Laura Alese - Federturismo Confindustria

🎭 During the Federcongressi&eventi Convention in Naples, the FCE Awards were presented, recognizing members' efforts in innovating the congress and events sector for over 10 years. The awards—FCE Award Creatività, Innovazione, and Sostenibilità—were judged by 30 young people from the Progetto Mentore. Nume Plus won the Creativity award for MedStory AI, an interactive storytelling engine. AIM Group International clinched the Innovation award for the FAST Heroes project, reaching 80 million contacts and engaging 5,400 children. Four Points by Sheraton Catania received the Sustainability award for its efforts since 2017, obtaining 3 new ISO certifications. On Stage won the FCE Members Choice 2025 for the 50th anniversary event of Pedrollo, celebrated in a 6,750 square meter tent for 2,000 attendees. Marilena Ferraroni was awarded Best Networker. (For more information: www.federcongressi.it)

🏖️ Italy's tourism reached a new record in 2024 with 458.4 million presences, a +2.5% increase from the previous year. Italy surpassed France, securing the second spot in Europe after Spain for tourist numbers. Foreign presences exceeded 250 million, marking a +6.8% increase from 2023. Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè attributed success to entrepreneurs, operators, and government policies focusing on quality, sustainability, and diversity in tourism offerings.

🏖️ In Q4 2024, Italy's tourism saw an increase compared to the same period in 2023 with arrivals up by 1.2% and overnight stays by 11.1%. Italian residents' stays grew by 5.9%, while foreign tourists' stays more than doubled with a 15.6% rise. The year ended with a total of 458.4 million tourist overnight stays, marking a 2.5% increase over 2023. However, arrivals decreased by 3.3%, down to 129.3 million. Italy became the second-ranked EU country for tourist presence, overtaking France and trailing only Spain. In October, the peak tourism month of Q4, there were 10.2 million arrivals and 33.4 million stays, with stays up 15.0% from 2023 but arrivals slightly down by 0.2%. November saw arrivals at 6.5 million and stays at 18 million, increasing by 13.8% and 7.8%, respectively. December diverged with stays up 2.8% but arrivals down 2.5%. Across Q4, foreign tourist presence grew significantly, with Italian stays up in October and November (9.7% and 13.7%, respectively) but down 3.1% in December. Foreign stays surged over 10% each month: 17.7

🏖 By 2025, travel spending is forecasted to hit a record $5.5 trillion globally, with the industry generating an additional $1.1 trillion in value. Key market drivers include the USA, Europe, Asia, and the growing Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with notable growth in Hong Kong and India. Travelers are shifting towards sustainable rail services and immersive local experiences, with a focus on quality. Emerging trends include AI for personalized trips, positive community impact, and a 31% of young travelers intending to book through physical agencies for the experience. Moreover, 67% are willing to pay more for relaxation, and 51% are prepared to spend 30% extra on sustainable options.