Mr. Carniani is the founder of Italy-based Buy Tourism Online (BTO), host of one of Europe's largest technology and tourism events. Giancarlo currently manages a small Florentine hotel company – TOFLORENCE HOTELS – which owns two properties (rated 4 and 5 stars). He formerly worked for national chains including Cigahotels, Boscolo and Sonesta International Hotels & Resorts. Previously, Giancarlo provided professional training services in revenue management and distribution; in 2009 he founded BTO Education, focused on research and training. Giancarlo is considered one of the foremost Italian experts on travel technology and the Internet and has contributed to several academic publications about online travel. Giancarlo graduated from the Hotel Institute A. Saffi and worked abroad for several years to perfect his knowledge of the hotel industry. He is married with one daughter and is based near Florence.