SicilyMyHome at the Short-Term Rental Summit: Our Voice in Milan

There are times when taking a moment to look back on the journey we’ve taken holds special significance. For SicilyMyHome, one such moment was October 26, when our CEO and Founder, Tiziana Gradanti, took the stage at the second edition of the 2026 Short-Term Rentals Summitin Milan to share the story, the decisions, and the vision that brought our company to life.

The event, sponsored by AIGAB and held on October 26 and 27 at the MEET Teatro Nazionale in Milan, brought together institutions, associations, and key players in Italy’s non-hotel hospitality sector. Tiziana spoke on the panel“Short-Term Rentals as an Economic Resource for Local Areas,” bringing SicilyMyHome’s experience and the work carried out in southeastern Sicily to the national discussion.

A moment of pride, certainly, but also an opportunity to look back on a journey that began a few years ago, when returning to Sicily and betting on the potential of one’s homeland meant envisioning something that had yet to take shape.

But behind that endeavor lay more than just the results of a business venture. There was a story woven from intuition, courageous choices, and a love for a region that still had so much to share.

From Milan to Sicily: A Choice That Changed Everything

Before founding SicilyMyHome, Tiziana had spent 25 years of her career at Nestlé in Milan. Then came the moment to look at Sicily with fresh eyes: not just as her homeland, but as a place where she could glimpse opportunities yet to be developed.

“When I was in Milan, I saw tremendous energy in Sicily; I could tell there was enormous potential. Sicily, once a land of emigration, could instead have tremendous growth potential. Together with my sister, who is an architect, we registered the brand right from the start, with a structured and well-planned project, and we’ve established ourselves in a unique and distinctive way. Because we didn’t just limit ourselves to managing apartments and vacation homes; instead, my sister and I create, design, and beautify the villas and apartments of SicilyMyHome, with an obsessive attention to detail…”

These words capture much of the spirit behind the founding of SicilyMyHome: the ability to recognize an opportunity, the willingness to take risks, and the desire to contribute to the region’s growth. This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but the beginning of a project built on a clear vision, destined to grow over time.

The beauty of Sicily: something to cherish and share

The decision to focus on southeastern Sicily stems from a careful examination of the region and its potential. It is an area where historical and cultural heritage coexists with the sea, the landscapes, local traditions, and a deeply rooted food and wine culture.

But what had Tiziana seen in Sicily that others hadn’t yet managed to recognize?

During my conversation with Paola Dezza, the answer came straight to the point, in two words: Beauty.

“I saw the beauty. We focused on southeastern Sicily. ‘Tourism’ is a very new concept in this region, which, on the contrary, boasts a stunning Baroque architectural heritage that has been revitalized in recent years and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of the beaches is still unspoiled: they have no commercial beach clubs—they’re authentic. And the food and wine culture is incredible: the food is to die for (I’ve gained 10 kg since I got back from Milan!). All these elements, taken together, were small pieces that served as a blank canvas for us to build upon. We had no competition, so it was easy—so to speak—to dive right in and make our mark in this area.”

Beauty, however, isn’t enough on its own. To become a concrete opportunity, it must be recognized, promoted, and made accessible—without losing what makes it special.

It was from this idea that SicilyMyHome’s approach to business took shape: selecting properties with their own unique character, paying close attention to detail, and creating a hospitality experience that connects guests with the local area.

The Joy of Finding Yourself in the Details

Over time, SicilyMyHome has developed its own identity, evident in the selection and enhancement of its homes. Local stone, wrought iron, antique cement tiles—architectural elements and materials that tell the story of these places: these are the details that help define a villa’s character and the way it is lived in.

Our signature style stems precisely from this attention to detail. It’s not about making every home look the same as the others, but about recognizing each home’s unique personality and enhancing it through thoughtful choices that bring together authenticity, design, and understated luxury.

Over the course of six years in business, this approach has supported SicilyMyHome’s growth in the premium segment, alongside efforts to restore and revitalize seaside villas that needed renewed attention and a project capable of bringing out their full potential.

Behind every villa lies work that often goes unseen in photographs: the relationship with the owners, organizational decisions, the care taken in maintaining the spaces, and the attention given to guests. It is an essential part of our business, because the quality of our hospitality is established even before the arrival of those who choose to stay with us.

When Tourism Creates Value for the Local Area

This is precisely the theme that gave meaning to Tiziana’s remarks at the Short-Term Rentals Forum: the role that hospitality can play in the economic development of local communities.

Short-term rentals aren’t just about having a place to stay on vacation. They can help bring properties back into circulation, create jobs, involve local professionals and businesses, and offer new opportunities to destinations that still have a lot to offer.

For SicilyMyHome, this also means working to ensure that southeastern Sicily isn’t just a summer destination. The region offers plenty of reasons to visit year-round: Baroque cities, quaint villages, culinary traditions, scenic landscapes, and a cultural heritage that extends far beyond the beach season.

Seasonal adjustment is an important part of our vision. It means helping to spreadtourist flows across different periods, offering guests new opportunities to discover Sicily while, at the same time, creating more consistent opportunities for those working in the hospitality industry.

This approach requires planning, knowledge of the local area, and collaboration. And that is also why we believe in the value of a structured hospitality system capable of connecting homes, people, and local resources.

A story that continues to grow

Taking the stage at the Short-Term Rentals Summit was , for SicilyMyHome a moment to share with everyone who, over the years, has helped build this project: our team, the property owners who have placed their trust in us, and those who have chosen our villas to experience Sicily.

Because behind every beautifully maintained home, every meticulously attended-to detail, and every warmly welcomed guest lies daily work rooted in expertise, attention to detail, and a deep connection to the local community. It is also thanks to this work—carried out by an all-female team—that a personal vision has been able to evolve into a well-structured business venture.

Tiziana’s presentation in Milan reminded us of where we started and why we continue to do this: we believe in the beauty of Sicily, in the opportunities it has to offer, and in the value of hospitality that extends beyond the summer season.

This is the direction in which we want to continue growing: enhancing the properties entrusted to us, contributing to the development of the region, and enabling an ever-increasing number of guests to discover the authentic Sicily, all year round.

Bringing our story to Milan was a source of pride. We are committed to continuing to build on it, every day, in Sicily.