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I REGION I EUROPE I ADVERTORIAL ISCHIA makes waves at ITB Berlin 2023 Last year Ischia was voted the most beautiful island in the world by the readers of Travel&Leisure magazine The volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples has become famous around the world for its thermal baths and natural springs, as well as its exotic scenery and mineral-rich waters. Ischia has all of the ingredients to attract visitors from around the world. There are a number of spots on the island where thermal springs bubble up naturally from underground before flowing south, towards the sandy beach of Maronti. Visitors to the Phlegraean Island can also discover roman ruins along the seabed at the beach of Cartaromana, located in the southern area near the rocks of Sant'Anna. Here, they can take in the panoramic view of Castello Aragonese, which is connected to Ischia by a stone bridge. Ischia has earned the nickname "The Green Island” due to its rich natural landscapes, green hills and many beautiful beaches, including the Bay of Sorgeto, Citara and San Francesco in Forio d’Ischia, as well as the wonderful Bay of San Montano in Lacco Ameno. Read more news about Italy online: In 2022, the volcanic island was elected the most beautiful island in the world by the readers of Travel&Leisure, in the American magazine’s annual The World’s Best Awards. Other top contenders included the Maldives, Bali, Milos, Fiji, the Galapagos. The island, the largest in the Gulf of Naples, was selected based on evaluations of travel experiences, places of interest, natural attractions, beaches, food and the friendliness of the inhabitants. Its location offers tourists a wide range of activities to choose from. Nature and adventure lovers can enjoy bike tours, scuba diving, horse riding and snorkelling trips, as well as water sports and many other sporting activities. Its cuisine, specialising in traditional dishes, also keep foodies fully satisfied during their stay. The island is also an ideal location from which to explore the Gulf of Naples, with boat trips to the neighbouring islands of Capri and Procida, as well as cultural excursions to famous sites including Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Naples city, Caserta and Salerno. Covering 47 square kilometres, with around 37km of coastline, Ischia has become increasingly popular among Italian and international tourists. Visitors to Ischia are invited to discover its beauty and share their photos on social networks with place, date, time and #ThisIsIschia! hashtag. The campaign captures the stories of those who “live and love” the island. It paints a picture of Ischia and Italy as the film set par excellence, for a dream holiday Hall 1.2 / Stands 107a,b,c Scan & Read the full version FIRST "BEAR SMART LIVING COMMUNITY” IN ITALY The Bear Smart Community Genzana, in the splendid village of Pettorano sul Gizio in Abruzzo is working to promote cooperations between these wild animals and local communities. With the participation of 12 European countries, residents are learning to peacefully coexist with the wildlife of the central Apennines, of which the Marsican brown bear is the most iconic species. For example, it removes any abandoned sources of food from urban areas which would likely attract the animals. The "Welcome back gentle bear" project has enabled the creation of the "Sentiero dell'Orso" created by Maiella Park and WWF Italy which aims to promote a man-bear coexistence for the protection of this key species of European fauna 44 ITB BERLIN NEWS • TUESDAY 7 TH MARCH 2023 www.itb-berlin-news.com
I REGION I EUROPE I MALLORCA'S FILM INDUSTRY AND GASTRONOMY TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT ITB 2023 Serbia tourism overtakes 2019 numbers in 2022 Marija Labovic, CEO of the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, gives an overview of the country's rapid recovery and new flight connections in an exclusive interview with ITB Berlin News. How did Serbia’s tourism industry perform in 2022? Serbia had a record year as we overtook 2019 numbers. We recorded some 12.2 million overnight stays, about 2 million more than 2019. According to the reports of the European Travel Commission, Serbia ranks first in terms of growth in tourism revenue and in overnight stays. Can you tell us more about your new campaign "Experience! Serbia"? Our new brand, reflecting the identity of Serbia as a tourist destination is characterized by contrast/duality. Our "Experience! Serbia" brand carries something personal, spontaneous and dynamic but also shows the stability, reliability and tradition of Serbia as a destination. To experience Serbia is to experience adventure, cities, nature, food and ultimately the people of Serbia. What new destinations is Air Serbia launching in 2023 and why is this significant? With the introduction of new flights, Serbia becomes more attractive, influencing the decision of tourists to spend their vacation in Serbia. In May, Air Serbia will introduce direct flights to Hamburg, Gothenburg, Cologne and Marija Labovic CEO, National Tourism Organisation of Serbia Marseille. Flights have also been announced earlier to Chicago, Catania, Palermo, Naples and Florence. Why is it important for the travel industry to meet face to face at ITB Berlin? ITB Berlin is the world biggest travel fair with a large and diverse professional audience. It is an important platform for us not only to promote Serbia to an international audience but also to meet and network with interesting partners. Additionally, Germany is one of the key markets for inbound tourism to Serbia. Many Serbian local tourist organizations such as Belgrade, the Vojvodina, but also incoming tour operators and hotels look forward to meeting the ITB visitors Hall 1.1 / Stand 203 The Consell de Mallorca, through the Mallorca Tourism Foundation (FMT), is back at ITB Berlin. The main themes which it is highlighting at the exhibition are the film industry and the island's rich gastronomy. Mallorca is presenting its Green Film Shooting Plan, an initiative developed by the Tourism Foundation of Mallorca with EU funding. It supports companies in the audiovisual sector in the acquisition and use of technologies that allow them to produce in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The Mallorca Tourism Foundation is also promoting the island's gastronomy. Together with the mild Mediterranean climate and spectacular landscapes, it makes Mallorca an ideal destination 365 days a year Hall 2.1 / Stand 102 © Toa Heftiba - Unsplash ITB BERLIN NEWS • TUESDAY 7 TH MARCH 2023 45
