Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Un pediatra in Sicilia, un’assistente sociale sul Lago di Como, un giovane Superhost di 25 anni in Puglia, un’infermiera in un borgo di montagna e una ex designer nel Chianti: percorsi diversi, accomunati dallo stesso impegno, accogliere le persone e far conoscere il proprio territorio. Sono loro i protagonisti della seconda edizione dei Maestri dell’Accoglienza di Airbnb, il riconoscimento dedicato agli host che rappresentano il meglio dell’ospitalità italiana.
Un’occasione per dare voce alle persone che rendono speciale una community di Superhost sempre più grande: secondo i dati interni di Airbnb, tra giugno 2025 e giugno 2026, i Superhost italiani sono aumentati del +16%. Sono i piccoli territori, soprattutto, a distinguersi anche per la qualità dell’accoglienza: nei comuni sotto i 30.000 abitanti, il 39% degli annunci raggiunge le valutazioni più alte, contro il 33% nei centri più grandi.
Un’ospitalità che genera valore anche per le comunità locali: nel 2025, gli ospiti Airbnb nei piccoli comuni hanno generato 346 milioni di euro di spesa diretta, di cui 143 milioni nel settore della ristorazione, 100 milioni nello shopping e 61 milioni nei trasporti. Attraverso gli effetti moltiplicatori, questa spesa diretta ha attivato un totale di 836 milioni di euro di produzione economica .
Dalla Sicilia alla Lombardia, passando per la Toscana e la Puglia, i cinque vincitori raccontano altrettanti modi di far sentire gli ospiti a casa.
La novità di quest’anno è la categoria ‘Miglior host emergente’, che premia chi, pur avendo iniziato a ospitare da poco, si distingue per risultati eccellenti, dimostrando che per accogliere bene contano la passione e la visione, non solo gli anni di esperienza. Le altre categorie sono ‘Tesoro nascosto’, dedicata agli host che valorizzano luoghi fuori dai circuiti turistici di massa e fanno scoprire agli ospiti le mete che non si trovano facilmente; ‘Ospitalità eccezionale’, che premia la cura e l’attenzione esemplare verso gli ospiti; ‘Miglior alloggio per famiglie e gruppi’, dedicata agli alloggi pensati per stare insieme, con spazi confortevoli e attenzioni che rendono il soggiorno facile e speciale per grandi e piccini; e ‘Miglior alloggio qualità-prezzo’, che valorizza un’accoglienza di qualità a prezzi accessibili.
"Traveling isn't just about visiting a place, it's about connecting with the people who make it unique. Hosts, with their knowledge of the area and their desire to share it, allow guests to experience Italy from a more authentic perspective, discovering its stories, traditions, and unexpected places. With I Maestri dell'Accoglienza, we want to give a voice to these people and the value of hospitality in creating connections and opportunities for local communities," comments Matteo Sarzana, Airbnb Country Manager for Italy and Southeast Europe.
But who are the five hosts who won the award? In Noceno, a small village in the Muggiasca Valley, Innocenta, a nurse by profession, has given new life to her ancestral home, once a family inn, transforming it into the Rifugio Como Lake. No bars, no restaurants, just woods and stars: at 800 meters above sea level lies an unexpected side of Lake Como. Since its debut on Airbnb in 2025, the refuge (which is among the top 5% of Lake Como's accommodations) has already welcomed travelers from around the world, from the United States to Indonesia, leading them to discover a territory far from the beaten track. "Every time someone falls in love with these woods, I feel like a small part of my dream has come true," says Innocenta. In Ostuni, Puglia, at just 25 years old, Fabio found his professional path in hospitality, becoming a Superhost in less than twelve months. With a degree in Gastronomic Sciences and experience in the restaurant industry, he approached hospitality almost by chance, starting by helping his brother renovate a traditional trullo in the Ostuni countryside. What began as a family project quickly transformed into a full-fledged profession: today he manages Trullo Luceri, where in his first year as a host, he welcomed hundreds of international travelers, earning a 5-star rating. This achievement reflects his approach to hospitality, characterized by attention to detail, personalized service, and a desire to offer guests an authentic experience, rooted in the traditions and flavors of the Itria Valley. "At 25, you don't always know which path to take. Becoming a host helped me find mine," says Fabio.
In Cefalù, Sicily, from medical student to Superhost, Antonio's passion for hospitality has lasted over a decade. A pediatrician by profession, he began hosting on Airbnb at eighteen to support his studies, opening his grandparents' home in Cefalù, an eighteenth-century building near the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to travelers. Today, he personally welcomes guests with a welcome reminiscent of home and Sicily: an arancina (fried rice ball), gelato, and aperitifs on the terrace, building relationships that often last beyond the stay. "Exceptional hospitality means making every guest feel part of a story," says Antonio. In San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tuscany, a 16th-century farmhouse in the heart of Chianti, designed for families and groups of friends to reunite. Beatrice, a former designer and Superhost for 14 years, has transformed the ancient residence into Vichiaccio Country House, a farmhouse nestled among vineyards that can accommodate up to 11 people. From the large kitchen with fireplace, the heart of the home, to the hot tub and playground, every space is designed for shared moments. An entire floor is also accessible to people with disabilities, demonstrating a hospitality approach that is attentive to the needs of each guest. "I stopped traveling the world: today the world comes to my home, with Airbnb," says Beatrice. Finally, in Sueglio, Lombardy, from a nuns' home to a refuge for young travelers: in Sueglio, accessible hospitality is breathing new life into a place from the past. Claudia, a social worker, and her partner Valentina have restored the building where she spent her holidays with the parish as a young girl. Today, La Casa di Sueglio offers eight rooms that can also be booked individually, affordable prices, and shared spaces, attracting young travelers to discover the Valvarrone Valley. "Today it's back to welcoming young people, just like it did back then," says Claudia.
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