A conversation between Tommaso Mardegan (founder and CEO of N2S) and Sveva Clavarino

What is N2S Italia?

N2S Italia is an upscale DMC, Destination Management Company, specialized in bespoke private travel and events in Italy. Literally, from “North to South”. 

We are not Travel Agents, but destination specialists. We are the principle and the “artisan” of an experience or an itinerary. The Travel Agent is the broker. 

What is N2S Italia’s goal?

We like to say that our luxury is “real people and inaccessible places”, since we really believe that what makes something exclusive is its authenticity. We do not like mainstream, contrived or over-crowded places which are too adapted for tourism and that lose their uniqueness. 

We can give access to places which are not opened to the public, or “after-hours” when they are closed to public, and we greet our guests by putting them in touch with unique characters (local people who really make and have made the excellence of Italy). 

Even in the most common sites such as: the Vatican Museum, our clients the privilege to visit it at 6am, together with the Vatican key-keeper which opens and switches on the lights of every single room and corridor with them (Sistine Chapel included).

Luxury has changed, it is not anymore what is shining – but it is what is true, because true is rare.

What exclusive services do you offer?

When you are a DMC, the range of services that you offer are very wide. The variety changes from: transportation, touring, accommodation to hiring a private island; from having a guided tour in a private palazzo in Venice to an Enogastronomic tour in helicopter; to a multi-day hiking adventure in the Dolomites to a 4x4 wine tour on Mount Etna; to a boat tour on the Classic Riva Yacht in Lake Como, to a private yacht expedition in the Aeolian Islands; from a test-drive with Ferrari in Maranello after they have visited the factory to hot air balloon ride over Matera; from a private concert and dinner with Bocelli, to an artisan workshop visit where they do hand-made leather goods; from a Villa rental in Tuscany or Masseria Rental in Puglia to a Corporate Incentive Trip arrangement… the list of exclusive services that we can offer is endless. 

Our main competitive advantage is that we propose really tailor-made experiences. For us, even a simple transfer can become an exclusive experience, if you have a legend as driver who makes a surprise stop on the way.

If you could only use one word that would perfectly describe your business what would it be?

FUN and if I can use more than just one word, I would definitely choose: CELEBRATION OF BEAUTY and HERITAGE. 

How has your prior work experience prepared you for this new business? 

I have been working 5 years in a big American TMC (Travel Management Company), where I became the Head of Business Development for the Italian Team. This allowed me to make a great network especially in the USA, where most of our clients come from. I also had the opportunity to work three months based in Los Angeles, and not by chance now California is our main market, together with New York and Florida which are always looking for the best niche luxury experiences. Obviously 5 years of work experience allowed me also to learn the process from A to Z, giving me the confidence to start my own business. 

What are the most popular holiday destinations in Italy?

For sure the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and Rome. Followed by Venice, Lake of Como and Sicily. As holiday destinations, Puglia and the Dolomites are becoming more and more popular. However, regardless of these statistics, we also love to promote not too touristy regions like: Piedmont or Basilicata. 

What trip would you recommend to take at least once in a lifetime?

In Italy I am an Aeolian Islands lover - the quintessence of barefoot luxury. Otherwise, I am a wildlife fun addict, thus I would say having a safari in Africa is a must. I was lucky enough to live in Cape Town when I was younger, and one of the best experiences of my life was a Safari I took in the Timbavati Reserve, Kruger Park. 

Given the circumstances of the global pandemic COVID19, which are going to be the “safest” destinations to reach? 

I would not say that a destination will be safer than another. I would rather say that it will depend on the way that you travel. Surely everything that is private will be safer than transport services or tours or accommodation which are shared with other people. I expect Villa Rentals to go very well – they are extraordinary place to enjoy with your family or with your best friends, in the middle of the nature or on the coast, with a pool, a breath-taking view and a private chef… you are surely safe! 

Hotels will suffer more – given that besides from your room, anything else is shared with the other hotel guests. 

Another niche market which will be perceived as safe, will be the Wellness travel world, allowing people to re-connect with nature and with their own mind. Also, the locations for these retreats are often crowd-free. 

We will also see an increase in active tours such as: hiking, biking or horseback riding adventures rather than only visits to historical sites which always have lot of people around and queues. Anything that is social distancing friendly will have an easier life. 

How can we keep on travelling safely, even after this pandemic?

Simply following the rules and precautions, and contacting N2S to arrange your travels !

How do you think COVID19 will affect the travel world? 

It will be extremely affected; we’ll see less mass tourism for a while – no more cruises docking in Venice etc. and we will become more conscious and sustainable travellers. Travel will not be taken for granted anymore and it will go back to its primordial cultural value.