Distribuzione e Revenue

🚀 Breeze Airways reported its first quarterly operating profit in Q4 2024 since service launch in May 2021. CEO David Neeleman is optimistic about profitability throughout 2025. With over $200 million in revenue and an operating margin above 4% for Q4, the airline's performance was boosted by a strong industry sector and rising airfares. Breeze's fleet includes 33 Airbus A220, featuring 12 first-class seats, 45 extra legroom seats, and 80 standard economy seats. The airline expanded rapidly last year, adding 29 destinations to reach a total of 66.

🛫 Chinese airlines are increasing operations at Madrid Barajas Airport, aiming to make it the main gateway to Europe and a strategic bridge to Latin America. Flights between China and Madrid have surged by 73%, totaling 3,538 in 2024. Five major national airlines have resumed routes from seven Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai. Air China runs 12 weekly flights between Beijing and Madrid, with three continuing to São Paulo, Brazil. China Eastern plans to connect Madrid with Buenos Aires. Air Europa has signed a codeshare agreement with Hainan Airlines, leveraging Madrid-Barajas as a European nexus. Japan and South Korea have also reactivated connections with Madrid post-pandemic, with Iberia resuming flights to Tokyo in October 2024, and Korean Air reopening the Seoul-Madrid route.

💸 Milan hosted the first "Forum China" on January 22, 2025, revealing Chinese spending in Italy at 58% of 2019 levels, with positive expectations for 2025. The Italy-China collaboration, supported by multiple sponsors, involved over 20 speakers. Tax-Free spending by Chinese shoppers globally has recovered to 2019 levels, driven by APAC, with Europe lagging. Italy claims 23% of Chinese spending in Europe, the second highest average spend at €3,520, and the highest air capacity recovery at 138%. Two-thirds of Chinese consumers are Millennials or Gen Z, with Gen Z's spending recovery four times that of other age groups, at 241%. Top spenders, just 3% of shoppers, contribute 35% of Italy's Chinese Tax-Free spending. Luxury brands see an 11% increase in average spend to €3,155, with "Bags and Leather Goods" spiking 72% in spending recovery. In 2025, Chinese tourist traffic and spending recovery are expected to accelerate, with a predicted recovery rate increase of 18 percentage points by Q1. However, tour groups are only at a 45% recovery due to visa restrictions and high travel costs, with improvements expected in the second quarter. Lombardy leads Italy in Tax-Free Shopping, generating 40% of national volumes, with fashion as the most popular category. Global Blue, with 2,

🏖️ Tunisia closed the year with $2.3 billion in tourism revenue, a 7.8% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, international tourist arrivals exceeded 10 million, with arrivals from Italy increasing by over 20%. To sustain growth, Tunisia is investing in infrastructure development, promoting cultural tourism, and diversifying its tourism offerings, focusing on adventure, wellness, and ecotourism. The new international institutional advertising campaign, 'Vivi l’istanTe, vivi la Tunisia,' will launch next spring.

🏖️ After four years, the tourism industry has regained pre-pandemic levels, with over 1.4 billion tourists marking a 99% recovery compared to pre-Covid times and an 11% increase from 2023. The Middle East, Europe, and Africa saw rises of 32%, 1%, and 7% respectively, while the Americas reached 97%. UN Tourism predicts a 3-5% increase in international tourism for 2025, with challenges including high travel costs and fuel price fluctuations.

✈️ London's airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, might see expansion, with potential additions of a third runway at Heathrow, a second at Gatwick, and increased capacity at Luton. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves supports the growth, aiming to boost the economy and business investment. Gatwick plans to expand capacity to 75 million passengers yearly, surpassing its pre-COVID record of 47 million. Decisions on Gatwick's expansion are due by February 27, while a new terminal for Luton will be deliberated on April 3.

🏖️ Vienna achieved a record tourism year in 2024 with 18.9 million overnight stays, a 9% increase from the previous year, surpassing 2019 figures. Revenue soared by 25% over total bed capacity. By November, accommodation revenue hit €1.2 billion, marking a 12% rise compared to January to November 2023. Leading visitors came from Germany, followed by domestic tourists, the US, and Italy ranked fourth. Chinese and Japanese markets have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

🧑💻 President Trump, recently inaugurated for a second term, launched the 'Stargate' AI project involving tech giants Softbank, Oracle, and OpenAI. The joint venture starts with $100 billion, scaling to $500 billion within four years, aiming to secure global AI leadership for the United States.

🏡 In Naples' historic center, rental prices surged by 8.1%, with a 2.6% annual increase in sales prices. Approximately 11,000 apartments are listed for rent, catering to tourists on platforms like Airbnb or Booking. Naples has experienced protests against overtourism, with locals being evicted or forced out by high rents to accommodate B&Bs and tourist accommodations. Short-term rentals constitute 32% of Naples' housing market, 6% above the national average.

🌩 Circa 230 voli cancellati all'aeroporto di Dublino a causa della tempesta Eowyn, interessando l'Irlanda e raggiungendo la Scozia. Raffiche di vento fino a 183 km/h hanno portato all'allerta rossa e alla raccomandazione di verificare lo stato dei voli prima di recarsi in aeroporto.