Tony Loeb

✈️ Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, remains optimistic despite the airline's sharp profit decline in the last quarter. In 2023, Ryanair experienced a 30% growth due to the resurgence of air traffic. Wilson highlighted the company's long-term growth plans, including a recent order of 300 Boeing aircraft without debt. Comparing 2024 to the previous year poses challenges, but the next financial quarter is expected to show recovery, with plans for new bases in Italy.

🏠 Slovenia's tourism contributes 20% to the nation's GDP, with 38% of property buyers in the past year being foreigners. House prices nationally increased by 6.7% in 2023, following double-digit rises in previous years (11.5% in 2022, 15% in 2021). Ljubljana and Maribor saw a 6.7% increase in housing prices, while existing apartment prices elsewhere in Slovenia rose by 5% in 2023. Housing transactions dropped by 24% in 2023 after a 7.6% decline in 2022 and a nearly 20% surge in 2021.

🏖️ In Italy, clothing now accounts for 5% of family budgets, down from 10% twenty years ago, while spending on tourism has risen to 4%, up from 1-2%. Confcommercio's analysis of sales, set to end on September 4, shows a consumer preference shift from apparel to travel experiences. Despite last-minute discounts, retailers face challenges as the anticipated positive impact of the sales season falls short.

🏖️ During the summer season of 2024, the tourism sector is witnessing growth, with stocks of related companies benefiting from positive trends. The Italian stock exchange lists mainly small-sized tourism companies, unlike larger international firms found in Europe, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, Ryanair, and Accor. Stoxx Europe 600 saw its best week in three months on Ferragosto, with a 5% gain in the Travel & Tourism sector. Italian company I Grandi Viaggi's stock rose 10% since the beginning of the year, with Banca Akros upgrading its recommendation to "buy" and setting a target price of €1.05 per share. Emma Villas reported a 30% increase in bookings in Sardinia from June to September compared to 2023, aided by last-minute reservations.