ITB Berlin 2019

ITB Berlin 2019

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

“I still keep a suitcase in Berlin”

Marlene Dietrich

“ITB  Berlin 2019”, an international tourism event 

Are you attending the “ITB Berlin 2019″ , or considering it next year? Here are a few good reasons why you should do it , as well as some insights on how to get the most out  of it.

“ITB Berlin 2019″ is the the world’s leading travel trade show. On March 6-10 2019  travel professionals dealt with  industry experts.  And had the opportunity to meet over 10,000 exhibitors represented in 26 halls ,  1,000 qualified top buyers, and attendees from 187 countries.  It simply cannot be missed!

“ITB Berlin 2019″  was held at the “Messe Berlin”. Ths is an enormous  building at Messedamm 22, near Charlottenburg and Savigny Platz in Berlin, where I booked a nice hotel for my stay .

“ITB  Berlin 2019” is a must for the professionals of tourism!

The “ITB Berlin 2019″ is the world’s largest tourism trade fair. The companies represented at the fair include hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. It began in 1966 as a small event in the framework of an overseas import trade show that developed into a true global success.

The original five participating countries and regions grew to over 180, the first 250 trade visitors increased to over 114,000 and the exhibition space expanded from 580 m² to today’s 160,000 m².

Lot of time passed since it all began , and in the meanwhile  the tourism industry developed into one of the world’s most important economic factors.

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My personal experience in Berlin

For European enterprises, travel experts/lovers and bloggers it is a must to be at “ITB Berlin 2019″ , because It is very important to learn more about competitors and to be updated about tourism industry developments.

It  mirrors the current trends of the global travel industry, and reminds those working in the sector of great challenges around the world in this field, such as the digital transformation.

I was really honoured to partner with “ITB Berlin 2019″  as an accreditated networker. It was my very first time , and also an exceptional showcase for my activity as owner of ” WeLoveItaly.eu “. This is my professional activity in the educational and tourism filed based in Pisa.

“The British Berliner”, a special travel blog by Victoria Ade Genschow

As I arrived at the “ITB Berlin 2019″  I got scared , because It was so big. I thought I wasn’t able  to walk all around for so many hours! Of course I was also concerned about maximizing the time available for that colossal event.

I wanted to see everything, talk to everyone and to experience everything else. Actually, I didn’t get lost , because thanks to  Victoria Ade-Genschow and her  blog “The British Berliner” with helpful tips for the “ITB Berlin 2019″  , I knew what to expect and what to do before .

I had the joy of meeting  Victoria Ade-Genschow  personally . She spoke about her job as a talented and famous international lifestyle &  travel blogger. So, she shared some secrets for good blogging with me.

Wine and friendship 

All that was a strong emotion for me sipping white Brasilian wine  together with other nice people! I was enchanted by Victoria Ade-Genschow . We made friendship and she was my reference point for anything concerning travelling, tourism and blogging,  and she  is still!

Victoria Ade-Genschow  was the best part of that incredible adventure.  During the “ITB Berlin 2019″ I build new relationships with other professional travel /wine bloggers and experts in the industry of cultural and educational tourism ,  which was essential to bring in new customers and grow my business.

“ITB 2019”, a virtual journey around the world

What made me excited about “ITB Berlin 2019″ was my  virtual journey around the world! In an instant I visited Europe, Asia, Arabia,  America, Australia simply going from one stand to another one,  and suddenly I got the desire to leave for an exotic destination and to never come back !

Why not discovering Malaysia, and then Abu Dabi, Mexico, or Paris ? Hanging on at “ITB Berlin 2019″  I organized my “world trip” geographically and  thematically according to my interests  ! In several exhibition halls, the latest travel trends were also presented across countries and regions. These include, for example, medical  or responsible tourism, youth & adventure or wellness travel.

Italy at “ITB Berlin 2019”

Italy was represented at the “ITB Berlin 2019″  by the “Enit”, the national agency for promoting the image of the Italian tourist offer. At its pavillon  n 12  the Italian   launched Italy promoting  culture, art, wine and food!

The importance of technology for tourism

I liked the “ITB Berlin 2019″ space reserved to travel technology a lot, because established companies and ambitious start ups boosted  their latest innovations. While several forums highlighted important developments from the world of apps, mobile websites, social networks and blogs.

I realized how most travel businesses were moving rapidly to adapt, integrate or evolve digital system that controlled nearly aspects of their business operations, from marketing to customer service to distribution.

