Planning Italy Trips During the Olympic Games: RateHawk’s Tips for Travel Pros
With the Olympic Games in full swing, travel agents worldwide face the challenge of helping their clients secure last-minute accommodation and transportation. To support them, RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking hotels, flights, and transfers, shares practical tips for planning trips that are both memorable and stress-free.
Prioritize transport accessibility in accommodation offers
Sport events are split between Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme, so travel professionals should first clarify which competitions clients plan to attend. Recommending accommodation close to the relevant venues or with good transportation accessibility reduces commute time and helps travelers stay fully immersed in the experience.
Davide Amaro, Regional Director Southern Europe at RateHawk, notes: “We advise agents to prioritize properties with direct access to Milan’s metro network or reliable shuttle connections in Cortina, as well as to use advanced map-based search tools. At RateHawk, tools can flag key locations, search within a set radius around event venues, measure distances with the ruler tool, and use street panorama views for visual context. All these tools help travel agents to arrange a more convenient trip for their clients. We also recommend suggesting to clients some package offers with transfers — they will ensure convenient transportation between accommodation and event venues”.
Recommend hidden gems over overcrowded chains
A great benefit of last-minute bookings is that some accommodations release special deals or reopen availability due to cancellations. RateHawk’s smart recommendation system helps travel professionals navigate this dynamic landscape and quickly identify the most suitable options at the most competitive rates.
Amaro adds: “As many premium hotels are already fully booked and average prices have risen, we recommend that agents utilize our filters and recommendation system to discover quality options that may be overlooked. This approach, on the one hand, helps look into hidden gems among available properties and, on the other, supports a more sustainable travel ecosystem by supporting small and medium-sized businesses during peak season.”
Another tip for travel agents seeking more affordable options for their clients is to consider accommodation in Bergamo instead of Milan. On average, nightly rates in Milan are 351 EUR, compared with 136 EUR in Bergamo, offering a cost-effective alternative while remaining within convenient reach of the event venues.
Suggest special experiences beyond the competitions
Encourage clients to immerse themselves in Italian culture with city tours, culinary experiences, and excursions to iconic sites when they’re not attending events. For those who want to experience the ski slopes on their own, there are several places in Northern Italy: Champoluc - Monterosa ski resort in Aosta Valley, La Thuile, and Arabba-Marmolada.