Giuridico e Amministrativo

🏖️ Balearic government aims to curb overtourism by banning new accommodation construction, increasing ecotax, and imposing new taxes on tourist vehicles. Ecotax in June, July, and August to rise from €1 to €2.5 for lowest accommodation category and from €4 to €6 per night for the highest. Cruise ships docking fees to increase from €2 to €6 per night. A new tax proposed on rental and private tourist cars to offset emission impacts. Measures require negotiation with parliamentary groups for approval.

📍 AirExplore, part of Avia Solutions Group, expanded its fleet from 9 to 16 aircraft in 2024, riding the wave of growing international flight demand. While leveraging the full-service ACMI model (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance), they face challenges due to a shortage of available used aircraft, causing lease rates to rise. CEO Martin Stulajter highlights the importance of balancing market growth and fluctuations for long-term profitability and meeting customer expectations for high-quality, reliable service.

🎭 In Rome, on March 6, 2025, ANAC confirmed simplified rules for micro-procurement allowing purchases up to €5,000 without MEPA, valid until June 30, 2025. This affects 250 amusement and theme parks, which host approximately 600,000 youths annually for educational trips and summer camps, as well as cinemas, theaters, museums, and schools. The previous platform requirement since 2023 complicated purchasing for small acquisitions. The parks' sector, with a yearly business value of €15 million, benefits from reduced bureaucratic burden. Contacts: Tiziana Pini (392 8084857), Carlo Menegazzi (338 8525200), Press Office (02 43981646).

📂 In the hospitality sector, the GDPR, enforced in 2018, regulates personal data management in the EU, requiring clear consent, offering right to erasure, and mandating Data Protection Officers (DPO) for larger facilities as per Italy's Privacy Code (D.Lgs. 196/2003) and guidelines by the Italian Data Protection Authority. Safe check-in practices include minimal data collection, informed consent, and robust digital security. Advanced technologies like digital check-in platforms enhance data protection. Remote self check-in systems, while ensuring better privacy compliance, also streamline the guest experience. Ok Home provides a secure, efficient self check-in solution with custom passwords, integrated privacy notices, and autonomous check-in, adhering to GDPR and Italian privacy laws.

📖 Tuscany promotes 'family friendly' tourism in Germany at ITB. Francesco Tapinassi, director of Toscana Promozione, aims to showcase Tuscany by themes and passions. Campaign targets families, including multi-generational travel, significant for Eastern European markets. Clara Savanera, International Relations Coordinator for Toscana Promozione Turistica, highlights trekking routes, amusement parks, culinary workshops, interactive museums, water parks (Livorno, Cecina), and the Tarot Garden in Maremma. Coastal attractions include the archaeo-mining park of San Silvestro, Populonia's archaeological park, and Suvereto's museum with a 50/60 doll collection. A literary itinerary celebrates Carducci's world in Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with statues and museums. 2023 marks 550 years since Michelangelo's birth and 650 years since Boccaccio's death, prompting themed itineraries.

🏖 Matteo Salvini, Italian Minister of Infrastructure, assured beach entrepreneurs of indemnity clarity by March 31 during the General States of Beach Entrepreneurship in Rome. The discussions, initiated by syndicate president Antonio Capacchione, focus on fair compensation for businesses losing their concessions due to the Bolkestein law. A draft decree meeting is set for March 11, considering investments and commercial value. Salvini also mentioned renegotiation of rents and youth employment as lifeguards.

🏖️ Italy's beach establishments represent 40% of its tourism sector, with 6717 enterprises in 2024. 42% are located in the South and on islands, while Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, and Liguria lead with 14.2%, 12.8%, and 10.9% of businesses, respectively. One-third of the establishments cover up to 500 sqm, 30% up to 3000 sqm, and 4% exceed 10000 sqm. Predominantly managed by men (69%), aged 40-64 with high school diplomas. The industry employs around 67,000 workers, 48,000 full-time, averaging 7 employees per establishment. In 2023, Italian beach tourist arrivals surpassed 175 million, with domestic visitors slightly exceeding foreign visitors at 89 million versus 85 million. Revenue-wise, 68% of businesses earn up to €250,000 annually, 18.6% up to €500,000, 10% reach €1 million, and 3.4% exceed that. Over the past decade, investments have focused on services rather than infrastructure. Beach services account for 41% of total revenue, followed by bars (24%) and restaurants (20%), which also help extend the season from 6 to 8 months.

🛫 Silver Airways abruptly canceled all operations at Orlando Airport, leaving customers stranded during a busy weekend. The situation is linked to the airline's ongoing bankruptcy protection and restructuring phase. Speculations suggest a failed contract extension with the airport as a trigger. Despite this, Silver Airways remains active, flying to destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Puerto Rico.

🏖 Volonline Group saw a revenue increase in 2024 with +35% in tourism and +15% in air ticketing. Prospects for 2025 suggest growth of around 46% in tourism and 20% in air ticketing. Ranked 245th out of 1000 European companies by Statista for Financial Times, Volonline experienced a 673.7% absolute growth rate and a 97.8% compound annual growth rate from 2020-2023. Founder & CEO Luigi Deli credits technology, digital developments, and comprehensive business unit creation, including B2B and B2B2C brands, for their positive performance.

🚩 Starting from April 2, European citizens must request an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom for up to six months, valid for two years or until the passport expires. Exemptions include UK citizens and EU residents in Britain. Applications can only be made online, requiring personal and passport details, a photo, and answers to questions. Currently, the fee is £10 (about €12), set to increase to £16, with responses typically received in minutes. It's advised to apply at least three days before travel. Transit passengers also need an ETA unless staying in the international airport area.