Innovazione

📌 Roma, 3 February 2025 – Consortium Sagitta, launched by Almaviva and the FS Group to promote distinctive digital solutions in international transport and logistics, aims to enhance the digital infrastructure for strategic sectors in Italy. Targeting markets in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, and India, Sagitta will focus on digital solutions like Traffic and Transport Planning & Management, Digital Twin & State Health Monitoring, and Integrated Multimodal Mobility, including MaaS and Ticketing. Francesco De Leo of FS Group is appointed President, and Smeraldo Fiorentini of Almaviva is Deputy CEO.

🍴 Italy has over 330,000 food service establishments, facing a slight decline due to intense market competition. In 2025, consumer trends in the Italian restaurant market emphasize healthy, plant-based but original dishes, including international flavors like sweet-sour, spicy, or fermented. Google searches by the end of 2024 showed a surge in interest for ramen and gourmet coffee. The demand for local, sustainable, and cost-effective ingredients is rising, notably among Generation Z. Personalized gastronomic experiences are becoming more popular, encouraging restaurants to track customer habits for tailored marketing strategies. The European statistical institute EURES highlights a persistent staff shortage in the industry, suggesting technology, such as self-order systems, to alleviate workload and improve customer satisfaction. FIPE's annual report notes that Italian restaurateurs are investing more in technology—55% in advanced cash register software, 31% in management systems, and tools for online reservations and digital menus. By 2026, a legislative change will require electronic payment terminals (POS) to connect with fiscal registers to aid anti-evasion checks by Italy's Revenue Agency, impacting hardware and software in the sector.

🗣 Julia, a new chatbot for the Comune di Roma, is set to launch in early March. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that Julia is undergoing final technical tests. Businesses related to tourism in Rome are encouraged to register on the certified database at 060608.comune.roma.it to provide chatbot responses. Julia, accessible via phone call, not an app or website, will support 60 languages and feature AI to answer any question.

🏡 "Dream of the Desert", the first Italian five-star train in Saudi Arabia, designed by architect Aline Asmar d'Amman of Culture in Architecture, features 14 carriages and 34 luxury suites. The train reflects the charm of the Arabian desert, with sandy tones and premium materials honoring local craftsmanship. Paolo Barletta, CEO of Gruppo Arsenale, announced operations will begin by the end of Q3 2026, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to boost high-end tourism and showcase local culture. The initiative includes cultural programs in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and president of SAR, highlighted its strategic importance for Saudi transport and logistics network development.

🔎 Scalapay's study on e-commerce reveals by 2025, 40% of users are willing to accept AI product recommendations and automate daily shopping, with 34% open to purchasing solely via virtual reality. Privacy concerns are high, with 79% worrying about online transparency and 72% fearing improper data collection. Personalized shopping experiences, data protection, content overload management, and emotional connections are key challenges brands face to stay competitive. Short-term financing and invisible payments can enhance customer satisfaction, while delivery efficiency is crucial for modern consumer expectations. Scalapay CEO Simone Mancini emphasizes the importance of using data to improve customer experience and meet their needs.

📈 During the Travel Innovation Day 2025 at Politecnico di Milano, Umberto Bertelè emphasized the need for businesses to rethink their processes radically due to AI in the tourism market. He highlighted the importance of strategic foresight in implementing new operational models. According to Focusright, 67% of travelers struggle with comparing rates and identifying advantageous offers, while 8% find difficulties even in payment. The Chinese company Deepseek's case demonstrates that strategic vision is crucial, and not necessarily large funds, for simplifying data utilization and enhancing business intelligence. AI agent Operator by OpenAI promises highly personalized travel planning, posing the question of what unique value human travel agents can offer.

🎸 Costa Crociere focuses on product and distribution, maintaining its 2024 strategy into 2025. The cruise sector, with Italy as a key market, recorded 14 million passengers in 2024, aiming for 40 million globally by 2027. Costa targets the youth segment, offering a 10% discount for under-35s and themed cruises. Partners benefit from a value-driven relationship, with base commissions plus periodic incentives. Promotions like "Bevande gratis" support sales, with bookings available until March 3 for departures through November 30, 2025. Repeat customers enjoy C|Club benefits, with new experiences slated for the 2025-26 winter, featuring cruises in the Canaries and comprehensive itineraries in the Far East.

🚢 Msc Crociere strengthens its presence in the United States by announcing a new ship at Port Canaveral, joining the Florida port's winter 2027-2028 Caribbean 7-night itinerary offerings. Leonardo Massa, vice president, emphasizes the strategic significance of Port Canaveral for the market expansion. Msc Grandiosa will offer year-round 7-night Caribbean cruises starting winter 2026-2027. Msc Seashore to provide 3 and 4-night Bahamas cruises throughout the year. Fleet continues to embark from PortMiami, with a new terminal opening this year.