Laurence Meccoli, da Venezia a Cortina e non solo
Oggi scopriamo i lati inediti di Venezia e del Veneto con The Venetian Travel Planner – Laurence Meccoli
Laurence è nata e vive a Venezia, e la conosce come si conosce un gioiello prezioso. E’ una travel designer, ed un’ottima organizzatrice di nuove esperienze, non solo a Venezia.
“Nel mio lavoro mi occupo di un turismo legato ad un target che spesso conosce già ciò che vuole, per questo è più difficile da accontentare. Lavoro spesso con clienti a cui organizzo spesso viaggi sull’Orient Express, alcuni di loro sono repeaters, e molto felici di vivere lati di Venezia diversi dai soliti itinerari. Magari portandoli a scoprire il Brenta e Cortina (ora molto conosciuta anche grazie ai campionati di sci ed Olimpiadi). Molti tornano in Italia anche due e tre volte all’anno”.
“Venezia offre ora uno spaccato molto bello, si possono fare tour a piacere senza troppa coda, ci si sofferma di più sulle gondole e si respira l’aria frizzantina. Mi piace molto portare i miei ospiti a Pellestrina, a Chioggia, o a fare gite in barca, alla scoperta dell’estuario, il delta del Po. Dove far assaggiare le nostre con ostriche, coi Vini Orto, fatto a Sant’Erasmo. Amo molto fare Degustazioni qui, con i cavalli e le bici, e magari aggiungendo la notte in barca. Seguita dalla Piccola colazione alla Scala del Bovolo.
Cortina è altresì molto gettonata, ora è tornata in auge grazie agli eventi internazionali, ci sono tanti alberghi e piste, con molta affluenza. La valle ampezzana è molto ampia, tra cui le famose Tre Cime del Lavaredo, con molte attività da fare. Camminare sulla neve e con le ciaspole, con piccoli viaggi in elicottero, oppure con le bici sportive. C’è tanta gastronomia e wine tasting in luoghi molto selvaggi, anche in notturna con motoslitte. Spesso organizzo anche la visione di Film legati a questi luoghi, durante le degustazioni”.
Parlando del club Connect2Italy: “Ho trovato fin da subito grande entusiasmo da parte di tutto il team, facciamo tanto training con webinair specifici, in cui si scoprono viaggiatori sempre particolari. Mi piacerebbe parlare più del Veneto, unirmi di più a realtà locali, tipo viaggi o attività combinate. Unendo Verona e Venezia, come territorio ed arte. Oppure l’apertura degli impianti ad inizio di dicembre, a Cortina”.
Elisa dal Bosco, Contributor Connect2Italy
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THE HOTEL SPHERE the skillful blend of design and history
The HotelSphere is specialized in luxury, boutique and design hospitality in Sicily. The group currently includes two four-star hotels located in Palermo, the Hotel Plaza Opéra and the Hotel Principe di Villafranca, both in the city center, a few steps from Piazza Politeama.
The HotelSphere hotels share some essential elements to be a luxury hotel in the center of Palermo and offer hospitality of an international level without forgetting the spirit of the place: the skillful blend of design and antiques furnishings, the presence of works of art. modern and contemporary art, attention to elegant and refined details, a functional use of spaces and technologies, a special care for the environment, and the use of quality products for personal care and for breakfast. And above all, the smile and warmth of all the staff, always ready to support guests in their needs, related to business trips, relaxation, romantic or cultural weekends.
The hotels of the group represent an indispensable address for business travelers and tourists, thanks to their short distance from the historic center, but also from the main points of reference for business. Well connected both with the beach of Mondello, the window on the sea of the city, and with the port and the airport, the hotels offer from the most essential services (parking, restaurant) to the most sought after, jacuzzi in the room, as well as panoramic terrace of the Plaza Opéra, a view that sweeps from the Politeama Theater to Monte Pellegrino. Chic and contemporary, The HotelSphere hotels are united by some traits that make them unique: the skilful blend of design and antiques furnishings, the presence of modern and contemporary works of art, the attention to elegant and refined details, a functional use of spaces and technologies, a special care for the environment, and the use of quality products for personal care 
and for breakfast.
