Oct 23, 2009

Olive properties in Italy - great lifestyle choice

Italian properties in olive-growing rural areas are considered to be a great lifestyle choice and the buyers are getting involved in a whole way of life, according to a property expert.

Rupert Fawcett, head of Knight Frank in Italy said those keen to harvest olives will need to form connections with the community. He stated: "Buyers may not intend to barrel their own oil, but they will soon realize that they need help from a local farmer in looking after the trees. It's the whole lifestyle they are buying into." The Times reported that the choice of where to buy in Italy may be dictated by the sort of oils the olives of each region produce, with these varying in flavor.
A dream property with vineyard and olive grove in the hills near Siena in Italy has come onto the market. This stunning Italian property in the beautiful Arbia valley has 27 hectares of land including a vineyard and woodland. There are 160 olive trees on the estate and the vineyards (4.6 Ha) are Merlot, Cabernet, Sangiovese and Alicante IGT. The main house, which offers around 528sq m and and also have stunning open valley views divided into five separate apartments in the main house with an annexe with two apartments, the layout could easily become a wonderful family home.

Oct 8, 2009

The strong expansion of business tourism in Italy is set to continue

The business travel industry in Italy has taken great strides to promote the country as a great tourist destination for both the leisure and business travelers. Business tourism in Italy is set to benefit from a major boom in 2010 with the country's conference calendar already filling up.

According to Advantage Business Travel Centres, A growing number of business travel management companies are recruiting additional temporary staff in order to deal with the travel needs of UK customers. Business travel - ranging from small meetings and leadership breakaways to major conferences and exhibitions is a lucrative sector of the market. According to a recent research, there is a significant crossover from business into leisure travel. About 18% percent of business travelers go on tours prior to their business activities, while about 22% do so afterwards.

Norman Gage, director of business travel at Advantage Business Travel Centers, said: "We have two judgments of business levels: revenue and tickets issued. What we have seen in August, for the first time this year, the tickets issued in August this year was better than the tickets issued last year." The increasing number of travel tickets being sold could be of benefit to those with a rental investment in an Italy property, as Mr Gage claims that the incredible rate at which the country is securing conferences together with the tourism partners, is an indication of the world's recognition of and growing interest in the country as a business tourism destination.

In what may be another positive sign for Italy property investors, American express reported that the European hotel industry is picking up, with average daily rates increasing in 24 out of the 49 European cities studied.

Oct 3, 2009

Naples: a city with a borrowed time existence that shapes its character

Naples, in the region of Campania in Southern Italy is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops, making it worth at least a few days visit.

According to Telegraph, Naples is a favorite city of author Gerald Seymour, who is such a fan he not only wrote his new book, The Collaborator, in the city, but also set it there. Mr. Seymour said that ‘the whiff of anarchy in the air – and the ice cream, cakes and excellent coffee’ in the city is his favorites. For the tourists, including those on the Italy property trail, he recommends 'the summit of Vesuvius, a tough trek, but a memorable view over the city.'

Other features, which may be of interest to Italy property seekers is that it is a popular cruise ship destination that features many interesting Museums, art galleries, castles and ruins. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Amalfi coast, which lies just south of Naples. Places of particular interest include the Duomo - an ancient cathedral, the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) - a superb example of the wonderful architecture, the Teatro San Carlo - an Opera theatre that features a unique backdrop and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) - full of some of the most comprehensive collections in Italy.

According to Primelocation International Search Index last month, there is a 25 per cent increase in online searches for Italy property making it one of the three most popular locations for those seeking a place in the sun in Europe. Meanwhile, The Guardian has reported that prices for property in Italy have not suffered a crash; the market is still very much in the buyer’s favor. The publication added that Property prices in Italy are comparatively cheaper than other similar areas in Europe. In addition, the areas will not be overdeveloped due to strict government planning controls. This will ensure that demand remains high for rental accommodation and resale properties.