Irly’s Post

Our founder, Laura Notarbartolo, shares a few takeaways from her participation at the 33rd MPI Convention, "Oltre." ● The moment we are living in is pivotal. While we’re surrounded by challenges, there are also positive changes taking place. It’s up to us to choose where we stand and how we respond. ● To truly promote Italy, we must understand its essence. This means immersing ourselves in the territory, embracing its authenticity, and going beyond simply selling what’s easiest to market. MONICA CONTI By doing so, we can combat the growing phenomenon of overtourism and protect what makes Italy special. ● Genoa is a hidden gem. This city is rich in culture and brimming with activities. I can’t wait to return and explore more! Valeria Pennone ● Ancient Romans were masters of event organization. We can learn from their approach to managing the flow of people and draw inspiration for addressing modern challenges like overtourism. Alice Poletto, PhD ● Life balance matters more than “work-life balance.” A balanced life creates harmony, both personally and professionally.Martina Giacomelli ● Lean management creates happier teams. Investing in efficient and people-focused systems can make all the difference for companies and employees alike. Giorgia Cordella & Karim El Hamel ● And lastly, a quote from Bruce Barton that Mauro Gatti included in his presentation on how the competitive brain works:  “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstance.” At Italian Special Occasions, we aim to do so much more than just transform the way people travel. We are committed to creating a meaningful social and positive impact on the local territories and showcasing an Italy that goes far beyond the Colosseum or St. Mark’s Square. Meeting with so many passionate professionals during the Convention has been an invaluable experience—one that has fueled our creativity and inspired us to go “oltre”—to go beyond. A heartfelt thank you to MPI Italia Chapter | Meeting Professionals International and everyone who made this Convention such an exceptional experience! Luisa Bianco Alessia D'Amico Lindsey Ann Coleman, Grazia Sapigni Valeria Pennone Giuseppina Cardinale Martina Gatti Manuel Olivero #meetingplanner #eventplanning #corporateevents

Our philosophies at SEIT are based on four key words: Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). This is what you will experience on every tour with us, no matter your destination: - Spirit: Venture to places less travelled, feel its spirit and awaken your own. - Emotion: Encounter a journey of emotions. Cherish these unique moments, where your environment fully captivates you. - Intellect: Travel to seek knowledge and understand the ways of these lands. Learn from the people, hear the stories, and understand more, with our specialist guides. - Task: Embed yourself in culture. Embrace the art of doing, feel fully immersed and energised – imprint these experiences for life. Join SEIT, your small group touring specialists, and discover the heart of Australia: https://lnkd.in/geQYymne #SEITTours #CentralAustralia #AustralianTour #OutbackAdventure

On Friday, I proudly attended the graduation ceremony of my son Valentin at SHL, the Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne. It was a beautiful celebration – but what impressed me immensely was the speech by the foundation president, Urs Masshardt. Such speeches are usually neutral, well-intentioned, and praiseworthy parting words. However, Urs Masshardt took a clear stand for our industry and beyond. Let me summarize it in my own words: "In the tourism industry, we pride ourselves on our experience with guests, ensuring their needs are met and creating memorable experiences for them. At its core, our work revolves around care, hospitality, and fostering genuine human connections. This ethos extends beyond our guests to the way we interact with one another as colleagues and industry peers. Mutual respect and consideration are deeply embedded in our professional culture, where collaboration and understanding are essential for success. In today’s world, however, such values are increasingly rare. We are confronted with a constant stream of misinformation, manipulation, and divisiveness, perpetuated by individuals and movements that prioritize personal gain over truth and unity. Figures like Trump (!) and Putin (!) have come to symbolize the dangers of dishonesty and disregard for collective well-being, spreading narratives that erode trust and polarize societies. Against this backdrop, the principles of the tourism industry stand as a powerful counterexample. The way we prioritize care, respect, and connection could serve as a model for others. Imagine a world where leaders, communities, and industries embraced the same commitment to understanding, empathy, and cooperation that we demonstrate daily in our work. It would not only strengthen societies but also rebuild the trust and solidarity that fake news and deceit have so severely damaged. In this sense, our approach to hospitality is not merely a business practice—it is a profound statement about how we can and should engage with one another in all aspects of life." For over 30 years, I have been self-employed in the tourism industry – which is certainly one reason why the aforementioned figures make me so angry. And why I repeatedly emphasize how important travel is – for mutual understanding, tolerance, cultural exchange, and, ultimately, peace. Thank you, Mr. Masshardt, for speaking straight to my heart! #SHL #Tolerance #Tourism