Thanks to Giulia Briguglia we have viewed the magnificent rooms of these historic Sicilian buildings in the center of Palermo.
“We have recently discovered the opportunities offered by Connect2Italy thanks to JustSicily and Giusi Macchiarella, a reference person in Sicilian tourism. We are already participating in various webinars and meeting foreign companies interested in our spaces, especially overseas. We are really happy about it, it’s like having made a long journey with heavy brochures and photos, but from your own desk”.
We just have to fly to Palermo and discover the wonders of the history of these unique places rich in traditions.
Have a good trip!
Elisa dal Bosco, Connect2Italy contributor
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deBellini in Palermo
The meeting between design, history and hospitality are the perfect description for deBellini in Palermo: six apartments overlooking the heart of the Sicilian capital.
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Italy: Covid news&tips
Dear Members,
We really hope to meet you soon in Italy and to taste the best wines and pasta (well pizza too!) that we are sure you are missing about our marvellous Country.
Italy, as many other countries in the world, are testing new significant ways to avoid crowded meeting and over exposure to COVID emergency. Our Government has just sent yesterday a new alert. We would love to share it with you!
Travelling to/from EU countries without the need for a specific motivation, therefore also for TOURISM purposes, is allowed, without the obligation of isolation upon return to Italy. The obligation to fill in a self-declaration remains.
Further details: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5412&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto
In this period, as you know, Connect2Italy increased its own team, with Alessandra Riboldi and Guido Maggiore, that you will have the chance to e-meet in the upcoming days, with the aim of continuing formation and meetings regarding the marvellous excellences of our country: Italy.
Mind that, starting from Feb 1st 2021, we will start to select those of you will be hosted for Fam Trips or BIT Milan 2021
Please do not miss the chance to enter in touch and to socialize with the other members of the platform, in order to overcome this period of “stop travelling” and do not lose confidence in your deep formation about our beautiful country.
We remain at your disposal for any further doubt or request. Please wear a facemask!
Connect2italy Team
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WHOLE YEAR TOUR OF SICILY
Sicily offers more than just a wide range of beautiful beaches. This beautiful tourism destination is highly appreciated both in summer and winter.
The whole year tour is a perfect solution for those who like to travel in the off-peak season!
Cilento’s Experience!
I am just back from an amazing 3 days experience in Cilento.
Cilento is a beautiful part of Campania that is still uncontaminated. A powerfull stunning beauty really catch you from your arrival. Landscapes are trues and uniques and you can experience wonderful moments both by the hills and mountains and of course by the sea.
Blu crystal water full of flora and local fauna are overwealming you and myself was into the amazing beauty of this wonderful incontaminated nature.
Gastronomy is a simply wow, ancient flavors and typical local preparation.
If you didn’t get in touch yet with Domenico and Antonio of CilentoViaggi, you should do it because they were amazing since my organization, assisting me step by step and making my stay icredible.
For sure, I will be back soon
Alessandro Mancini
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Get Ready for Valentines 2021
So it is that time of year when everyone starts to think about romance. A bunch of flowers, an evening out enjoying a candle-lit dinner, a bottle of champagne, a gift perhaps. Not with The Italian Connection & Spirito Italiano. We want to make each trip to Italy as romantic as possible, so if you are thinking of romantic gifts and experiences, then allow us to inspire you and perhaps this is the ultimate gift you can provide your loved one, with of course our help.
So here are our Top 20 suggestions:
1. Visit the places in Venice, which gave birth to Casanova and where he conquered his lovers. After the tour, enjoy a burlesque class which will teach you the art of seduction.