Technology helps tourism , but cannot replace the importance of the human contatc!

Last but not least, “ITB Berlin 2019″  confirmed, once again, that any form of real business could not work properly without the virtual one, and vice versa. Even in a digitalised world, It was not possible at  “ITB Berlin 2019″  to replace the confidence-building measure that face-to-face meetings and a direct exchange between business partners on issues concerning the travel global industry represented.

12 Tips for visiting the “ITB Berlin”

I set clear goals for my “ITB Berlin 2019″ ! I planned my time and schedule  in advance , because “ITB Berlin 2019″   was a massive event.

If you want to make your experience at the ITB Berlin next year a success, then you need to be organized! Here my  tips:

  1. Visit the website of the “ITB Berlin 2019″  to have and download all the useful info to get around the venue;
  2. Print your  badge before to avoid boring queues;
  3. Register/Complete your “ITB Profile”;
  4. Sign up and confirm all your  appointments . And send a reminder email to people about your  meetings;
  5. Check out how to get at the “ITB Berlin 2019″  , and the map of the “Messe Berlin”  to move around easily;
  6. Plan your visit but be flexible. It   is broken up into sections such as Europe, Asia, America, Arabia, Australia,. And you can change your schedule , as you may find that the exhibitor is a little busy at the time you want to go;
  7. Make sure you plan for some rest during the day, because you can get caught up in visiting every exhibitor;
  8. Dress Smart! The official attire is business wear, being slightly formal and wearing a suit or at least smart-casual will be the best choice!
  9. Wear comfortable shoes for  working extended hours on your  feet;
  10. Take with you packed lunch and  water in your  bag ; walking and talking is exhausting and you need to keep your energy levels up;
  11. Have  enough business card media kit to hand , there are so many opportunities to network with agents, tour operators, tourist boards, hotels, airlines, and other influencers just to name a few; aim to have more than you need!
  12. Don’t forget to bring your phone , a portable charger,  a note pad or a small agenda to write down all the ideas, names, brands and whatever else came to your  mind during  this event.

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Bye Bye Berlin. “Es kommt mal gut”!

“ITB Berlin 2019″ was more than what I could ever have imagined! All that I experienced there  was really important to maximize my productivity  as I attended many stands, presentations, and networking events run  by experts and bloggers. There were also areas where the focus was industry job opportunities,  as well as shows, parties,  concerts and culinary treats rounds.

“ITB Berlin 2019″ was not  only for me  an exclusive business event where to be, but It also  provided an energetic and entertaining atmosphere each day, and for  sure I  had lots of fun along the way and met amazing people.

At the end of this incredible life experience I went out to  my favorite restaurant  “Schwarzes Café”  with some German friends. It was a way  to remember my “Berliner Zeit” and how Berlin added value to my life!

 

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“AIS of Lucca”, the “Italian Sommelier Association of Lucca”

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”

Paulo Coelho

“AIS of Lucca”, “Italian Association of Sommelier”

If you love wine, a  sommelier experience with the “AIS of Lucca” (Italian Association of Sommelier”)  Tuscany,  is a chance of a lifetime:

    • To  explore the world of the  wine;
    • To learn how to build your own cellar:
    • To study food &  wine pairings;
    • To share your passion  enjoying life with friends!

What is the “AIS of Lucca” ?

“AIS of Lucca” is one of the several “Italian Sommelier Association” branches  in each region of Italy. The “AIS” or “Italian Sommelier Association” is  an Italian non-profit organization founded in Milan on July 7, 1965, officially recognised and legally acknowledged by the Italian government on April 6, 1973.

Its founding members were :

The “Italian Sommelier Association” is part and founding member of the “Worldwide Sommelier Association” (“WSA”) , which is officially recognized across the world.

The “AIS “ is one of the oldest and actually the largest sommelier association in the world, featuring more than 30.000 members only in Italy!

Which is the aim of  “AIS”?

The aim of “Italian Sommelier Association” , as stated in the third article of its charter, is:

  • To qualify sommelier’s role and profession, therefore adding value to wine, traditional specialties and gastronomy culture;
  • To promote, even in the legislative branch, the introduction of its didactic approach in hospitality related schools, as well as to endorse the sommelier’s professional role, international recognition and esteem.

Without any doubt, my educational experience at  “AIS of Lucca” has ensured me to have all I need to take my  passion about wine to a high  level!

