ITB Berlin continued to inspire travellers this past week.
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MORE & MORE ITB BERLIN
Tag: international travel
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Staycation Preview Hamburg
A quick staycation to the port city of Hamburg is always nice. The last time I visited Covid rules were in place.
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An Ancient Allure
The ancient ruins of Paestum Italy. The former Greek colony was founded in 600BC.
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Prague, The Over Toured, The Good.
The first time I visited Prague in 1997, it was a city still waking up from years of Communist rule. I managed to cross The Charles Bridge many times both day and night. Walking up to the Prague Castle to get pictures standing overlooking the River was easy.
My first day I met locals who showed me around, took me to real basement bars. Hanging around, talking to Czechs about everything and how proud they were of the future.
The Over Toured
2019, my first visit after 22 years. Reading as a destination, Prague joined the list of “Over-touristed Cities” with Barcelona and Venice. I could not imagine the level of visitors, 8.6 million tourists for a city with a population of 2.6 million. At times I had to wonder if I am a part of the too many tourist problem.
Walking across the same bridge, waiting in line for Space Mountain is simpler. Navigating through the Medieval passages, a tuna in a can has more space. The Old Town Square evolved into a cheap tourist trap selling overpriced souvenirs and hawkers.
If you want to be near the Prague Clock at striking time. If personal space is not an issue, get there early.
A restaurant within a 20 minute walk of the center requires a reservation after 5pm.
My advice: Be Prepared. Be Patient.
The Good
I like Prague. A place that retains a very unique charm. Not as Imperial or Grand as other European destinations, the capital city is intimate. After walking around during 3 cloudy days I can understand a bit of Kafka’s melancholy crisis. The city lacks the feeling of optimism, instead an outward feeling of the serious side of life is everywhere.
I took pleasure walking around. I looked up to see a statues on buildings or an ornate facades: Gothic, Romantic, Post Modern, Art Nouveau. Each style is represented along the the streets from District 1 to 5.
Once a part of the Austrian Empire, the coffee culture continues to influence the mid day social life. Stylized cafes in the center still buzz with locales and visitors having cake and drinks. One day we went to 3 houses, each one different.
I recommend visiting Prague. As a travel destination, it is enchanting.
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Travel 2019 Trends
Overtourism
After attending the ITB Travel Fair 2019, I learned the travel field continues to grow. More want to get away, however, questions are being asked of the effects. “Overtourism” is becoming common. As a result, Many cities have become overwhelmed by holiday makers. Town centers have been abandoned for tourist. Barcelona, Venice, and Prague are being hollowed out. Coping with the traveler influx has become political and economic topics.
Apartments used for AirBnB, big hotel chains grabbing any available space. Public spaces flooded with visitors armed with selfie sticks. Locals started rebelling against tourists, weary of the temporary guests. The answers are not easy. Recently, a picturesque Parisian neighbourhood petitioned to place gates on the street to stop the weekend Influencer invasion searching for the the perfect gram.
Less Painful
Can flying economy become human again? Perhaps flying in the back of the plane will improve. Airlines are upgrading their services with new seats offering more leg space. Can the budgets say, “AMEN!” Middle East carrier Qatar Airways ups the game. I checked out their new Airbus livery. I give it top marks. A wide choice of in flight entertainment, bigger food portions, and even Godiva Chocolate for dessert. A good product for those looking for a better travel experience without breaking the wallet.
Africa Rising
AFRICA TOURISM 
The Gambia
Africa is rising. The continent offers destinations based on experience: a trek to Victoria Falls or a Safari in Namibia. Many countries are developing tourism infrastructure, upgrading airlines while building hotels. Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, two places not known as tourist friendly locations, are open for business. Asking adventure seekers to give their countries a try.
