The world has changed this year. That also applies to tourism: new programming schedules, a different time-to-market. But Italy always remains top of mind in the wishes of tourists from all over the planet. But what are these new demands? What trends are emerging in view of the new normality? We asked some top international home buyers at BIT.

A new experiential luxury

First of all, a new experiential concept of luxury that looks to rediscovering of tiny hidden gems, villages, and special accommodation, such as boutique hotels and charming, possibly not traditional locations. "We are looking for villas and apartments with swimming pools in new destinations for us such as the Tyrrhenian coast or the islands", said Massimiliano Mostardi of Villa Rent Italy (UK). "This offering will be increasingly attractive in the future". Tailor-made luxury, in short, which in the future will require even closer collaboration between Italian operators and international buyers: "We are specialised in personalised luxury experiences exclusively in Italy and we would like the current selection to lead to a growth in the luxury offer", added Juana Barbera Diago from Bambivva Travel (Spain).

The timeless appeal of tradition

Traditional destinations continue to be in high demand, such as the art cities, where tourists are longing to return, but in new ways and alongside the demand for greater attention to services and a growth in technology and professional skills. "I miss above all the emotions of the great destinations but what I expect to find is new technologies, more services and even more safety, from disinfection to distance management", commented Irina Korabelnikova of Jet Travel (Russia). Among the destinations that international buyers hope to be able to buy back soon are the art cities especially in the new markets, as Zoran Gjorshevski of International Ana Tours (Macedonia) confirmed: "Ours is an emerging market and tourists are very interested in classic destinations but we also see a demand for new destinations for 2021. We expect Italian operators to relaunch with new offers and to take advantage of the reorganisation required by the new situation to improve some services".

For international buyers, next spring is the best time to resume buying the destination Italy. And BIT will be ready to welcome them safely at fieramilanocity from May 9 to 11.