Here at Journeys, we are thrilled to announce details of our first-ever event in the country the North American market wants to visit most – wonderful Italy.
During four unmissable days in November (28 Nov - 1 Dec), Journeys in Italy will bring senior luxury buyers from across North America who are looking for authentic, far-from-ordinary experiences, together with Italian suppliers who want to showcase the best the country has to offer.
Between 30 to 40 specially selected North American buyers from the luxury and premium sector will arrive in Perugia, Umbria on 28 November, to meet up to 30 to 40 suppliers from around Italy, doing business in Journeys’ innovative FAM-MEET® way – by forming working relationships over unforgettable experiences and creating memories together.
The buyers have been handpicked by Journeys from across the US, Canada and Mexico and include bespoke travel agents, tour operators, concierges and travel planners operating in the luxury travel market. All have a proven track record of sales in Italy and a desire to expand their product portfolio in the country.
Most North American buyers will be staying at the stunning Sina Brufani, which opened in 1888 and was the first and is still the only luxury 5-star hotel dominating historic downtown Perugia, with sweeping views of Umbria’s green valleys.
A smaller delegation of buyers will enjoy staying at the infinite green Borgobrufa, a 40,000 square meters hamlet nestled in the heart of Umbria, where all the senses are pampered and an unforgettable experience can be lived.
Buyers can’t wait to bond with suppliers while exploring Umbria’s regional highlights – from Perugia, home of Baci Perugina chocolates, cherished around the world for their individual ‘love notes’ inside each wrapper.
The programme…
Participants will have the opportunity to make business connections while experiencing first-hand the beauty of the region, with plenty of time to take in Perugia – rich in medieval history – and the ancient town of Gubbio, whose origins go back to the height of the Umbrian civilization.
Some of the fabulous events on offer to delegates include finding out about the tricks of the salumeria’s trade, which date back to the Middle Ages, and learning all about truffle hunting, as well as sampling some of the delights.
Local craftspeople will bring the destination to life by showcasing their rich traditions. Delegates can discover the thousand-year history of stained-glass techniques; learn skills that date back centuries at the Giuditta Brozzetti Museum Workshop – one of the last surviving hand-weaving workshops in Italy – as well as take in the craft of restructured mosaics.
Given that Umbria hosts one of the most prominent jazz concerts in the world every year, the itinerary includes a special jazz concert. Delegates will also enjoy a medieval flag-waving performance, accompanied by drummers, at the Sbandieratori di Assisi exhibition, and ancient music from Menestrelli di Assisi.
Our venue for one-to-one business meetings in Perugia is the unique and inspiring Auditorium San Francesco al Prato – an ancient, deconsecrated church that has been carefully restored and is now a flexible events centre hosting musical and theatrical events, shows and conferences.
Guests will experience the very best of hospitality, staying at the historic Posta Donini, set in the former 17th-century summer residence of the aristocratic Donini family, where they can relax in the outdoor pool, spa and restaurant while finishing off the night with a musical concert and aperitif in a converted former stable within the opulent grounds.
After transferring to Gubbio, the second day of official one-to-one meetings will take place in a truly memorable hotel – the beautifully restored 17th-century monastery, Park Hotel ai Cappuccini – while dinner will be at one of the local restaurants which will showcase the best of the region’s cuisine.
Absence caused by Covid has made the heart grow fonder…
The North American love affair with Italy continues – in fact, after two years of Covid closures, Americans are more eager than ever before to travel.
Journeys in Italy is the perfect opportunity to show buyers your country, invite them to experience your culture, share your love of food and establish long-lasting relationships through amazing experiences to remember forever.
If you’re an Italian supplier that wants to maximise opportunities and boost sales in partnership with the best buyers in North American luxury, then you can’t afford to miss this opportunity.
Don’t forget, you’ll be among a limited number of suppliers and are being given the opportunity to showcase your country, so sign up now, as places are limited.
The FAM-MEET® way…
The FAM-MEET® way is a winning formula that brings together carefully selected participants, giving them plenty of time to meet and get to know one another while enjoying the most authentic experiences – in this case, Umbria.
What better place to find like-minded business connections over unforgettable experiences, creating shared memories and sealing the deal?
See you in Umbria!