Colombia
Colombia continues to move forward on all tourism fronts. A place once known for drug cartels and civil wars has made great strides to become a travel destination. Blessed with an extensive beach coast, mountains, and an multicultural mix of people, the South American country is rolling out the carpet for every type of visitor. Brimming with a smile, the marketing head told me how his country wants to become a top LGBT holiday spot. Many cities have pride and other gay friendly festivals. The capital city Bogota, has a large gay population with many bars and clubs. Moreover, Cartagena and Medellin have vibrant scenes worth exploring. I placed Colombia on my travel list. Stay Tuned.
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ITB Berlin 2018
Where to GO? How to GO? When to GO? The ITB is the world’s biggest travel fair, 26 halls dedicated to global tourism in Berlin.
Images by Vladimir Smichov for Black and Paper
In part 2 of our interview with Alitalia Customer Care Head we learned the airline’s definitions of hospitality and customer care.
Do you think people are tiring of being treated like non-customers on airlines?
Alitalia is transforming its guest travel experience embodying a concept of Italian hospitality, thanks to a combination of new service enhancements and an accelerated programme of cultural and operational change at every level within the airline. To date, over 8,000 Alitalia cabin crew and front line airport teams have completed Customer Excellence training workshops dedicated to service excellence, image, style, and in-flight dining service inspired by the world’s best restaurants. On the ground and in the air, Alitalia is empowering its customer-facing staff, placing them at the heart of this transformation process and the response from our guests is extremely positive
What is the definition of hospitable to you?
Hospitality for us is a warm welcome with attention to details which makes our guests from all over the world feel as they were in a typical Italian home. We aim to become the best airline in Europe, and to achieve this we must ensure excellent hospitality and service for our passengers before, during and after their flights. Our new airport lounges “Casa Alitalia” perfectly reflect our idea of hospitality: an environment that combines emotion with efficiency.
In the age of discount airlines why choose Alitalia to fly to Rome or Milan?
Alitalia represents the best Italy has to offer. Our guests will feel a sense of Italy upon boarding the airline’s newly designed planes, equipped with exclusive ‘Made in Italy’ amenities, products and services for customers. Business Class passengers can relax in luxurious Italian-brand Poltrona Frau Leather seats that recline fully to a comfortable flatbed position and enjoy award-winning onboard dining featuring the best of Italian regional food and wine. Alitalia’s new ‘dine anytime’ meal service allows customers to decide when they prefer to eat on board. All classes of travel – business, premium economy and economy – feature newly renovated cabins. We are showing our customers that Alitalia stands for great service and our product and punctuality have changed to best-in-class.
As for the connection opportunities, from Alitalia’s hub at Rome Alitalia passengers can connect to 24 cities in Italy and 53 cities in the rest of the world, including Europe, Middle East, the Americas, Cuba, Far East and North Africa.
Furthermore, the flights departing from Rome and from Milan allow our passengers to reach not only the United Arab Emirates, but continue, thanks to our partner Etihad Airways’ extensive global connections, to many destinations in the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Asia and Australia
Is it true you sent a newlywed couple a bottle of Champagne because of lost luggage?
Yes, it is. Recently we’ve made a surprise to two guests in honeymoon by delivering them a gift at their arrival in Naples, as a special care to improve their experience. Their response was extremely positive.
Where do you like to travel to relax?
New York is my favorite city in the world as there is just so much choice and you can never get bored from great hotels, culinary delights, theatre, shopping but most of all just walking around exploring. Living in Italy now for 18 months, my second favorite is “Italy”: it has everything to offer and choice from great locations in the South on the Mediterranean but especially the mountains of Tuscany and Umbria whereby the silence is just perfect, the fresh air, the calming surroundings and its lake getting back to basics by experiencing the olive harvest, the truffle hunting, the exquisite vineyards. The peace and quiet for me is a luxury.
For Alitalia Destinations go to:www.alitalia.com
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Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Finale Celebration
I made this quick video of the finale at the Formula 1 celebration in Abu Dhabi onboard the Etihad Airways Yacht in the YAS Marina.
