Giuridico e Amministrativo

🕊 Over 1 million pilgrims visited Rome in the first month of the Jubilee, according to Mayor Gualtieri, despite criticisms of a Holy Year flop. ENIT cites a slowdown in American tourism, with late bookings post-Trump elections, affecting Rome's primary market by value and second by volume. Tourism councilor Onorato acknowledges a drop, especially in non-hotel accommodations, while Federalberghi's President Roscioli warns of an oversupply in short-term rentals.

✈️ Belgian air traffic is returning to normal following a technical fault in the Skeyes control system which led to the closure of the country's airspace, affecting national and international connections. Flights experienced delays or were diverted to other European airports, with Zaventem, Antwerp, Ostend, Charleroi, and Liège airports specifically impacted.

🏖️ Civitatis, a company specializing in selling activities and experiences, targets a 40% global revenue increase beyond the Italian market. In Italy alone, sales growth is aimed at 60%. International markets, such as Mexico and Brazil, have seen growth over 60% and 70%, respectively. By 2025, Civitatis anticipates over 60% growth in Italy, as stated by founder and CEO Alberto Gutiérrez, focusing on unique, high-quality experiences for Italian travelers.

🛫 British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confirmed the expansion of Heathrow Airport with a third runway, despite environmentalist protests. The project, along with expansions at Luton and Gatwick, could increase the UK's GDP by 0.45% by 2050 and create over 100,000 jobs. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) expressed concerns about potential rises in already high airport fees in Europe. They advocate for immediate measures such as reducing air ticket taxes and offering incentives for sustainable aviation fuels.

🏡 Valencia sets a 2% cap on tourist apartment rentals within each district to preserve the residential nature of the city. The new regulation will block new licenses in areas like Ciutat Vella or Cabanyal, where the limit has been exceeded. The bureaucratic process for the rule might begin as early as next Friday, despite opposition's dissent.

🌍 Volonline Tour Operator boosts Africa travel following a successful 2024, with strong bookings for 2025, particularly for Namibia and South Africa. Angelo Cangemi highlights dry season travel and nearly 250 online itineraries. Clients include honeymooners, families, and youth. A strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines enhances connectivity and affordability. Ombretta Michieli mentions collaborating with South African Tourism Office and offers travel agent events across key Italian cities. Tours combine African destinations with Indian Ocean islands, with Kenya and Tanzania also offered as standalone destinations.

🌿 Italea, a project of Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched in 2024, aims to foster the return of Italian emigrants and their descendants, as part of the 2024 "Anno delle Radici Italiane nel Mondo" under the Pnrr project, backed by NextGenerationEU funding. In 2024, travelers of 'root tourism' spent approximately €5 billion, with expectations to reach €5.5 billion by 2026. Last year, arrivals for 'visiting the place of origin' exceeded 6.6 million, a 6.2% increase over early year predictions, generating about 34.4 million tourist stays. This form of tourism highlights areas often overlooked by mainstream Italian tourist routes, promoting sustainable tourism in regions affected by low growth and depopulation, from where 95% of Italian emigration originated.

✈ Air Transat announced its direct summer flight plan from Italy to Canada, offering up to 19 weekly flights during peak season. Starting April 19 with Rome-Montréal becoming daily from June 15. Rome-Toronto begins May 2, daily from June 9. Venice-Toronto launches May 3, Venice-Montréal on May 5, and Lamezia-Toronto on June 12. Air Transat has operated in Italy for 37 years, offering direct flights from Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, and Lamezia Terme to Toronto and Montréal, plus connections to Lima, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Florida, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. Tiziana Della Serra, Rephouse's managing director and head of sales & marketing, highlights Air Transat's long-standing collaboration with Italian trade and operators.

🛫 Lufthansa acquires 10% of Air Baltic with a €14 million investment and will finalize the deal in Q2 2025, subject to EU Antitrust approval. The German airline also secures a seat on Air Baltic's board, strengthening their existing partnership. Previously, Lufthansa took over Ita Airways and surpassed Air France-KLM for a 20% stake in Air Europa.

🌊 Celebrity Cruises orders 10 river cruise ships, accepting bookings this year for cruises starting 2027. President Jason Liberty of Royal Caribbean Group cites half of their guests are interested in river cruising. Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity President, aims to redefine sea travel with high-quality hospitality and authentic itineraries. This move is expected to enhance customer engagement and loyalty within their vacation offerings ecosystem.