Aperture

☕ Caffè Vergnano inaugurated its first international Accademia Vergnano at EHL's Lausanne campus in 2024. The academy, a collaboration with Coca-Cola HBC, combines coffee expertise with hospitality training, following EHL's educational vision. Switzerland, with an annual coffee consumption exceeding 8 kg per person, underscores its hospitality culture. Carolina Vergnano and Markus Venzin emphasize the academy's role in preparing future leaders, merging tradition and innovation. Alain Mettler highlights its contribution to the professionalization of the coffee market.

📍 BWH Hotels Italy & South-East Europe expands its portfolio with the addition of Grand Hotel Catanzaro and Hotel Colaiaco. Grand Hotel Catanzaro, featuring 39 renovated rooms, is the fourth BWH hotel in Calabria. Hotel Colaiaco in Anagni offers 51 rooms, including suites with marble bathrooms and private terraces. These additions strengthen BWH's presence in Central-Southern Italy, emphasizing quality and local authenticity.

🍕 6 novembre, Napoli, via Cimarosa 144: Raf Bonetta inaugura la sua nuova pizzeria alle 19:00. Con 3 forni a legna, uno dedicato alle pizze senza glutine, il locale combina tradizione e innovazione. Nel 2025, Bonetta ha conquistato l'18° posto nei The Best Pizza Awards e titoli come Ambasciatore del Gusto Doc Italy. Tra i riconoscimenti: Tre Spicchi Gambero Rosso 2025, Miglior Nuova Apertura 2024, e 22ª posizione nella 50 Top Pizza Italia.

🏨 Best Western expands with two new hotels in Italy: the 4-star Grand Hotel Catanzaro in Calabria and the BW Hotel Colaiaco in Anagni, Lazio, both added in 2025. Grand Hotel Catanzaro offers 39 renovated rooms and proximity to key locations, while Hotel Colaiaco features 51 rooms and luxurious amenities. Both emphasize local hospitality and quality, enhancing Best Western's strategic presence. Annibale Notaris and Vittorio Colaiaco highlight their commitment to authentic service.

🏨 JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, the second in Japan, opened recently in Takanawa Gateway City. Strategically located between business and cultural districts, the hotel boasts 200 rooms with skyline views, modern meeting spaces, a Japanese-inspired spa, and an exclusive panoramic bar. Marriott International aims to strengthen its presence in Japan's dynamic luxury travel market. David Marriott emphasized the importance of excellent service during the opening, marking Tokyo as a key hub for elite business and leisure tourism.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Ristia Group, is set to open the 130-room Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud in 2027 near Blangsinga waterfall in Indonesia, inspired by Balinese culture. This will be IHG's second hotel in Ubud and will raise their total to 33 operational hotels in Indonesia, with 12 more in development. Chris Anklin highlighted Indonesia as a fast-growing market. IHG currently operates 92 luxury hotels in Asia and Korea.

🏨 In 2025, the Romeo Roma hotel opened in the historic Palazzo Capponi on Via di Ripetta, Rome. The project, led by Zaha Hadid Architects and Paola Cattarin, took over ten years and involved fifty companies, resulting in 230 permit requests. It features unique rooms, a 1,200 sqm Sisley Paris spa, and a restaurant by Alain Ducasse. The hotel blends historical restoration with contemporary design, showcasing art by renowned artists and offering a complete sensory experience.

🍺 Da Vittorio Café, opened on November 4th, at Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, near the Pantheon. This upscale eatery by Arsenale Group offers an all-day dining experience, featuring gourmet treats and gifts. With interiors adorned with marble and fine wood, it echoes the elegance of Da Vittorio's signature style. The café is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and weekends from 9 AM to 8 PM.

🏨 Minor Hotels will expand with the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce opening in April 2026, after a €18 million renovation. Located in Lecce's historic center, near Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the hotel will offer 45 rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge with Duomo views. Amenities include a wellness area with a pool and gym. The hotel enhances Minor Hotels' Italian portfolio to 60 properties, accessible via Brindisi Airport and high-speed trains.