Fusioni & Acquisizioni

🏖️ Toscana's tourism in 2024 marked a 2.2% increase in visitors, surpassing 46.8 million overnight stays and 15.1 million arrivals, with foreigners accounting for 57% (over 26.6 million nights). Hotels experienced a 2.4% rise, while other accommodations saw a 2.1% growth. However, for the first quarter of 2025, only 11% of Tuscan operators expect an increase in tourism, 65% foresee consistent volumes, and 23% anticipate a decrease. A dip of 1.9 percentage points in bookings compared to last year was noted, with weakened domestic demand and a slow down from key foreign markets. President Eugenio Giani highlighted global economic uncertainty and European economy downturns but noted Tuscany's appeal and positive signals from non-European countries.

💥 South Korean police raided Jeju Air offices after a plane crash last week killed 179 people. The company's CEO was ordered not to leave the country. Investigations focus on the embankment design and location at the runway's end, where the crash occurred. Offices in the airport and Seoul headquarters were searched.

🏖 Asset Italia 1 Srl, holding about 36% of Alpitour's capital, received acquisition offers for all its shares in Alpiholding Srl and Alpitour Spa from 'Dal 1802 Educazione Cultura Salute Ambiente Tecnologia Srl' and 'Parabensa Srl', which represent 36.03% of Alpitour's capital. Asset Italia 1 Srl also owns 49.9% of Alpiholding Srl. Offers will be evaluated by Asset Italia 1 and Asset Italia's administrative bodies before the pre-emption rights deadline on February 6, 2025.

✈️ Gruppo Lufthansa announced the purchase of 5 additional A350-1000 aircraft, expected between 2028 and 2030. This order adds to the 10 A350-1000s ordered from Airbus in 2023, with deliveries starting April 2026. CEO Carsten Spohr states the new planes will modernize the fleet and significantly cut emissions, aligning with sustainability goals, while also enhancing customer travel experience with top-level comfort.

🛀 Federterme forecasts record numbers for Italy's thermal hotels, expecting over 100 million euros in spending between December 21, 2024, and January 6, 2025. Approximately 500,000 tourist presences are anticipated, with daily spending estimated between 170 and 200 euros. Wellness, prevention, and beauty treatments drive demand, highlighting the strategic role of thermal baths in Italy's tourism industry during the 2024-2025 Christmas season.

🍴 Ca'Pelletti - Cucina sempre aperta, a chain of Romagnolo-style inns, served over 52,000 dishes of cappelletti, 29,000 tagliatelle plates, and 24,000 lasagne in 2024. The brand repositioned from "Locanda di Romagna" to "Cucina sempre aperta" offering an all-day, year-round service. In 2024, they launched "Fuori programma" limited edition dishes every two months and attracted over 26,000 coupon downloads via social media. Events like "Spadelliamo alla grande" and "Torna a Ca' che è pronto" saw participation from 2,000+ guests.

🍷 Valdo, a leader in Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, presents "Valdo Numero 10" for year-end festivities. This unique Millesimato, made with 100% Glera grapes, follows the Metodo Classico with 10 months of fermentation in the bottle and an additional 6 months rest post-disgorgement. It's part of the Collezione Atelier, showcasing Valdo's nearly century-long winemaking skill. Recognized internationally, "Valdo Numero 10" is available for 18€ at official Valdo websites, wine shops, and e-shops.

🏨 By 2025, the hospitality industry will see AI-based CRM systems enhance guest experience through personalized service recommendations and efficient booking management. Chatbots and virtual assistants will improve customer service, while automated check-ins and IoT sensors will boost operational efficiency and sustainability with eco-friendly solutions like LED lighting. Blockchain technology will ensure secure transactions, emphasizing the importance of data privacy. These innovations will be critical for hotels to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer demands.

💰 GlobalData's analysis from January to November 2024 shows a 5.9% decrease in travel and tourism sector deals worldwide, totaling 649 compared to 690 in the same period in 2023. M&A volumes dipped by 0.8%, venture financing fell 25.3%, while private equity deals grew 27.3% year-on-year. Regional variations were observed: North America (-31%), Middle East and Africa (-18.2%), South and Central America (-20%), Asia-Pacific (-2.3%), while Europe saw a 15.9% increase. The USA, China, South Korea, and France experienced declines of 30.2%, 25.6%, 8.7%, and 25% respectively, whereas the UK, India, and Japan saw increases of 10%, 28.9%, and 44.8%.

🍷 Frank Meier, bartender at Ritz Paris, first published the Mimosa recipe in 1936; cocktail possibly created in 1925. By 1966, it became a favorite of British royalty and Alfred Hitchcock. Marking its 40th year in the IBA list in 2024, Mimosa was initially confused with Buck's Fizz in IBA's 1984 official list. It was officially distinguished from Buck's Fizz by the IBA in 2004 and featured in the 2001 film "Rat Race" starring Rowan Atkinson and Whoopi Goldberg. Official IBA recipe: 75ml Prosecco, 75ml fresh orange juice.