Employer of Choice | Professional Development Day | Queanbeyan   Don't miss out on this fully catered and free development day on Tuesday 21st of May! The NSW Choose Tourism Program invites tourism and hospitality operators to a free one-day seminar in Queanbeyan to discover the benefits of positioning your business as an employer of choice.   Discover: ❇ How to attract and keep awesome staff. ❇ How to develop your reputation as an 'employer of choice' so great staff want to be on your team. ❇ Why people with a disability are such loyal and productive employees. ❇ How to use free and low-cost technology to create great marketing, deliver brilliant customer service and make your team more productive. ❇ How delivering great customer service is not just great for your customers, but also your team. Hear from leading experts, and industry peers via interactive panel discussions and sessions. The full day program is designed to make it easy for participants at ask questions, connect with a network of support agencies, access valuable, practical resources and develop new skills and strategies that can be implemented straight away.    Learn more about the guest speakers and interactive sessions in the program information booklet, available to download via https://lnkd.in/g69i6-5J   The event will be of value to any business, not just those within the tourism sector, and you don't need to stay for the whole day, you can 'drop in and out' as your schedule and interest permits.    Seminar Details Royal Hotel | Queanbeyan 21st of May | 9.00am to 5.00pm - followed by networking to 6.00pm   Register for this free event via https://lnkd.in/gmgUpKF7   #business #development #employer #support #tourism #hospitality #operators #visitoreconomy #regionalnsw #nsw #choosetourism #network #information Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council | Yass Valley Council | Goulburn Mulwaree Council | Goulburn Chamber of Commerce

🌟 📢 Call for Abstracts - Special Issue: Leisure Events Navigating Tensions, Crises, and Disputes 📢 🌟 We're delighted to announce the Call for Abstracts for our upcoming Special Issue, "Leisure Events Navigating Tensions, Crises, and Disputes," edited with my esteemed colleague Ilja Simons PhD This special issue delves into the complex dynamics of leisure events amidst the backdrop of tensions, crises, and disputes. In an era marked by environmental challenges, health crises, economic uncertainties, and social unrest, leisure events such as festivals and community celebrations emerge as vital platforms for societal engagement and transformation. Deadline: May 31st, 2024 Journal: Annals of Leisure Research More information + submit a 250-word abstract and 100-word contributor bios via this Form: https://lnkd.in/ebnndpZp special thanks to World Leisure Organization, SIG Events of @ATLAS and Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS)

Transformative tourism isn't another segment of travel; it is so much more than that, it is an approach to travel that elevates all segments, including the Meetings and Events space. Big thank you to Teresa Bergen, for highlighting some perspectives from The Transformational Travel Council in this recent article in NW Meetings and Events Magazine by Greenspring Media. A great read all the way through, and here are a few of our contributions ... "In our research, the power of awe, wonder, and wild and remote places inherently shifts our minds, opens our hearts, and even makes us feel alive. Digging a little deeper, when human beings feel a sense of awe and wonder, they release the love hormone oxytocin. In the context of travel and events, through transformative experience design, we can help people connect with self, with each other, nature and systems, and even shift behaviors, why you ask, because they will care more, we take care of what we love, making our events and our industry an amazing lever of change in our lives and our world." "Conferences, meetings, and gatherings are inherently about purpose, innovation, and human connection, all of which can be stoked by creating the fertile conditions necessary to drive such powerful results. There is so much data out there supporting that holding meetings and gatherings outside expands the minds, but if inside, letting natural light in, bringing the outside in, and providing a soul-stirring view can do wonders simply by tapping into our whole body intelligence." "That being said, a panoramic city view can do wonders as well, the key is that we tap into the sense of being small, which has a way of reducing stress, increasing clarity and calm, and working from potential rather than focusing on problems." https://lnkd.in/gtqrhUez #meetings #northwest #montana #tourism #events #transformationeconomy #transformativetourism #impact #purpose #awe #wonder #feelingalive #regeneration