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My  graduation as a sommelier 

I studied hard for three years, and finally last summer I became a sommelier at “AIS of Lucca”  ! After my exam in June , I celebrated the special occasion with other colleagues and friends at  “Berlucchi Winery “ in Franciacorta (Brescia)

My wine course at “AIS of Lucca” was an incredible journey for : rounding out my knowledge about wine and  expanding  my  palate. It was something more than  connecting the dots between a flavour, such as clove and vanilla in a sample Pinot Noir!

There are two types of certified sommeliers: those who currently work in the industry, and those who go through the certification process to learn much more than wine, that is the area in which is produced. That’s me!

My adventure in the world of wine!

I started my adventure in the world of wine  by chance. Because  dealing  with tourism, attending a sommelier course in Lucca  was an unconventional  way to know  better Tuscany with all its beauty, art and culture.

I recognize that to be a sommelier  without working in the industry  is much harder,  since you’re not working with wine every day, you have to carve out time in your schedule to practice and to dedicate to wine. One option isn’t better than the other–you just need to know which category you’ll likely fall under before you become a sommelier.

The life of a sommelier!

In order to make it through the long class schedule and nerve-wracking final exam, you should have an ultimate end goal in mind from the beginning.

Some sommelier students drop out before the courses are complete, sometimes because they underestimate the amount of studying required to pass the exam. And sometimes because they only liked the idea of being a sommelier, without having a plan to use their education for a specific purpose.

To be a sommelier is not onòy a state of mind!

You need to have a purpose in mind when you receive sommelier certification! Becoming a sommelier is only the tip of the iceberg. The reality is that wine education never ends, even for those who are fully certified with every program.

Getting certified is only one method for growing a greater understanding of wine, and it’s not necessary for every wine ‘fan’. Before you pressure yourself into becoming certified, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to go through the experience, and whether it’s truly the right choice for you!

Wine is to discover a territory!

My fortune was to have clear ideas why to be a sommelier and to run into “AIS of Lucca”  for my certification.

Studying for being a sommelier meant to meet wine Professionals  who loved exploring the best about wine & food tradition in Tuscany.  Nowadays, I ‘m really able to give useful tips for visitors who want to experience Italian kife style and who want to discover this awesome region  with my services in www.WeLoveItaly.eu

Why studying about wine so important ?

Recently, a friend asked why a person should invest in a wine class instead of purchasing a few bottles and having a liquid study session at home. I think it’s a great question!

Learning about wine seems a foreign concept to many,  but it’s actually a great deal of fun as well as financially rewarding – the more you know about wine, the better your wine purchases will be. You need to know at least enough to understand what makes you happy.

Wine makes you happy!

I know, wine makes you happy. But, which wines make you happiest? Until you try a well-curated selection, how do you know?  Learning the  “AIS” systematic approach to tasting will give you great insight into how your palate works.

In the  “AIS” course, I tasted top wines from different parts of and from all over the word. I got  great tasting experience there.

Wine is like a friend!

Of course, I could taste wine at home, but the difference  is that in the “AIS” course  my  tasting was  focused and guided. It was tasting with a purpose and  even after a one day class,  my tasting abilities  and my appreciation of what I tasted was considerably greater.

I can guarantee that “AIS” is not only a  a great place to get all your answers about wine with other like-minded wine lovers, but above all a possibility to make friendships with interesting people.

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Wine is a passion not a business! 

I love travelling and tasting good wine. Wherever I go, I always try  to find  the most unique label ,  the best food ,  and good people to have fun with!

So, why love wine? There are so many reasons!  Through wine, you can :

  • Meet great people:  Yes, there are so many great people behind and around wine!
  • Celebrate life: Yes, don’t you have wine when you’re celebrating a birthday, a wedding, Christmas, or a graduation?
  • Eat great food: Wine without food is not really wine, don’t you agree with me?

Above all , thanks to wine you can see the world!   Yes, wine is international, with it you discover new countries and regions, along with their history and culture. It’ s like a micro time travel machine, because  has  this magic  ability to transport you to the time (and place) they were made. Of course, not all of them!  For some wine drinkers, this is the real difference between a good and a great wine!

Sharing a glass of a well made and properly-aged wine can build bridges in friendships and help with discoveries of the soul, or just give you the nerve to open up your heart to those around you. It is a beverage to share, a beverage to savor, and a beverage to enjoy. And like many good things, it carries a responsibility to enjoy in moderation!

