Scheduled to be held from Sunday 11 to Tuesday 13 February 2018. From abroad, countries returning after an absence are the Canary Islands and the Maldives, with a doubling of exhibition space by Russia.
The time is right to seize the opportunities offered by the winter holidays, and operators are already looking forward to the first important business event of 2018: Bit – The International Tourism Exchange, which will take place at Fieramilanocity and MiCo from Sunday 11 to Tuesday 13 February.
In the meantime, the list of Italian and international institutional exhibitors is lengthening, and will enrich an offering in which all types of operators in the industry are well represented. Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia will be attending from Northern Italy – two regions that will particularly come under the spotlight next year for the centenary events marking the end of the First World War I, with a chance to rediscover some highly evocative places and itineraries – and Emilia Romagna, a region that combines the seaside, healthy lifestyle and fun of the the Riviera with cities of art such as Bologna, Ferrara or Parma. Molise, a microcosm that brings climate, atmospheres, and tastes from the North, South, Adriatic coast, and Apennines together, will be next season’s true discovery. Of the islands Sardegna deserves special mention as a region that is aiming to enhance the value of its cultural and archaeological heritage as well as its seaside destinations.
Two countries will make their return to the event after two years, namely the Canary Islands, with its beaches and unique landscapes, and the Maldives, a tropical paradise that is focusing more and more on natural and sustainable holidays. As evidence of Bit’s well-established role as a point of reference for the rich history and natural beauty of the Euro-Mediterranean area, Algeria is presenting itself as the ideal alternative for a sea and sun holiday. The exhibition spaces for Jordan, Israel and Tunisia have increased, while that for Russia has actually doubled – a destination that is growing rapidly in favour among international travellers for its rich culture and traditions.
From further afield, among the most traditional destinations Cuba stands out for its white beaches and the historic charm of Havana; as does Sri Lanka, with its crystalline seas, Buddhist temples and wild nature; or Turkey, with its unique mix of cultures, archaeological and religious routes, seaside and nature.
Many of the destinations that have been growing most in recent years will also be present. From Latin America these include Guatemala, the new destination for those who love the Mayan appeal of Central America; and Argentina, a continent in itself from the pampas of the North to the glaciers of Patagonia via Buenos Aires, the most European metropolis in America.
From Asia there’s Japan, an ideal destination for lovers of cultural holidays, with its Buddhist and Shinto pilgrim routes through an array of enchanting islands; and Bangladesh, famous for its festivals and gastronomic variety that reflect its cultural and religious diversity.
Of the European countries Moldova also stands out, the new eastern destination where a Slavic soul meets a Latin heritage of Romanian ethnicity.
Again from further afield, the 2018 edition also sees a strong growth in the participation of the United States. After the results achieved with its new formula in 2017, the favourite non-European destination of Italians – with its vibrant cities and its great outdoors – has decided to strengthen its partnership with Bit 2018 with a co-marketing project that will bring 100 guest Travel Agencies to the event.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