Team Mercedes Won the race.
Special Thanks to Etihad Airways.
Part 1 of the Black and Paper Feature
The Glamorous spirit of Italy is being recaptured by Alitalia. The flagship carriers renaissance begins with the style and chic looks of new crew uniforms.
Why the new uniforms after so many years?
Renovating a company must include the renewal of its image. And what is more distinctive for an airline than its uniform? This is especially true for Alitalia, which globally represents Italy, something that throughout the world is synonymous with style and timeless elegance.
Our aim was to create a new look of our people which would capture the spirit of Alitalia today as it continues on its journey of renewal and growth. Our new stylish collection of uniforms emulates the beauty of Italy and represents Italian excellence around the world. We want our customers to experience the best of Italy in everything that we do, and there is no better way of highlighting our desire than with new uniforms.
Who is the designer of the new looks?
The new Alitalia Collection was created by Italian haute couturier designer Ettore Bilotta. All of his creation matches the best of Italian tailoring tradition and the luxury textiles highlighting the purely formal linearity characterizing its design. He studied at IED in Rome. He started his career in high-fashion with Radiosa, a bridal fashion house then moved to fashion house Lella Curiel. In the mid-1990s he collaborated with the iconic Italian label Lancetti. After this he worked he designed Etihad Airways in 2003.
Alitalia’s brief to the designer was to create a new style which would be timeless and enduring, by using classic Italian elements combined with everyday practicality for both male and female Alitalia team. Bilotta used red to symbolize Italian passion, and green to represent the best of Italy, its countryside, and the richness of its culture and history. The female cabin crew uniforms are a burgundy that slowly changes to a lighter red. This effect was achieved by using a chevron print design. For the female ground crew, a charcoal grey gradually changing to green was also realized using the same print design. This design process is utilized on each garment, including a white blouse featuring tapering chevron print columns in red for cabin crew and green for ground crew.
All female crew members receive three options: a one piece dress, a two piece jacket and skirt and a trouser option, including shirt and cardigan. As for the accessories, they receive high or low heel shoes, overcoat, foulard, winter scarf, belt, stockings, handbag, hat, gloves, make up kits and bag with buttons.
All male crew members receive a collection composed by jacket, shirt, tie, waistcoat (for male cabin crew and male airport lounges team) or pullover (for male ground team), pochette, trousers, belt, gloves, handbag, shoes, overcoat, winter scarf, bags with buttons and make up kits for male.
Why the La Dolce Vita references of Chic?
The collection takes inspiration from the glamorous Golden Days of Italian fashion in the 1950s and 1960s – when women always were very elegant, wearing beautiful hats and gloves – and Italy’s rich heritage, culture and national identity. To represent the essence of Italy in the new collection, the designer studied Italian architecture, monuments, and everyday lifestyles but elected to draw inspiration from the country’s landscapes, eventually focusing on the terraces of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. These terraces were the inspiration for the hat design.
The new uniform also celebrates the people of Alitalia, their professionalism, style and passion for the airline.
Even the accessories are unusual and distinctive. The bags of the female uniforms are elegant and refined. For cabin crew are in wood green, and for ground staff are in burgundy such as all the leather accessories. The shoes worn by the personnel are handmade in the historic workshops of the Marche. The gloves that accompany the new Alitalia uniforms come from the heart of Naples, famous throughout the world for its tradition of leather craftsmanship.
For accessory lovers, tell us about the new crew bags and other details.
The bags for the male uniform and other accessories are more formal, from the shoes to the waistcoats, cardigans, scarves and overcoat that showcase the typical Italian male elegance. The design on the pouchette and on the ties are perfectly balance the uniform using modern Italian contemporary and classic design elements to create items which are in vogue.
Both the foulards of the female uniform and the ties for male are made from the finest silk selected from the best supplier in Como.
Part 2 of this article will be on line soon.
By Breck Graham