2. Take an evening tour in a glass bottomed boat on the island of Ischia and observe the water begin to glow with fluorescent sparkles as you reach a pristine bay ready for night time snorkelling. A flick of your hand in the water is enough to make the wondrous glow emerge. You will learn all about the dynamics of bioluminescence and the whole thing oozes romance.
3. A balloon flight over the ancient temples of Pompeii followed by a visit on foot with a true archaeologist. Discover erotic art as you walk around the ruins.
4. A helicopter tour over the beautiful island of Capri which offers a dramatic and wild landscape. You may want to stop here for lunch at one of the many restaurants which overlook the sea.
5. A private Mediterranean cruise. A full-day adventure through one of Italy’s most exceptional marine areas. Your experience for this day includes a tour on board the yacht, fish lunch with a qualified chef on board and wine tasting. Choose from an array of wines and canapés.
6. Exclusive dinner in the USEPPI-CHIGI Tower in San Gimignano which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside or if you are after something more dramatic, then we have the perfect venue for you in Florence which overlooks the Arno, truly magical and private.
7. Learn how to master the wonderful creation of three types of desserts. Through the assistance of an English speaking professional, you will learn everything there is to know about fresh and delicious sweets. You will learn to knead, cut, roll and mix. The recipes of our chefs are based on freshness, on high-quality local ingredients, Italian tradition and in-depth experience making this a quintessential Italian dish Yummy.
8. Romantic lunch or dinner in a vineyard or if you prefer a picnic. Enjoy peace, seclusion and breathtaking views.
9. Experience the sounds and the feel of a Ferrari tour. You will be briefed and then your driving experience will commence. If however you are after that touch of vintage, that is also available.
10. Enjoy a day with a renowned Italian photographer who will create an array of perfect pictures for your partner to keep forever. Photographs of you framed in an Italian background. Or why not enjoy a photo shoot just the 2 of you. Allow yourself to be creative.
11. Astronomical trekking. See the sky, feel the earth beneath your feet, be fascinated by the stars, celestial objects which have fascinated humans since the beginning of time. Or what about star gazing on the island of Ponza.
12. Meet your yoga instructor at Anacapri and then ascend to Monte Solaro. From here you will hike through the mountains and reach the perfect spot. Allow your body to be reconnected with your surroundings and allow your mind to relax.
13. Verona the eternal witness of the love between 2 of Shakespeare’s most renowned characters, will be your backdrop which will then give you the chance to meditate about your own experience. At each place where the love between Romeo and Juliet entwined, an experienced psychologist will help you and your partner to heal and strengthen your unique love story. Follow this up with an evening of champagne and canapés in Juliet’s courtyard.
14. A night at La Scala in Milan.. Romeo and Juliet. Pelléas et Mélisande, l’amore dei tre re. Fedora, Swan Lake, La Traviata, Giselle, Onegin, La dame aux camellias, The Nutcracker, La Gioconda.. all about love in one form or another. Opera is available throughout Italy so if you are after that romantic touch, always depicted in Hollywood moments, let us know and I am sure we will find the perfect opera for you.
15. You definitely need to head to the Venice Carnival which kicks off on the 8th February in Mestre. Gowns, masks, gala balls….endless choice awaits. For that one day enjoy the art of play acting.
16. Why not make your own scent, or create one for your partner. Learn about the ingredients, the perfumes, the fragrances and then make your own. Leave with a small bottle of your own bespoke fragrance and a certificate signed by the fragrance master himself. If you want to take it further, we can arrange your own label, how great would that be. Spend time getting the perfect scent which represents you both.
17. Be at one with your surroundings. Endless possibilities to get that very special venue.
18. Enjoy a tour of Venice in your own gondola, the ones with the Bling Effect! Great time for a proposal.
19. Love and Sex History tour of Ancient Rome. Explore the intimate side of the ‘Eternal City’ on a 2-hour evening walking tour which explores Rome’s romantic history, famous love stories, and culture. You’ll see historical landmarks and elegant piazzas along the way, while learning about traditional wedding rituals, seduction practices, and the inside scoop on ancient Roman kissing.
