Conferenze e Fiere

🍹 Firenze hosted "My Spirits" by Partesa on March 3, attracting over 600 professionals to Teatro Cartiere Carrara to explore trends and sample over 100 labels from 21 producers and over 50 different cocktails at 16 Mixology Stations. The event featured "Agave & Gin" and "Whisky & Rum" thematic islands, sold-out educational masterclasses, and live shows by renowned bartenders Cinzia Ferro, Julian Biondi, Giuliana Giancano, and Bruno Vanzan. The highlight was the launch of "Upper Spritz Analcolico" from Liq.ID by Partesa, alongside a restyled Liq.ID range including Grayson’s Gin, Cabo Rojo rums, and Rajssa vodkas. Partesa, part of HEINEKEN Italy Group, serves 34,300 Horeca customers with a portfolio of over 7,400 references.

🌻 "DICIANNOVE," the first collective brand of extra virgin olive oil, was launched at SOL2EXPO in Verona on March 2-4, 2025, representing Montespertoli, Florence. 14 local companies collaborated, supported by Montespertoli's municipality, the University of Florence, and other institutions. This collective initiative aimed to enhance olive oil production and create a quality brand reflecting the region's history and tradition. DICIANNOVE's sensory profile features a distinctive chemical composition with fresh aromas, thanks to precise olive selection and advanced production techniques. The MontEspertOlio project, funded by Tuscany's PSR 2014-2022, concluded in 2025, promoting sustainable, high-quality olive farming. The brand aims to elevate Montespertoli's international presence as a symbol of excellence and authenticity.

🕵️ Amaro Santoni, a Tuscan rhubarb-based bitter, joins "THE POWER & THE RISE OF WOMEN IN BARTENDING & THE OFFLINE COMMUNITY" from March 9-11 in Milan, led by brand ambassador Marella Batkovic and Cachaça Blu creator Maria Luisa Timoni. Six top Italian bar ladies will participate, including Luigia Frezzia (Naples), Anna Garuti (Naples), Giulia Guizzardi (Rome), Greta Bazzichi (Florence), and Angelica Capuano (Milan). The public event at Gesto Milano on March 10 at 19:00 will support Fondazione Condividere charity. Amaro Santoni features 34 botanicals, a delicate balance at 16% ABV, and employs an average staff age of 30. Cachaça Blu, a sustainable Brazilian spirit, is offered in three types and has secured over 150 prestigious Italian bars and hotels.

🍻 Savini Group opens Sebastian Cafè in Milan, located at via Dante 18 near Castello Sforzesco. The 120 sqm venue has 64 indoor seats, plus outdoor seating for 70 guests, and operates daily from 8:00 to 23:00. The menu features Mediterranean and Milanese cuisine, and the café employs 23 professionals, including 6 chefs and 13 servers, with food offerings by Sistema Gusto. The design reflects French elegance, Italian tradition, and Sicilian origins with custom decorative motifs. Savini Group owns prestigious brands like Savini 1867, Granaio, and Matilde Boutique Hotel.

🎁 Abu Dhabi launched its new campaign 'Make Abu Dhabi Your Easter Surprise' at the ITB Berlin, targeting European markets including Italy for Easter or spring getaways. The unprecedented promotional campaign combines marketing and gamification, featuring 'Easter eggs' in digital ads that offer a chance to win a group trip for 4 to Abu Dhabi.

✈ Croatia Airlines launches a new route from Milan Malpensa to Zagreb with three weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday using the new Airbus A220. This direct flight will operate from July 2 to October 24, aiming to boost visits to the country, offering an excellent introductory fare. Croatia boasts nine international airports, connecting to major European cities, particularly in the summer season.

🏆 In 2023, celebrating Johann Strauss' 200th birth anniversary, GoTo Fly, F.A. - Forlì Airport's marketing carrier, and Austriavacanze, a custom travel tour operator, partnered to promote Vienna as a travel destination. Paolo Amodeo, COO of GoTo Fly, views Vienna not just as an end-point but as a gateway to explore Europe, highlighting the city's convenient location and its status as a major airport hub with fast connections to Asia and the Far East. Laura Corbetta, Austria Vacanze's product & contract manager, ensures quality experiences and continuous support for travelers from Forlì, with upcoming travel package presentations in Emilia-Romagna.

🏖 LEGO introduces a new collectible set: the Trevi Fountain, featuring 1,880 pieces. Marco Capone, general manager of LEGO Italy, highlights the set's celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and art. During the unveiling at the actual fountain, actor Edoardo Leo recited a poem at sunset, and Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized Rome's global significance. Alessandro Onorato, Tourism Councilor, appreciates the collaboration for showcasing Rome, and mentions LEGO's donation of 200 sets to the city's family homes, distributed by Acli.

💰 Cassa Depositi e Prestiti presented a strategic plan for 2025-2027 to the Conference of Regions, featuring a €1.5 billion investment to support local administrations, regions, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with credit access. SMEs' share of Italy's GDP decreased from 50% in 2014 to 29% last year. The funds aim to finance Italian business growth and larger projects like high-speed rail networks, port development, and reducing potable water waste. Massimiliano Fedriga highlighted the potential for boosting tourism infrastructure through public-private collaboration.

🏖 Malta saw a tourist growth of +11.6% in 2024, with 3,337,695 Italian tourist presences and a spending of €394,599,000. In 2025, 6 airlines will connect Malta from 22 Italian airports, suggesting further tourism growth. Ester Tamasi from Malta Tourism Authority Italy focuses on diversifying destinations and promoting emerging local economies. The island is also targeting religious tourism for the jubilee year. Crucial efforts include trade relationships, travel agency networks, and tourism player conventions, alongside education and co-marketing opportunities. The language education sector thrives, notably with adult language schools and Business English courses, providing high-quality, tailored services for luxurious educational vacations.