ItalyUpdate

Italy came out tops as the country that best offers authentic experiences to visitors, according to a survey by TripBarometer conducted among 61,000 international travellers. Choosing accommodation in a village, mixing with the locals, learning to cook traditional food and following  local customs and lifestyles were quoted as desirable ingredients for a satisfactory holiday exerience.

The new trend involves cultural travellers who have already seen the famous sights and want to get to know the real Italy. These visitors prefer to book country B & Bs or accommodation in Alberghi diffusi (converted village houses), rather than a conventional hotel.

Info: www.ecotourismo.org