20. AND THIS IS THE MOMENT OF TRUTH! Renew your wedding vows or get married in Italy. Endless possibilities. www.weddingsmadeinitaly.co.uk
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Dan or Daniele? Benvenuto!
Today I would love to travel west side, and discover the magic travels signed by Plaza Travel, a full-service Travel agency in Woodland Hills, California (USA), with 2019 sales of more than $80 million.
The Orens family acquired Plaza in the early 1980s and built it up from a six-person office to a company of over 120; it has more than 100 advisors on staff.
And Dan Marroni, is one of the best ones. He’s also Italian too, his parents come from Italy as well.
“’I’ve been in the travel industry for over 35 years. And approaching my 19th year at Plaza Travel. Prior to arriving at Plaza Travel, I work for McClain Airlines in Phoniex, Britt Airways in South Bend and Continental Arlines at Los Angeles airport. Since my time at Plaza Travel, I have worked with many corporations on their travel needs. I also plan many fantastic leisure vacations for my clients, and friends. I plan trips for clients that are looking for once in a lifetime experiences, such as a Luxury cruise from any corners of the world, or a private escorted trip in Europe. I also specialize in LGBTQ travel” comments Dan Marroni on a Zoom call.
“I met Alessandro Mancini during a presentation for a flight from Los Angeles to Milan and we got in touch once back in the office. He introduced me to his new project called Connect2Italy and I found it very interesting for our company” declares Dan Marroni.
Moreover now that Frosch International Travel has purchased a 51% interest in Plaza Travel. It enhances Frosch’s presence in California and gives Plaza Travel the opportunity to accelerate its growth in the corporate, entertainment, leisure and independent contractor markets and to pursue strategic acquisitions. Plaza also will benefit from access to technologies and Frosch’s national and global infrastructure and platform.
“Connect2Italy can really help us to get in touch with Italian dealers and business owners at the best. I love Italy and I visited it many times, both sets of my grandparents were born in Italy 🇮🇹. I’ve been to Rome, Siena, Florence, Turin, Milan, Venice and of course Lake Como. But next time I wish to visit Sicily: I love it!” adds Dan Marroni.
We wait for you Dan! Ciao
Elisa dal Bosco, contributor Connect2Italy
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Dutch Travelagent
Specialised in Farmhouses and private villa’s with pool in the countryside
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Dall’Argentina all’Italia
Oggi parliamo con Mario Cavasotto Lloyd Transatlantico – Voy per El Mundo che porta dall’Argentina nuovi buyers in Italia.
L’Argentina è un territorio maestoso, ricco di grandi tradizioni e di persone molto amanti della Dolce Vita italiana e dei nostri prodotti.
Connect2Italy nasce dall’idea imprenditoriale di creare una piazza esclusiva di professionisti del settore turistico e ricettivo. Per connettere, sinergicamente un network professionale di operatori ed imprenditori del settore, come le tante eccellenze italiane ed i buyers internazionali di servizi in Italia, all’interno di una piattaforma digitale ed interattiva riservata ai soci dell’iniziativa.
Mario Cavasotto è titolare dell’azienda Lloyd Transatlantico – Voy per El Mundo di Buenos Aires e conosce bene l’Italia, parla italiano e da moltissimi anni si occupa di viaggi, congressi, eventi e Mice. E’ stato protagonista a Milano durante Expo 2015 e qui ha incontrato Alessandro Mancini, attuale fondatore di Mancini Worldwide e Connect2Italy.
“Connect2Italy si pone come obiettivo l’idea di rivoluzionare il concetto di “viaggio”, raccogliendo, promuovendo e commercializzando proposte turistiche uniche, per chi ama l’autenticità e l’esclusività della propria esperienza, uniti ad un servizio ai massimi livelli erogato da professionisti che rappresentano l’eccellenza nel proprio settore e nelle aree geografiche di competenza” commenta Alessandro Mancini, ideatore di Connect2Italy.