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Florence, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a luxury b&b in the heart of the city

Florence, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a luxury b&b in the heart of the city

Posted on by Stefania Tardino

‘Dimora degli Angeli’, a luxury b&b in the magic Florence

The ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ is a luxury b&b , which is located in Via dei Brunelleschi, 4, Florence. It’s a fine and comfortable accommodation in the historic center of  Florence . It offers an evocative solution for an unforgettable stay experience, surrounded by the beauty of Florence, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

A weekend in November from the ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  I  had the possibility to admire the charme of  Florence thanks to its central position. Florence is a unique open-air museum.  But beyond producing some of the most beautiful art and landscapes ever seen, Florence remains a distinctly traditional city  with strong family values and much to surprise the traveller. Follow me for reading some useful tips to visit Florence!

‘Dimora degli Angeli’, a luxury b&b for exploring Florence

 Florence is full of beautiful b&b, so it was very difficult to find the right one for me!  Main reasons why I wanted to choose a b&b over a hotel was to feel like a guest in someone’s home while having a holiday in. After a few searches on the internet, my choice fell immediately on the  ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ .

‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , a balcony in ‘Piazza della Repubblica’

The ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ is close to ‘Piazza della Repubblica’, which is the heart of the ancient and renewed city centre of Florence. It sits in a prestigious building dating back to 1890, which was also once the seat of the main local newspapers which is ‘La Nazione‘.

Moreover, in the same palace the Italian writer Eugenio Montale used to write his poems, sitting at a table of the famous cafè  called ‘the Giubbe Rosse’ . 

What to see in Florence near ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ 

With its windows looking on a breath taking city landscape, ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  offers a spectacular sight over :

It is also near  the most important squares and monuments of the ancient city centre, such as:

Where to go shopping in Florence near ‘Dimora degli Angeli’

Only to list the more stunning ones. ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  is a short walk from the most elegant fashion shopping streets too:

Claudio Cherubini, the owner of  ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ in Florence

I loved ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  not only for its strategic area , which is really just a few steps from ‘piazza del Duomo’, but even for the comfort and the elegance of  its rooms . And above all, I started from ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  because  of my  curiosity to learn more about Claudio Cherubini, who is the owner.

In fact, I read the blog of  Claudio   in the web site of the ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ , where he talked about his amazing life story  and Florence. And I thought it was absolutely what I was looking for in Florence.

A lovely welcome to Florence! 

Claudio Cherubini and his wife welcomed me into their ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ . It was more than just a bed, it was the warm welcome you feel from coming into close touch with locals.

As I entered ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I liked the modern internal design. Each room has its own style, with unique wallpaper, furnishings and decor. Here everything comes together to create a place for the experienced world traveller.

In  the warm and welcoming environment of ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I relaxed and enjoyed the wonderful  Florence while experiencing a vacation with the comforts of a home.

Claudio Cherubini and his ‘Dimora degli Angeli’ 

Staying at ‘Dimora degli Angeli’   in  Florence offered me not only a warm, comfortable place to head to after long days of sightseeing, it was also part of my experience and memories of Florence in an unconventional weekend in November 2017.

I interviewed Claudio Cherubini on Sunday morning . It was like to talk with an old friend. My first question to him  was about the reason why each room bore the name of  a woman!  His answer goes like this: “numbers don’t have a soul!”.

The response was far from that of a  ‘latin lover’ , because from his words I realized the central position of his wife and his mother in building all he achieved in his life.

Claudio Cherubini tried different things in his life until the military service. At the beginning of his career, he worked in a hotel, then in a coffee bar and finally with his father in the textile sector. Being a free spirit , Claudio   decided to start his own business!

Claudio   got his vendor license and began to stock clothing, the enemy of outlets, dealing with high quality women’s ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  .  What brought him to open this fantastic b&b was the desire to face the world! He loved Florence, and hosting thousands of visitors was his new job!

My itinerary in Florence!

At ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  , I had the chance to speak with  Claudio Cherubini and his wife learning about what I should not miss in Florence.

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Bye Bye enchanting Florence! 

Claudio Cherubini concluded my precious moments at ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  affirming in my  interview:

“I don’t know if it is always possible, but I am certain that I will always do my best  to make travellers happy in Florence !” .

I think Claudio Cherubini knows how to pumper his clients. And I can say that it is true, because I experienced his professionality and his passion for ‘Dimora degli Angeli’  and Florence. What are you waiting for coming here for your upcoming holidays?

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