the most part this type of local. If you get the right advice, even better! This time I am referring to Trattoria Le Mossacce, in Via del Proconsolo 55. No doubt an eating place where one feels the real Florence, where you do not book, and waiting in case it taste a glass of Chianti. Sitting next to strangers – that would soon not have been more – between the various samples, I am delighted by a good ribollita! Much like that of the board!

La ribollita

• 10’ Stage: Old Bridge

The oldest bridge in Florence, place at the narrowest point of the Arno. Certainly one of the symbols of this city. The last reconstruction – as a result of the various floods – It dates back to 1345. An inevitable stop to allow visitors access to the many shops of goldsmiths concentrated in this stretch by the Medici, Florentine family that has marked the history of Florence.

Old Bridge

• 11'Stage: Church of Santa Maria Novella

A church among the most beautiful of Florence, which impresses with its magnificent facade decorated with white and green marble. A building dating back to 1278 which houses many masterpieces, including the large crucifix by Giotto. A curiosity: inside the basilica is visible a line of brass sundial, that, thanks to a hole made in the rosette of the facade, creates the solar ellipse floor which vary according to the months of the year. A sort of astronomical observatory.

Santa Maria Novella

• 12’ Stage: Appointment with a Crushed Florentine

I love diners as pastries, those historical, where the right atmosphere you can taste typical dishes of local tradition. A gastronomic heritage not to be missed! Well, that's how I met Crushed Florentine, also called crushed greased for the use of lard in the dough. A sweet slow rise to typical carnival orange scent, which actually prepares all year. Really delicious!

Crushed Florentine

Florence is much more ...

Going up to Piazzale Michelangelo I realized. A panoramic terrace on which stands a bronze copy of Michelangelo's David. A place with a stroke of really wonderful eye! One It ended so my holiday… with a pink sunset on a beautiful Florence.

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

Bit 2016, International Tourism Exchange, l’appuntamento milanese per chi ama viaggiare.

Ci sono diverse tipologie di persone in movimento. Alcune amano viaggiare e conoscere luoghi e territori vivendo appieno le realtà locali, mentre altre concepiscono il viaggio come svago e tempo dedicato al relax. There are some who are forced to move for work, sports, to study or for treatment. Finally there are those who combines both, combining business with pleasure.

Every journey has its own form. In fact, in 2015, ben 1,18 billion people moved. Numbers from year to year are set to grow, and that, rapportati ad una popolazione mondiale che conta più di 7 billion people, require reflections and strategies.

For some, we live in a difficult historical moment, requiring informed and conscious choices to our destinations. In this scenario, the Bit 2016, from 11 to 13 February in the Milan Fairgrounds in Rho, It has set itself the objective of deepening and developing the new trend of this important economic sector.

Qui di seguito alcuni dati relativi ai cambiamenti nelle preferenze degli italiani in viaggio.

• Increase institutional awareness of the value of tourism.
• The percentage of Italians traveling varies between 52 and the 62%. The 75% favors an Italian destination.
• The region with the most travelers is Lombardy, followed by Piedmont and Lazio.
• The holidays are shorter but more frequent.
• Growing the seasonal adjustment of tourism demand.
• About 21.000 cottages and 6.600 fattorie confermano il crescente consenso verso il turismo verde e rurale.
• Salt the demand for paths lived in a participatory manner, from conception to the organization of the trip.
• The wine tourism in Italy is worth over 2 billion Euros. Produzioni di qualità e investimenti nell’accoglienza rappresentano un percorso parallelo con un unico traguardo. Di fatto l’enogastronomia italiana fa la differenza nelle scelte dei turisti.
• An Italian your 4 opta per il luogo delle sue vacanze in base all’offerta sportiva. Are 27 million Italians who regularly practice sports, even on vacation.
• Salgono le richieste nelle strutture extralusso, especially if close to places of artistic and historical interest.
• Per quanta riguarda i viaggi all’estero le dieci destinazioni preferite dagli italiani sono: France, Spain, Germany, Regno Unito di Gran Bretagna e Irlanda del Nord, San Marino, Austria, Croatia, Greece, United States of America and Egypt,,it,wine,,es,Fiera Milano Rho,,it,Travel blogger,,en,rural tourism,,it,sport tourism,,it.

the Bit 2016 tante le forme del viaggio da vivere e da comunicare. A questo proposito ho ascoltato con particolare interesse alcuni membri dell’Associazione Italiana Travel Blogger. AITB è una rete che promuove l’etica e la professionalità dei travel blogger, and for this you are given a code of ethics to give quality to content. But of this I'll get to later ...

