Tony Loeb

✈ Over 1.2 million seats lost in one year due to the closure of airspace over Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine affecting Scandinavia in 2024. Instability in the Middle East and Asia also contributed, extending flight routes like Copenhagen-Shanghai by up to two hours. This increased fuel consumption and operational costs, with European carriers reducing flight frequency. Chinese airlines increased capacity on the same routes. Sas confirmed no direct flights to China in 2025 but plans a new route to Seoul in September 2025.

🏖️ Italian tourism, organized through agencies and specialized tour operators, fosters employment and adds value to the local economy. Challenges include inadequate air connections, particularly to islands and less high-speed train accessible areas, with high fares during peak times. Low-cost airlines often bypass travel agencies, limiting destination access, while a shortage of qualified personnel like guides and drivers affects service quality and costs. Unfair competition from unauthorized operators disrupts the market, lowering standards. Stable, coordinated regulations from the Ministries of Transport and Culture are needed, as well as collaborative efforts between regions and municipalities under government guidance to address these issues and prevent the negative impacts of mismanaged tourism flows experienced by other countries. Investing in training, digitalization, and business growth is crucial for strengthening the sector and maintaining tourism as a vital part of the economy and communities. Opinion from TTG Italy's April issue.