Fusioni & Acquisizioni

🏨 During the 2025 Salone del Mobile in Milan, Tax Free shopping saw a 77% increase over the prior three weeks and a 93% surge from the year's weekly average. Despite a general spending drop of 15% and a 9% decrease in average receipt from 2024, this period generated unparalleled expenditure volumes. Chinese shoppers, top spenders at 15%, showed a 49% decrease in spending, while spending by Arab clients rose by 27%, making them the second-highest spenders at 14%, coinciding with Ramadan's end. Americans were third at 12%. Via Montenapoleone accounted for one-third of total Tax Free spending, maintaining stable volumes and witnessing a 9% average receipt increase from the previous year. Global Blue added three kiosks at Malpensa Airport to manage increased tourist flows.

🎬 Italian amusement parks are launching their 2025 season with a €220 million investment, including €40 million for energy efficiency through solar park expansions and new water resource optimization plants. Despite economic challenges and increased energy costs, sector investments are up by 47% over 2024, aiming for €500 million by 2027. In 2023, the industry generated €350 million in revenue, 20 million visitors, and supported 60,000 jobs, including 30,000 direct employees. Attractions are diversifying with immersive experiences, contributing to a €2 billion economic impact.

🏡 Villa d’Este S.p.A., after acquiring Hotel Terminus, Vista, Harry’s Bar, Hotel Miralago, the Salesianum Don Bosco complex, and Golf Villa d'Este, now adds the 4-star Hotel Regina Olga to its portfolio. Located in Cernobbio's square with breathtaking views of Lake Como, the hotel, inactive for years, is set for renovation, aiming to transform it into a 60-room establishment with dining facilities for guests and non-residents and an outdoor pool. Giuseppe Fontana, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., expresses satisfaction with the group's growth. The Villa d'Este Group, which includes luxury accommodations and members of The Leading Hotels of the World, also manages the Palace Hotel, Barchetta Excelsior, and Ceccato Garden Bar, led by CEO Davide Bertilaccio.

🏡 Villa d'Este S.p.A. has acquired the historic four-star Hotel Regina Olga in Cernobbio, with plans for a significant renovation to create a facility with around 60 rooms, a dining area for guests and external customers, and an outdoor pool. Dr. Giuseppe Fontana, Chairman of Villa d'Este S.p.A., expresses satisfaction with the expansion, indicating a strategy to grow the company's portfolio and promote the Lago di Como area. Recently, Villa d'Este S.p.A. also acquired Harry’s Bar and Hotel Miralago in Cernobbio, as well as the properties of Salesianum Don Bosco and Golf Villa d'Este di Montorfano. They manage two four-star hotels in Como and will begin managing the acquired Hotel Terminus and Vista di Como in December 2025.

🏡 Villa d’Este S.p.a. acquires the 4-star Hotel Regina Olga, a historic property in Cernobbio with a breathtaking view of Lake Como. This late 19th-century hotel, recently joined by Terminus and Vista hotels, is set for a major renovation to reactivate after years of hiatus. The renovation plan includes 60 rooms, dining spaces open to non-residents, and an outdoor pool. Giuseppe Fontana, CEO, aims to grow their portfolio and promote Lake Como worldwide through excellence in hospitality.

✈ Saudi low-cost carrier flynas, based in Riyadh, announces summer connections to Milan, Geneva, Krakow, Rize (Turkey), Casablanca (Morocco), and a new route between Jeddah and El Alamein (Egypt). From June 26, flynas will offer three weekly flights from Riyadh to Milan, and from June 27, three weekly flights to Rize from both Riyadh and Jeddah. The airline operates 139 routes to over 70 destinations in 30 countries, with more than 1,500 weekly flights, serving over 80 million passengers since its inception in 2007.

✈ EasyJet announced the sale of flights for Spring 2026, offering more than 45 million seats on over 250,000 flights between March 23 and June 14, 2026. More than 5 million seats are available to and from Italy across over 28,000 flights. Destinations include Marrakesh, Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Iceland's Keflavik, as well as Ibiza, Malaga, Brussels, and Athens. Tbilisi, Georgia is highlighted as a unique destination. Flights are bookable on easyJet's website and mobile app.

🏖️ Msc Group is developing a new private island in the Bahamas, roughly one-third the size of their other private island, Ocean Cay. Internally known as Little Cay, it will offer luxury experiences and connect guests with nature. The project is in early stages, with collaboration with Bahamian officials and partners. Ocean Cay opened in 2019 and received a $100 million renovation in 2024, adding water management systems, entertainment areas, staff accommodations, a private yacht club, a solar plant, and other amenities.

🏠 The Palace Company acquired Baglioni Hotels in 2022 and announced a new direct management strategy in late 2024. The Mexican group plans to invest 1 billion euros in acquisitions to expand its high-end portfolio. Baglioni will open new locations in Italy and Greece in the coming months. Currently, Baglioni has 5 hotels in Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and London, and 3 resorts in Sardinia, Puglia, and the Maldives. The company targets trophy assets in triple A locations and expects an 8% gross return on investments. The Palace Company also owns Palace, Moon Palace, LeBlanc, and runs the Vacation Club The Palace, with 76% of its revenue coming from direct sales.

🏨 Starhotels, led by Elisabetta Fabri, acquired Hermitage Hotel & Resort in Forte dei Marmi. The eco-friendly family resort, founded in the '70s by the Maschietto family and renovated by architect Vittorio Maschietto, features over one hectare of lush parkland, 59 rooms and suites, a bar-restaurant, and a large pool. The hotel will join the Collezione portfolio at the end of summer 2025, marking Starhotels' first resort acquisition. The deal aligns with Starhotels' luxury market growth in Tuscany, where the company began 45 years ago. Upcoming investments will enhance the property's distinctive identity and guest experience, maintaining operation in spring and autumn, including a new spa. The acquisition is part of Starhotels' 2024-2025 developments, which include the September 2024 reopening of Rome's Hotel d'Inghilterra, the summer 2025 opening of Hotel Gabrielli Venezia, and the launch of Teatro Luxury Apartments Firenze.