- Written by Hans-Peter Brasser
We are proud to help Fareportal Inc. with their expandions into Europe. At the same time we are looking forward to connect Destinations of the World to CETS.
- Written by Hans-Peter Brasser
Brasser & Partners Ltd. will be present with Destinations of the World (www.dotw.com)
We are looking forward to see you in Cologne.
- Written by Hans-Peter Brasser
A few impressions from a trip to and through the Salento. Sun, see and wind – that’s Salento, the heel of the Italian boot.
About some 60 years ago, thousands of Salentinos in search of a better life and following calls from Swiss construction companies and other employers migrated to Switzerland, started to work hard, built their lives, raised children and became a well esteemed part of the society. Many returned to their homeland with their savings, many stayed. Even the author has some distant ties to this far south region of Italy. Reason enough to travel there and explore this beautiful region between the Adriatic and the Ionic sea, rich of history and cultural influences from many parts around the Mediterranean.
Best times to travel and explore the Salento is May/June and September. July and August are peak season and beaches are overcrowded besides that temperatures can easily rise to 40° centigrade.
The region is very rural with farming of tasty vegetables such as Eggplant, Zucchini, Tomatoes and Cima di Rapa, the most famous plant, somewhat similar to mangold, very tasty and healthy. Olive cultures are predominant and vineyards growing Primitivo, Negroamaro and lesser known grapes such as Susumaniello produce excellent, strong flavoured and full-bodied wines. On the coast, fishing is still important and the Salento is famous for its raw fish, such as prawns, shrimps, swordfish and even Ricci (sea urchins). The local people take much pride in their produce and are eager to spoil you in every culinary aspect.
There are long, sandy beaches of a class of its own at the coast of the Ionic and Adriatic seas, with pristine, crystal clear waters but also rocky costal parts with high cliffs, caves and small picturesque bays. Some beaches are even called the Caribbean of the Salento or the Maldives of the Salento.
There is a great variety of accommodation options and it is recommendable, time permitting, to enjoy this variety because it enrichens the holiday at makes it feel much more extensive.
Relais Corte Palmieri, Gallipoli
The seaside town of Gallipoli with its beautiful old part, situated on a peninsula in the Ionic sea, is certainly one of the most attractive places in the Salento. Do not even consider driving across the causeway into the alleys of the old part unless you have full CDW insurance coverage for your rental car. Leave the car in the guarded parking areas and enjoy the walk through the maze of alleys. The friendly staff of the Corte Palmieri will be happy to help you with your luggage.
After a leisurely stroll through the alleys you stand in front of Corte Palmieri, a historical building dating back to the year 1700, lovingly renovated and decorated. Sunny terraces with beautiful views, decorated with Mediterranean plants invite to rest and enjoy a typical aperitivo after a day at the nearby beaches of Baia Verde. Due to the peculiar structure, the rooms differ in size, location and style but make you feel modern times comfort in historic surroundings combined with loving attention to detail.
Corte Campanile, Maglie
Why would one stay in a town like Maglie, situated inland, hardly known as a holiday place and away from the beaches? Simple! From Maglie you reach every corner of the Salento within a 20 – 45-minute drive and Maglie offers good value for money shopping, good restaurants and the typical flair of a southern Italian city with its historical buildings and sophisticated citizens. Lecce and Otranto are 20 minutes away, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca and the rocky coastline with places such as Santa Cesàrea Terme and Castro are only 40 minutes away. What is more, close to Maglie are the eight greek villages, inhabited by descendants of medieval migrants from Greece, who still today speak in their greek dialect “Griko”. An excellent place to spend a couple of days is Corte Campanile Boutique Bed & Breakfast. You might doubt if you found the right place when you stand in front of the entrance because it does look quite unimpressive and the walls towards the street do not help making you believe that a true bijou is hidden behind. Enter and it opens into a beautiful courtyard that gives you the impression of having travelled back in time but still enjoying today’s comfort and amenities. The vaulted rooms of this ancient building are designed in contemporary style by LAGO, an innovative brand in the world of Italian design. The historic and quite busy centre of Maglie, with it’s fashionable shops, bars and restaurants is in walking distance; hence your peaceful retreat is always close by. Enjoy a refreshing bath in the small pool, relaxing moments in the cosy spa or a taste a local wine in the courtyard after a day of exploring the Salento.
Masseria Spartivento, Otranto
Patrizia, who is a gifted cook, combining the local produce from sea and soil and ancient recipes for traditional dishes into delicious meals, is the host in this manor house dating back to the 16th century. Not far from the Alimini Lakes, situated in endless olive groves and surrounded by lovingly tended gardens the Masseria Spartivento offers you the tranquillity of the rural countryside without having to forgo the beautiful beaches which are 10 – 20 minutes away. Particularly during high season, when the beaches as well as the historic town of Otranto with its picturesque centre are very busy with tourists, the peace and the nature at the masseria are a balm for mind and soul.
Relax in the garden with a glass of biological white wine whilst you wonder which culinary miracles Patrizia is preparing for tonight’s dinner.
The 5 rooms, named after local winds, open to the terrace and garden. The stone walls made of the local “Pietra Leccese” stone are bright and the décor of the rooms consists of many local aspects and shows a lot of attention to detail. One might think that the airy rooms are sparsely furnished but it is the simplicity and the taste that make you feel very comfortable.
- Written by Hans-Peter Brasser
The consolidation process in the bed bank segment of the travel industry is in full swing and has reached another peak with last week’s anouncement of Hotelbeds about the acquisition of GTA.
After Hotelbeds having acquired Tourico already two months ago, the three major players in this segment are becoming one.
Where will this lead to besides the usual synergies such as consolidation of operational costs?
Obviously this new bedbank giant has a much bigger leverage in purchasing. But will hotels accept this? Does it make sense for hotels to be confronted with a distribution partner, which, due to its sheer power could dictate conditions or would they start searching for alternative distribution channels. They are already under pressure from B2Cs like Booking.com, Expedia and such. Will they accept a similar dominating situation in the B2B distribution? Some at least might consider to diversify the distribution to the smaller bedanks, DMCs and even offer direct contracts to travel companies.
What happens on the other side of the industry. Will travel agencies, OTAs and tour operators accept the loss of freedom of choice? The content of the three providers might be complementary, but it is definitely overlapping in many important destinations. For travel companies, it is already very difficult to distinguish themselves from competitors and it becomes even more difficult with this merger.
Some therefore might consider diversifying their procurement by purchasing from smaller, regional based bedbanks, DMCs and directly from hotels.
Consequently everything could come to full circle again.