Laura Alese - Federturismo Confindustria

🛑 Operators in the tourism industry express concern over the revived discussion on the usage of the tourist tax revenue, as reported by Confindustria Alberghi, Assohotel, and Federalberghi. There's a proposal allowing municipalities to fund current expenses with the tourist tax. Companies have been waiting for the implementation of the principles established by the law creating the tourist tax, intended to finance tourism interventions. The sector, contributing to the economy and employment, feels reduced to an ATM by policy makers. The industry urges national policy protection and investment in competitiveness. Further information can be found at www.alberghiconfindustria.it.

🎣 Patrizia Scarchilli signed decree no. 57 on April 10, 2025, for D1 "patentino" daytime navigation license within 6 miles offshore for up to 115 horsepower, available to 16-year-olds. Final exam after a mandatory training course of at least 5 hours includes 15 questions; passing requires 12 correct answers within 30 minutes. Practical exercises consist of 5 non-consecutive hours on boats over 5.90 meters with over 40 horsepower engines. Nautical schools must communicate course and exam schedules and participant details to authorities. Confindustria Nautica's President Saverio Cecchi aligns this with the summer season and economic challenges, paralleling a subsidy for old motor scrapping in favor of electric propulsion, with applications open from April 8 to May 8.

🏤 FS Italiane Group announces a new high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris by 2029, with a €1 billion investment part of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan to extend high-speed links in Europe. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed with the Spanish consortium Evolyn, led by the Cosmen family. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of FS, emphasizes this as a step towards an integrated, competitive, and sustainable European rail network that competes with air travel. The service will operate with trains akin to Italy's Frecciarossa, known for energy efficiency and comfort. The UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed access to the Temple Mills maintenance depot, facilitating a new operator's entry between London and Paris. FS's existing operations in France and the UK through Trenitalia France and Trenitalia UK provide a competitive edge. Technical evaluations for Eurotunnel and railway network integration, as well as operational planning at St. Pancras station, are underway, with funding sources being assessed. The service launch depends on infrastructure completion and technical authorizations, signaling a new era of competition and accessibility in European high-speed rail. With currently over three million passengers served and a 98% satisfaction rate, FS aims to strengthen and expand its network, including a Paris-Marseille connection by June 15, 2025. FS has been present in the UK since

🏔 Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè announced a new €13 million funding initiative for the Apennines during a recent meeting with regional tourism councillors and sector associations. The funds aim to bolster tourism in municipalities within ski areas affected by reduced visitor numbers due to lack of snowfall from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the results of the first Apennine tender, reflecting effective ministry support and collaboration.