CTI – Cisalpina Tours International took part in the third edition of the ItalPress Awards and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Gala in Washington with the specific aim of highlighting the strategic role of business travel as a bridge between cultures and markets, in a context that celebrated Italian excellence and transatlantic relations during the Columbus Day weekend, which is celebrated in the United States every year on the second Monday in October.

CTI Cisalpina Tours International in Washington for the NIAF Gala

Founded in 1975, the National Italian American Foundation has been a leading organization for the promotion of culture, entrepreneurship, and relations between Italy and the United States for half a century.

The annual Gala, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, is a highly anticipated event that brings together political leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and representatives of the Italian-American community. In this context, Cisalpina Tours International’s participation was aimed at strengthening the value of connections, highlighting how travel management is the key tool for achieving this.

ItalPress Awards: third edition awards for Italian excellence

Now in their third edition, the ItalPress Awards recognize Italian excellence around the world.

CTI has made a name for itself thanks to its ability to combine Italian roots with a global vision, thanks to an international network that includes offices in Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Turkey. Participation in the 2025 edition of the Awards, organized by the press agency founded by journalist Gaspare Borsellino, underscores CTI’s commitment to redefining business travel through efficiency and that Italian touch that the world recognizes us for.

Business Travel: a $1.5 trillion market

With global spending expected to exceed $1.5 trillion in 2025 and over $2 trillion by 2029, the business travel sector is considered resilient and growing, despite observing a highly cautious approach in sensitive geopolitical contexts.

With the United States and China together accounting for 58% of the market, explained Rosario Mariani, Chairman of CTI U.S., Cisalpina Tours International helps organizations intelligently manage their business travel needs, keeping costs under control, ensuring visibility on spending, and providing support to travelers before, during, and after each trip. “CTI stands out for its IATA – GO Global certification, which attests to its financial strength and operational reliability,” Mariani pointed out. “Our New York hub is a model of excellence, where technology and a human approach come together to offer tailor-made solutions to companies.”

CTI: business travel, events, and luxury travel experiences

Among the highlights emphasized in speeches to companies participating in the Washington events were the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and high-end leisure tourism activities that CTI promotes in the United States, thanks in part to its synergy with MSC Cruises and the luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys. The recent appointment of Italian champion Jannik Sinner as ambassador reinforces the positioning of MSC Group companies as an inspiration for new generations of travelers.

[News published on October 22, 2025 – Chiara Cianci]

Photo credits: Pexels