Category: News

Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025: Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Global Influence

The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has successfully concluded the Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025, marking its most ambitious and internationally resonant edition to date. Held biennially, the summit serves as the preeminent platform for positioning Alto Adige as a dynamic contributor to the global wine dialogue, uniting international trade media, sommeliers, wine merchants, and hospitality professionals.

For the first time in its history, the summit extended its program by two additional days, reflecting its growing scope and influence. From September 4 to 8, a total of 82 delegates from thirteen countries immersed themselves in the cultural and viticultural fabric of Alto Adige. Participants engaged in exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, in-depth tastings, and direct exchanges with local winegrowers and producers, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of the region’s unique terroirs and winemaking traditions.

The summit’s opening sessions introduced international wine journalists and opinion leaders to the region’s viticultural identity, while the expanded program specifically targeted sommeliers, wine merchants, and hospitality professionals. This deliberate broadening of audiences reflects Alto Adige’s strategic aim of deepening its global market presence and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.

A major highlight was the large-scale tasting hosted at NOI Techpark in Bolzano, which presented 365 wines from 100 producers. This unprecedented showcase provided delegates with a singular opportunity to appreciate the breadth, quality, and stylistic diversity of Alto Adige’s contemporary wine production.

The strong representation of U.S. media reinforced Alto Adige’s rising prominence in the American market, its most dynamic export destination.

With its expanded scope, the Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025 has further cemented its role as a global reference point for promoting wine culture, trade dialogue, and cross-cultural exchange, strengthening Alto Adige’s position within the evolving landscape of international wine.

Global Tourism Rebounds:  690 Million Travellers Drive 2025 Growth Despite Global Uncertainty

The international tourism sector demonstrated notable resilience in the first half of 2025, recording a 5% increase in global arrivals compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest UN Tourism data. This upward trajectory translated into approximately 690 million international tourist movements between January and June, a figure that underscores both the sector’s adaptability to persistent global challenges and its pivotal role in sustaining economic growth. Despite uneven performance across regions, the data reflects tourism’s continued capacity to drive employment, stimulate investment, and reinforce cultural exchange, while simultaneously highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive policy frameworks.

Regional Performance Breakdown (January–June 2025)

The global overview conceals important regional disparities in tourism performance during the first half of 2025, underscoring the uneven pace of recovery and growth:

Africa registered the strongest performance worldwide, with international arrivals up 12% year-on-year. Both North Africa (+14%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+11%) achieved double-digit growth, reflecting the region’s increasing competitiveness and diversification of source markets.

Europe, hosting nearly 340 million international visitors in the first half of the year, grew 4% compared to 2024 and 7% compared to 2019. Growth was concentrated in Northern, Western, and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%), while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+9%) but remained below pre-pandemic benchmarks.

The Americas presented a more fragmented picture, recording 3% overall growth. South America (+14%) emerged as a regional leader, while Central America (+2%) saw modest expansion. In contrast, North America (+0%) and the Caribbean (+0%) plateaued, largely due to softening demand from U.S. travellers.

The Middle East experienced a 4% decline in arrivals compared to the same period of 2024, reflecting volatility after its strong post-pandemic rebound. Nevertheless, the region’s performance remains remarkable at +29% relative to 2019, highlighting its expanded capacity to attract long-haul travel.

Asia and the Pacific advanced by 11% year-on-year, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia (+20%) posted the sharpest rebound, though it remained below 2019 figures. Major destinations such as Japan (+21%), Vietnam (+21%), and the Republic of Korea (+15%) stood out, while Malaysia, Indonesia (+9%), and Hong Kong (+7%) showed gradual stabilization.

The trajectory of international tourism in 2025 demonstrates both its economic potential and its vulnerability to macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. While strong growth in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Europe suggests an enduring appetite for travel, elevated inflation, fluctuating consumer confidence, and regional disparities underscore the necessity of adaptive governance and industry innovation. As the UN Tourism Confidence Index projects cautious optimism for the remainder of the year, stakeholders are reminded that resilience must be coupled with sustainability. Ultimately, tourism’s long-term vitality will depend not only on the volume of arrivals but on the sector’s ability to foster equitable benefits, mitigate environmental pressures, and contribute meaningfully to local economies and global cultural interconnectedness.

Sources: UN Tourism Confidence Index
World Tourism Barometer

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: Is A Chic Urban Retreat in the Heart of Lisbon

Tucked away in Lisbon’s charismatic Bairro Alto district, The Lumiares Hotel & Spa is not just a hotel; it’s a design-forward, soulfully Portuguese experience that seamlessly blends elegance, authenticity, and a deep sense of place. This five-star boutique gem, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and featured in the Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels 2025 guide, has earned accolades for its intuitive hospitality and earned the 2024 award for Best Bar in Europe, for good reason.

Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace, The Lumiares reimagines luxury for the modern traveller. The design tells a distinctly Portuguese story: think bold patterned tiles, original artworks by Lisbon-based creatives, handcrafted furniture, and warm textures that nod to the city’s vibrant culture.