Ready to embrace a journey that transcends the ordinary and catapults you into a space of growth and inspiration? 🌟 Join us for the 'Promotion in Portugal' retreat from October 16-21, 2024, in the stunning locale of Carcavelos, Portugal. This isn’t just a retreat; it’s a profound invitation to promote yourself—to elevate your being and your journey. What to Expect: - Unique Experiences: Be prepared to be amazed with surprises that delight and inspire, from the moment you arrive. - Tailored Content: The retreat evolves with you. The experiences and sessions are shaped by those who attend, ensuring your needs and intentions directly influence the magic that unfolds. - Incredible Support: Engage with an extraordinary team of healers and inspirers dedicated to nurturing your next steps. - Community and Connection: Rediscover yourself through powerful pattern interrupts and communal energy in a setting that’s both unfamiliar and liberating. This retreat is about finding and fostering your inner strength, recognizing your potential, and learning how to manifest it with joy and support. It's about not just living life but thriving in it, supported by the profound currents of life that flow beneath the surface. 👉 Spaces are limited. Follow the link below to learn more and secure your spot in this life-changing experience https://www.rfr.bz/lmjwqnt #PromotionInPortugal #LifeRetreat #TransformativeTravel #ElevateYourLife #SpiritualJourney

Hello #ExpatLinkers, Welcome to 2025! Six days in, and I’ve been hard at work writing and creating for my #LinkedinFam and #ExpatLinkers. After a full year away from this platform I come back with clear ideas and happy to reconnect with old and new people. Before I leave, I want to leave you this message. I have a feeling someone needs to read this: s -"Today, let yourself simply be. You don’t need to chase perfection, prove your worth, or keep up with impossible standards. You are not defined by outcomes or timelines. You are enough as you are, right here, right now. It’s okay to pause, to breathe, and to focus on the moment without worrying about paydays, Forbes lists, or inbox notifications. Today is a day to let your mind and body rest in alignment, to do one thing at a time, and to know you’re exactly where you need to be"-. If this doesn’t resonate with you today, that’s okay too. Messages find us when we’re ready for them, and this one will wait patiently until you are. Thank you for being part of this group and for allowing me to hold space for you. Being here for you today feels right, and I’m ready to support you through the transitions that matter most. Only for New Clients: If you’re curious about coaching or ready to take a step forward, I’m offering a special New Year’s gift to the first three people who book a Discovery Call between January 6 and January 15, 2025. Let’s chat, click the link below, and start this journey together. Book your Discovery Call: https://wix.to/hxTYWHz One last thing!! I am on Eventbrite. I have created a series of topics that you can choose from to experience Transitional Coaching. Come and check it out and let's create a community together. Click on the second link below to go to my Eventbrite event experience mind growth, and shed all social expectations in 2025: https://lnkd.in/dF8JpCut With heartfelt appreciation, Sandra Corona #ExpatLinkers #Eventbrite #MindGrowth #TransitionsCoach #Expatology

In May this year, Savills forecast a 52.8% increase in existing luxury hotel stock in Europe, equating to circa. 4,000 new rooms, between 2023 and 2028. Far from limited to Europe, it is clear we are in an age of bold, global expansion for the world's leading hospitality brands. But just as the concept of "luxury" seems to be losing its luster (particularly in the luxury goods sector), where is luxury hospitality headed? Here are my takeaways from ILTM conference in Cannes last week: 🎩 The spirit of service - and quite literally, hospitality - remains the single biggest strength of the sector, both as it serves customers but also engages other stakeholders. While hospitality could be seen as a more traditional luxury sector (compared to say fashion or F&B), the spirit of service is now translating into an openness to conversations, opportunities and innovation - a winning combination for growth. 🏨 "Location location location" meets adventure or serenity: bespoke resorts are opening emerging destinations and city hotels are being reimagined as urban sanctuaries. Hotel brands are making away with stereotypes about how a destination should be enjoyed. 💆 Wellness retreats and spa innovations are becoming essential components of the luxury experience. This just as the Global Wellness Institute predicted that wellness real estate will see the strongest growth - 15.8% annual growth rate - from 2023 to 2028. 🌿 Hotels are integrating eco-conscious practices into their designs and operations - making their values increasingly visible and tangible. For guests this translates into a sense of wellness and instant "feel-good" factor just as they immerse themselves into natural and biophilic concepts. What a treat to see a thriving sector at full speed at ILTM - including of course many FINN Partners Global Travel colleagues, clients and friends! Debbie Flynn Jennifer Hawkins Steven DeLuca #LuxuryTravel #ILTM2024 #HospitalityInnovation #SustainableLuxury