Giuridico e Amministrativo

✈ IATA highlights airports' inability to meet rising traveler and airline demands, necessitating capacity expansion. A white paper by IATA proposes regulatory changes to push airports to maximize existing infrastructure capacity. Nick Careen of IATA urges for construction to address insufficient capacity but notes political challenges. IATA calls for regulations for airports to periodically review capacity statements, improve capacity where possible, and face consequences for failed delivery.

🛫 The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) has approved the fourth proposal for the revision of the Directive on package travel, shifting focus to the European Parliament. Italian associations representing the distribution sector call for the rewriting of Article 12, which governs withdrawal due to exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances. AIAV, AIDIT, Assoviaggi Confesercenti, FIAVET Confcommercio, and MAAVI warn that the current wording could lead to numerous disputes harming organized tourism. They advocate for a balance of interests and suggest the option of offering vouchers or monetary refunds, a practice that proved beneficial during COVID, to protect both operators and consumers.

❄ Emilio De Risi reflects on past events and industry changes in the "21 Grammi di Turismo" Christmas special. On November 5, 2008, he attended the IAB Forum with over a thousand participants, the day after Barack Obama's election, where the Internet's role in Obama's victory was highlighted. Emilio organized web and tourism conferences, bringing in companies like Google and MailUp, and witnessing shifts such as the initial hostility towards TripAdvisor from hoteliers, which has since diminished. Looking back, he considers the evolution and current state of technology and its communication, suggesting that past insights might inform present innovations. ????

📌 The mandatory requirement for companies to have insurance coverage against catastrophic climate events in Italy was initially set for 31/12/2024, but has been postponed to 31/3/2025 as per the Milleproroghe decree. Matteo Maria Rossi from Borghini e Cossa, in association with the Consorzio brokers italiani, recommends businesses wait for clear regulations before considering market proposals, emphasizing the importance of professional advice for long-term interest protection. Existing policies for catastrophic events need not be immediately replaced or modified, allowing compliance at the next renewal or opportune moment.

🎭 In Malpensa, the 'WOW! Walls of Wonder' project, a collaboration between SEA Aeroporti di Milano and Museo MA*GA, features three site-specific artworks by Italian artists Andrea Crespi, Marco Giordano, and Alice Ronchi. These permanent installations aim to transform the airport experience for passengers, redefining the functional space in a unique way in Italy. The SEA and MA*GA partnership has previously brought experimental projects and installations by Ugo La Pietra and Missoni, as well as collaborations with MEET Digital Center and Andy Warhol Museum.

🎢 Leonardo Massa, managing director of Explora Journeys Italy, aims to redefine the image of luxury cruises in a market that’s still underdeveloped in Italy. Explora Journeys adopts a strategic approach focusing on elegance, exclusivity, and personalization, working closely with travel agencies for education and onboard visits, and employing targeted campaigns and partnerships to inform consumers. Massa mentions plans to introduce a third ship with innovative technologies like LNG to enhance luxury experiences and minimize environmental impact.

🏨 In Spain, a decree enforcing traveler registration in hotels, travel agencies, and car rentals without drivers came into effect in early December after repeated delays. The decree, signed by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has imposed fines up to €30,000 for non-compliance. However, many companies choose not to register due to clients' reluctance to provide personal information, leading to significant issues in the tourism sector. Some also report technical difficulties with the government platform.

📌 Marco Bussone, presidente of Uncem, voices concerns over significant budget cuts affecting local entities, particularly municipalities, in the 2025 budget law. Uncem's proposed amendments to limit cuts and promote investments remain unaddressed, posing risks to community services, inequality reduction, and support for the vulnerable. Bussone emphasizes the need to reform the local entity system and Uncem's willingness to contribute to new pathways.

💸 Aicalf, representing low-fare airlines in Italy, opposes the new 50-cent increase per passenger in the local tax for boarding rights on flights to non-European destinations. The tax applies to airports with annual traffic of over 10 million passengers. Aicalf's president, Alessandro Fonti, warns this hike could harm competitiveness, as demonstrated by studies presented in parliament, and directly affect passengers who rely on the affected airports for travel beyond tourism. The measure contrasts with the Ministry of Transport's plans to reduce the tax nationwide.

🏨 Telepass introduced its Fast Track service at Venice Airport, similar to its existing services at Malpensa and Fiumicino. Customers can access expedited security checks for free. Service includes a dedicated lane, requires showing a boarding pass, and a QR code on a smartphone. Aldo Agostinelli, Telepass's chief consumer sales and marketing officer, emphasizes the aim for seamless mobility and a comprehensive digital experience throughout the journey.