Giuridico e Amministrativo

💻 Abta, the association of British travel agents, launches an AI tool to assist agents. In partnership with Data Driven Legal, they offer a free 30-minute helpline service covering AI risk assessment, transparency, accountability, and support on cybersecurity, employment law, mergers, acquisitions, recruitment, tax, and financing.

💸 Vueling is challenging a fine imposed by Spain for carry-on luggage fees, filing an administrative appeal on January 29 and seeking an injunction to suspend the fine until a final court decision, which is expected by mid-year. The airline argues the fine contradicts European regulations.

🏕 Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, a new visionary project part of Vision 2030, was promoted at ITB Berlin where Diriyah Company launched their 'Land of Firsts' campaign. Kiran Haslam, Diriyah Company's CMO, highlights the city's modern yet culturally rich experiences, aimed at a "mature" European market. Europe remains a key visitor source, especially Italy over the past 3.5 years. With Riyadh Air and Saudia, Diriyah seeks direct flights from Italy, Germany, and Spain. The luxury segment, supported by 37 hotel groups including Oberoi, Six Senses, Four Seasons, aims to attract diverse markets with the goal of 15 million annual visitors by 2030.

💰 Several Italian travel associations, including AIAV, Aidit, Assoviaggi, ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi, Fiavet, FTO, and Maavi, have addressed a joint note to Italian MEPs, the European Council, and other key stakeholders regarding proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive. The contentious amendments, from a draft report dated February 25 by MEP Alex Agius Saliba, suggest limiting package travel deposits to 25% and requiring balances to be paid 28 days before departure. The proposal, set for a final vote on June 26, 2025, could significantly impact small and medium enterprises within the tourism sector by restricting market competition and imposing financial challenges, as advanced bookings are a critical market lever and businesses would have to cover significant upfront costs. Associations are calling for urgent political intervention to ensure a fair and sustainable resolution for both businesses and consumers.

🚫 The new Italian Road Code effective from December 14, 2024, has led to CGA by NIQ's study on its impact on Horeca sector consumption. The survey found 46% plan to change their habits, with Millennials at 49% and 55% in Milan residents. A 44% reduction in bar and restaurant attendance is expected, particularly among Gen Z and in big cities such as Rome and Milan. Gen Z is also driving a 37% shift towards non-alcoholic alternatives, and an increased interest in low/no alcohol options is noted among Gen Z and Millennials. The sector must adapt to changing consumer behaviors for continued success.

🍓 Planter Burger, a new plant-based culinary creation, combines fresh arugula, marinated red cabbage, marinated zucchini, and sesame seed mayo with a chickpea, rice, and beetroot patty, plus citrusy carrot hummus. Created by the partnership of Botanical Burger, Flower Burger, and Cucina Botanica, it's inspired by Planter app's philosophy of offering balanced, personalized plant-based meal plans. The limited edition Planter Burger is available at all Flower Burger locations in Italy, and with each purchase, customers get a 15% discount voucher for the Planter website. Carlotta Perego and Matteo Toto emphasize the burger's nutritional balance, rich plant variety, and fulfillment of eating plant-based without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

🍣 Italy is the third-largest market for Norwegian salmon, with nearly 10% of Norway's production consumed there. In the last decade, Italian consumption of salmon has more than doubled. In 2024, Italy imported over 6 billion NOK (approx. 550 million euros) worth of Norwegian salmon, one of the highest figures in recent years. Italians consumed nearly 140,000 tonnes of Norwegian salmon last year. About 1,000 poke restaurants are currently in Italy, with expectations to reach about 2,000. Tom-Jørgen Gangsø, Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council in Italy, notes a high number of sushi and poke restaurants, with salmon dishes being highly requested. Nearly 80% of Italians deem fish origin labeling important, and 70% consider sustainability a key factor in purchasing decisions. The Norwegian Seafood Council is a part of Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.

💰 Acqua Sant’Anna Spa awarded the Alta Onorificenza di Bilancio at the 61° Premio Industria Felix - Il Nord Ovest in Milan, recognizing its managerial performance and financial reliability. The company, based in Piedmont, achieved a growing revenue of €320 million, is known for its continuous economic growth and technological innovation in the mineral water sector. Its modern Vinadio (CN) facility constantly upgrades with robotic solutions, leading to high production volumes. Recently, it acquired the French brand Eau Neuve to expand internationally.

✈ Indigo, India's largest airline by passenger volume, has launched two long-haul routes to Europe, flying to Manchester and Amsterdam. This expansion is notable as Indigo, a low-cost carrier, uses leased aircraft from Norse for long-haul operations. With no restrictions on flying over Russian airspace, unlike EU carriers, Indigo offers competitive prices and shorter routes to Europe. This move indicates India's dynamic aviation market and Indigo's strong entry into the European sector.

🚀 MSC and its founder Gianluigi Aponte, in collaboration with Blackrock and other investors, have recently acquired ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong's CK Hutchison. Aponte joined Blackrock-led syndicate, aiming to influence the development of targeted enterprises, reflecting his potential interest in the international tour operating market, including the Alpitour operation. However, negotiations with Alpitour have stalled, despite the airline Neos being a key attraction for Aponte. MSC and Blackrock have previously co-invested in Italo, suggesting future joint ventures. MSC's expansion is expected to continue for at least the next two years.