Each of the 47 apartment-style suites, from Studios to the two-bedroom Penthouse, offers both style and space. Fully equipped kitchens with SMEG appliances, elegant living and dining areas, and plush king-sized beds ensure guests feel truly at home. Oversized windows frame iconic cityscapes of terracotta rooftops, winding cobblestone alleys, and distant river views.

A true highlight of my stay was the Lumi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Set high above Lisbon, it offers sweeping 180° views of the Tagus River and the timeless charm of the Alfama historic skyline.

What made it so special? The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between polished sophistication and laid-back charm. Chef João Silva’s seasonal menus showcase fresh, local ingredients with creativity and flair, while the craft cocktails celebrate Portugal’s rich culinary heritage with inventive twists.

It’s no surprise that Lumi was awarded Best Bar in Europe 2024 by Condé Nast Johansens, a well-earned recognition for a truly memorable experience.

The Lumiares Spa is a hidden oasis in the city. The treatment menu includes everything from deep-tissue and Ayurvedic massages to organic facials and detoxifying rituals. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, and a 24-hour gym.

The Lumiares Concierge team excels at curating bespoke experiences tailored to each guest. Think:

  • Private tuk-tuk tours through Lisbon’s oldest quarters
  • Artisan-led azulejo tile painting workshops
  • Food and wine tastings showcasing local petiscos and boutique wines
  • Sunset sailing on the Tagus River
  • Fado music nights in nearby Alfama

For oenophiles, the hotel can arrange private vineyard day trips to Setúbal or Colares, two of Portugal’s most fascinating and under-discovered wine regions.

The hotel’s enviable central location makes it an ideal base for walking and exploring:

  • Chiado and Principe Real shopping districts – 5-minute walk
  • Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – just steps away, perfect for golden hour
  • Elevador da Glória – right outside, connects guests to downtown Baixa
  • Carmo Convent and Santa Justa Lift – under 10 minutes on foot
  • Time Out Market and the Ribeira waterfront – 15-minute stroll

“The Lumiares is effortlessly Lisbon: layered, expressive, welcoming, and deeply rooted in place. It invites you not just to visit the city, but to live it.”  Liz Palmer

France Reigns Supreme at the 2025 Decanter Awards, Redefining the Benchmark for World-Class Wine

The results of the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, announced last week, reaffirmed France’s preeminent position in the global wine hierarchy. In this year’s competition, France secured an extraordinary 3,200 medals, a remarkable 1,000 more than its closest rival, alongside 14 Best in Show accolades. Notably, the category of Champagne emerged with 27 honours.

Italy, another powerhouse of the wine world, earned 2,204 medals, including six Best in Show distinctions, marking an improvement of 31 top-tier honours compared to its performance in 2024. Meanwhile, Spain amassed 2,025 medals and five Best in Show wins, with its Rioja region gaining special attention. Garnering three Platinum medals and 21 Gold medals, Rioja shines as an ideal destination for wine lovers, a hidden gem for those seeking to explore the richness of Spanish winemaking beyond the bustling tourist centers of Andalusia and Catalonia.

The remainder of the top ten medal-winning nations included Australia, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, Croatia, Canada, and Chile, a testament to the growing diversity and global reach of the wine industry.

In 2025, the Decanter World Wine Awards once again illuminate the evolving landscape of fine wine, reaffirming France as a timeless beacon of excellence and craftsmanship for wine lovers, connoisseurs and collectors.

For further details: https://tinyurl.com/4smsvh7u

Yinchuan’s Ascent: China’s Emerging Global Wine Capital at the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains

The Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, held in conjunction with the 32nd Concours Mondial de Bruxelles from June 9 to 12, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for China’s rapidly evolving wine industry. Hosted in Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, this convergence of a prestigious international wine competition and a major wine tourism event underscored the city’s strategic ambition to establish itself as a world-class wine capital.

In recent years, Yinchuan has implemented a bold development strategy centred on viticultural excellence, ecological stewardship, and global engagement. The region now features China’s most concentrated wine-producing corridor, with more than 273,000 mu (approximately 18,200 hectares) of vineyards and a thriving network of 155 wineries and grape-growing organizations.

In 2024, Yinchuan’s annual wine production reached 75 million bottles, representing approximately 26.8% of the country’s total estate wine output. Notably, 19 locally produced wines have been selected as national gifts and exported to over 40 countries and regions, further enhancing the region’s international profile.

The transformation of the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, from barren sands to flourishing vineyards, has been driven by a comprehensive model of ecological revitalization. Yinchuan’s integrated strategy aligns wine production with the conservation of mountains, forests, wetlands, and grasslands, demonstrating how terroir expression and sustainability can coexist. Guided by the principle of “ecology + industry,” this approach has successfully blended environmental restoration with the growth of cultural tourism and wine-based experiences.

Today, precision viticulture, meticulous vineyard management, and the use of advanced winemaking technologies characterize the region’s production practices. These efforts are supported by state-level classifications and the recognition of 53 enterprises with certified geographical indications, further solidifying the region’s credibility and distinct identity.

As the driving force behind Ningxia’s wine industry, Yinchuan is cultivating both prestige and performance. In 2024, the city’s wine sector generated an output value of 36 billion yuan (approximately $5.02 billion USD), affirming its emergence as a rising powerhouse in the global wine arena.

SOURCE: Xinhua Silk Road