L’Italia non è solo Dolce Vita, è fatta di tradizioni come trascorrere una giornata con un pastore, mungere il latte e fare il formaggio. Questa è l’Italia di esperienze! Mario
“Ho conosciuto Alessandro Mancini durante l’Expo a Milano nel 2015 e da allora siamo rimasti in contatto, quando mi ha parlato di questa nuova piattaforma mi sono reso conto che era la mia nuova opportunità per entrare nel mercato italiano, anche quello di nicchia.
Durante BIT 2020 sono stato introdotto a diverse realtà italiane e ho già firmato contratti validi per far vivere ai nostri Ospiti la magia dell’Italia”. Commenta Mario Cavasotto collegato via Skype.
“Sulla piattaforma C2I sto incontrando vari TO selezionati dalla piattaforma stessa, ho fatto nelle due ultime settimane riunioni via Skype con operatori della Toscana e del Veneto. Regioni molto apprezzate dal nostro target di viaggiatori. Dell’Italia amiamo molto ovviamente il food, la cultura, le venues e tutto il settore legato al Mice (acronimo di meeting, incentive, congress, event). Lavorando su Connect2Italy, a qualsiasi ora del giorno e della notte sei tu il protagonista e non ci sono commissioni”.
Mario parla perfettamente italiano ed inglese e della nuova piattaforma Connect2Italy apprezza molto la velocità con cui riceve feedback dai Tour Operator e dal team di lavoro che lo segue dalla sede virtuale di C2I: ricerca contatti e prodotti, quotazione, feedback con approvazione o meno in poche ore. Questo per lui è un grande risparmio di tempo ed energie.
Connect2Italy nasce dal continuo stimolo che Mancini Worldwide ha ricevuto negli anni sia da parte degli operatori internazionali, sempre alla ricerca di nuove soluzioni di viaggio per differenziarsi dai competitor, dalle realtà turistiche italiane, soffocate da intermediari e costrette ad omologare la propria offerta ricettiva per non risultare “fuori mercato”, ma soprattutto dai viaggiatori internazionali, che ogni anno scelgono l’Italia come meta preferita per i propri viaggi, alla ricerca di un’autenticità unica, tra le vette delle Dolomiti, i vigneti delle Langhe, le bellezze di Firenze ed i panorami di Sorrento.
“Mi piace l’Italia… tantissimo e su questa piattaforma sto scoprendo una nuova Italia, fuori dai classici itinerari. Ad esempio mi ha fatto impazzire poter seguire un pastore nel fare il formaggio e poterlo portare a casa mia qui in Argentina”, sottolinea Mario Cavasotto.
“Nella vita puoi ottenere tutto quello che vuoi se aiuti le altre persone ad ottenere quello che loro vogliono!”
La mission alla base di C2I è quella di mettere in contatto operatori internazionali e proprietari di servizi e prodotti turistici di eccellenza italiani, supportando le relazioni affinché si creino opportunità di business tra gli stessi operatori e la piattaforma funga così da punto di contatto abilitante gli operatori stessi e da vetrina per i professionisti che ne fanno parte.
“Dopo questa terribile emergenza a causa di Covid-19 abbiamo il desiderio di nuovo business, anche la mia azienda si sta molto evolvendo. Ad esempio, stiamo facendo un upgrade enorme e dividendo Incoming ed Outgoing. E’ un momento eccellente di crescita e vogliamo esserne protagonisti”
Auguriamo a tutto il Turismo Internazionale di vivere un nuovo Upgrade come ha fatto Mario, con nuove esperienze, e nuovo business, senza commissioni su Connect2Italy.
Elisa dal Bosco, contributor Connect2Italy
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