Source: Bit 2016 – www.bit.fieramilano.it

Agrinatura Winter 2015 - Grass Lariofiere (CO)

It has just successfully completed the winter meeting of Agrinatura, the show dedicated to the food chain and animal Italian. Focus on small producers, through tastings and workshops, They occurred giving useful information to visitors for spending more and more aware and close to agriculture.

Among the insights treated to table Conviviality (the space dedicated to conferences and the show cooking), I have followed with great interest the intervention of Andrea Camesasca, Delegate for Tourism of the Chamber of Commerce of Como. Theme tourism "green", una scelta di viaggio che raccoglie sempre più consensi. Lo dicono i numeri: 4 Italian on 10 opting for a holiday connected to nature. ‪#‎GreenTourism‬‬‬‬‬

Should invest in tourism, but it requires changes, which in part depend on us, our spirit and our upbringing. Italy is a nation with a rich landscape, historic and artistic, which is confirmed by well Fifty certified sites Unesco. Soil conservation, l’agricoltura, the cuisine based on local and rural tourism, sono settori strategici che vanno costantemente promossi e agevolati.

In this regard I quote the words of Agrinsieme, coordination was born in 2013 representing companies and cooperatives CIA, Confagricoltura, Copagri Alliance and agri-food cooperatives: "The Italian agricultural landscape is a great resource. Between rural tourism and induced typical eno – 800 indications of origin recognized between wines and food products and over 9000 specialties – our campaigns are worth more than 10 miliardi di euro l’anno, not to mention the more than 50 billion worth of agricultural production which follows on those soils”. A heritage that each of us has a duty to protect, per se stesso e per le generazioni future.

The task of the institutions is to improve the safety, services and infrastructure, deficient especially in the south. The 66% the expenditure of international tourism is in northern Italy. Lombardy counts 33 milioni di presenze, Sicily 14 million. Sardinia, an island among the most beautiful in the world, 10 million. Data that make you think…

Si può fare di meglio…

In welcoming improving the hotel offer. Sono in netto calo le richieste relative ad alberghi con una o due stelle, mentre da dati Istat, aumentano gli hotel a tre e quattro stelle. In un mercato globale è importante garantire la qualità rimanendo però competitivi.

In accessibility investendo in servizi che favoriscano il turismo di persone diversamente abili. More than 80 million in Europe and 650 million worldwide. A duty and a right guaranteed by Article 7 the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism: "The possibility of direct and personal access to the discovery and enjoyment of the planet is a right to which everyone in the world should be able to enjoy equally; the increasingly extensive participation in national and international tourism will be considered as one of the best possible expressions of the steady increase in leisure time and shall not be impaired in any way. "

In mapping and geo-localize paths. Il turismo verde va a pari passo con gli sport all’aria aperta: jogging, ciclismo, nordic walking, equitazione, trekking, arrampicata, canottaggio, etc..

In conveying a sense of belonging, an important signal for tourism. Se non si crede nel proprio territorio è difficile promuoverlo e favorirlo.

Investing in improving its infrastructure network interconnection. We are more and more online, connected with the world, quick to share and review. Rendere tutto questo più facile rappresenta una grande opportunità.

As he pointed out by Andrea Camesasca, It could do a lot to promote tourism, such as reinvest in the many disused structures presenti sul nostro territorio. Molti lo hanno già fatto, convogliando energie e risorse per favorire la nascita di luoghi aggreganti di cultura, di storia e di cibo legato alla tradizione.

The 2016 è alle porte. We'll make? Who knows… Certainly each of us can do his part, even with simple everyday actions.

Con Giovanni Bazzano, esperto agroalimentare delle tipicità Lombarde, e lo chef Alessandro Varenna

www.agrinatura.org Lariofiere – Centro espositivo e congressuale
Viale Resegone, Grass (Co)

I often say that now the only thing that's left is the concrete land. We are one of the most beautiful countries in the world! We have a great history, great artistic, great culinary excellence, great traditions! In short, we all papers in order, but I ask: “We can better giocarcele?”

