Tony Loeb

🏖 The Milleproroghe decree is extending several measures into 2025, impacting tourism, particularly for communities within the Apennine mountain range. A fund is provided for businesses affected by reduced snowfall from November 2023 to March 2024, requiring a revenue decrease of at least 30% compared to the previous year. Beneficiaries include lift operators, rental services, ski instructors, travel agencies, tour operators, thermal bath establishments, and hospitality and restaurant businesses. The decree extends a 50% subsidy on expenditures for energy efficiency and seismic retrofitting of tourism-related structures until 31 October 2025. Simplified procedures for installing photovoltaic systems in tourism and thermal facilities are prolonged until 31 December 2025. Additionally, the deadline for private sector employers to sign fixed-term contracts beyond 12 months and for businesses to secure catastrophic risk insurance contracts is extended to 31 March 2025.

🛫 Non-European passengers now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. Recently, the UK Home Office has decided to increase the cost of ETAs by 60%. However, transit passengers at UK airports are exempt from needing an ETA. This decision, welcomed by Abta and its public affairs director Luke Petherbridge, aims to maintain vital air connections despite fears of increased travel and tourism industry tax burdens potentially stifling growth.