After my recent visit to the Bit, the International Tourism Exchange, after hearing the good speakers exhibit solutions and marketing strategies absolutely essential for the promotion of the territory, I asked myself a few thoughts that I want to stop here.

As is my habit I want to start from the beginning, the birth of tourism.

For information purposes, the first travel agency was opened in London in 1841 da Thomas Cook, thanks to the impetus given to rail and maritime transport nineteenth century who made it possible in the short term movements. Travelling was no longer a luxury for the elite. In this regard I quote the AArticle 7 the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which enshrines this right:

“La possibilità di accedere direttamente e personalmente alla scoperta ed al godimento delle ricchezze del pianeta rappresenta un diritto di cui tutti gli abitanti del mondo devono poter usufruire in modo paritario; the increasingly extensive participation in national and international tourism will be considered as one of the best possible expressions of the steady increase in leisure time and shall not be impaired in any way. "

Exactly so, Tourism is a right, but for many it is no longer! “Traveling in Italy it costs too much! The exterior is much more competitive.” This is the simple answer people's. And 'critical thinking. Not only marketing strategies, but concrete investments and determining its revival. Below I will analyze a few points that I consider essential in this regard.

• Competitiveness

Last year I went alone to September for Sardinia convinced to find competitive prices given the period, but I had to think again. “Leaving alone is not an advantage"So I was told. Ma eats? We are a country of singles and we are not yet organized in such a way! Anyway, single o non single, the prices of the packages are not competitive in Italy and abroad. Let's think ...

• Accessibility

Eighty million disabled people in Europe, 650 million worldwide. I reiterate that tourism is a right for all. And 'fundamental comply with the accessible tourism services that make a reality. This year in International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the European Commission has recognized the prize in Berlin “Access city Award”. Unfortunately no Italian city was notable in this regard. Some friends at the return of a trip to California have told me that that, buses, have the input level of the sidewalk for allow people to move a wheel chair with easy access. This system has been adopted in some Italian provinces but is not yet sufficiently extended. Reflect…

• Service

Friends, with regard to services is all a say. I'll tell you my experience last year in Quartu Sant'Elena, in provincia di Cagliari. A sea breathtakingly, living tract after tract; pity that not having the car with me was counting on public transport which I found to be woefully inadequate. I was furious to say the least; I still remember my outburst on twitter: “In front of me a wonderful sea, behind me services that will leave you speechless, rather, there would!” I set out but even so yet another problem! There were no sidewalks so it will cycle paths to make risky continuation walk. Obviously there is the case and the case, but there is no doubt that the transport network should be improved and enhanced, possibly by means of innovative and sustainable. I was given another experience from California where, alongside the many bike-rental outlets, Buses depart continuously prepared, inter alia, the transport of two-wheeled vehicles, so as to make easily accessible the visit of long stretches of territory. Let's think ...

• Welcome

As is customary to say "hospitality is a sign of civilization"And not only… and here I stop.

• Membership

As I wrote a few days ago : “I'm a traveler, an 'Italian proud of her country visit, search, and like, but especially loves to talk with people, my best guide!” Remember 17 March 2011, I was traveling. It celebrated the 150'Anniversary of the Unification of Italy. On the way I stopped at a friend's restaurant to eat and I realized that there were no signs at the entrance of celebration. I went in and after the usual greetings I said: “But if you put out the flag in my car…?” Lei ovviamente accettò. Membership is an important signal for tourism. Reflect…

• Network

The Internet is a global network; we have a tool with which in a moment millions of computers connect to each other. Promote the area on the net is a great opportunity that we must all make the most of. Each of us can do it in his own way, even with a photo of pills with informative. Le recensioni delle persone sono una grande opportunità per promuovere il territorio italiano e le sue tipicità. Invest in the network is critical!

I want to conclude these reflections with the’Art. 1 of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism:

“Tourism as a tool for understanding and mutual respect between peoples and societies "
The understanding and the promotion of ethical values ​​common to humanity, in a spirit of tolerance and respect for diversity of religious beliefs, Philosophical and moral, represent the foundation and the consequence of responsible tourism; the actors of the tourism industry and tourists themselves will respect the traditions and social and cultural practices of all peoples, including those of minorities and indigenous peoples, and they recognize the value.

When will we learn to make tourism… but tourism seriously!