Giuridico e Amministrativo

✈️ By 2050, air traffic demand in Europe is expected to increase by 44% from 2019 levels, as reported by Eurocontrol's Aviation Outlook 2050. However, up to 12% of passenger demand may not be met by European airports due to a severe lack of investment. Aci Europe has identified key actions being taken by airports to manage the capacity crisis, including optimizing existing facilities, implementing new technologies and procedures, better integration of ground operations with air traffic management, and community relations programs. There's an urgent need to update outdated airport slot allocation rules and an emphasis on the role of airport fee modulation to encourage more efficient behavior from users.

💳 In Italy, electronic receipts became mandatory for merchants on January 1, 2022. These receipts are transmitted in real-time to the Revenue Agency and are recorded in a Telematic Register (RT). Digital receipts, on the other hand, are sent to customers via email or QR code, reducing paper use, environmental impact, and costs for merchants. These innovations aim for a more sustainable and practical solution in Italian commerce, enhancing sale traceability and combating tax evasion.

📌 In Florence, Mayor Sara Funaro plans to increase waste tax (Tari) for managers of more than 4 tourist apartments, aiming to fund waste tax reduction for residents. The rental sector, represented by Lorenzo Fagnoni of Property Manager Italia, criticizes the lack of consultation and warns of higher rental costs for tourists. Fagnoni argues tourist rentals produce less waste than residential homes. The administration seeks to address the disparity where large property managers pay the same rate as families.

📌 Booking.com commenced compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the European Economic Area on November 13. The response comes after hotelier associations' accusations. Following its designation as a 'gatekeeper' by the European Commission, Booking Holdings engaged with stakeholders to design conformity solutions, ensuring continuous innovation to meet evolving customer and supplier partner needs.

🛫 Spain's Ministry of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda imposes a €179 million fine on low-cost airlines Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Norwegian Air, and Volotea for abusive practices concerning hand luggage policies. Ryanair faces the largest portion of the fine at €107,775,777, one year after the case opened. CEO Michael O'Leary announces plans to appeal, claiming the fines violate EU law (Reg 1008/2008) and will be overturned. The European Commission has urged airlines to unify luggage policies, while IATA supports airlines, arguing that charging for hand luggage offers consumer choice.

🌊 Italy’s first regulation on underwater tourism, part of the "Ddl Valorizzazione della risorsa mare" initiative, was approved recently. It aims to enhance the sector by mapping marine routes and establishing safety criteria and environmental, faunal, archaeological, and cultural relevance. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè described the move as essential to make Italian tourism more attractive, citing that tourism generates approximately 29% of the value-added and employs about 40% in the blue economy sector. The new law also promotes international cooperation in recreational diving activities.

📌 A travel agency in Saintfield, near Belfast, faced a critical error when IATA, through the BSP system, mistakenly charged them £40,500, threatening their survival. They were informed that this amount would be withdrawn from their business account and ticket sales would be banned due to exceeding their £7,000 BSP limit. For 10 days, reported by ttgmedia.com, the agency could only issue tickets using customer credit cards while unsuccessfully trying to contact IATA. However, a day before their financial year's end on October 30, the funds were returned, safeguarding the agency's financial balance.

🚨 Iata criticizes Spain's fine on airlines for hand luggage fees, claiming it violates European regulations and impacts pricing freedom. This contentious decision described as "terrifying" by Iata could lead to all airlines including the cost in tickets, eliminating consumer choice and value. The confrontation appears to be far from over.

🚢 The Red Sea Governorate received a report this morning about the disappearance of the tourist ship Sea Story during a dive near Marsa Alam, Egypt. Governor Amr Hanafi coordinated a search for 31 tourists of various nationalities and 14 crew members. The tourists had departed on November 24 for a trip until November 29 to Hurghada Marina. Some survivors have been rescued, and the boat had 18 cabins for up to 36 passengers. No Italian tourists were reported aboard.

💰 During Black Friday, Italians plan trips 50 days in advance for short breaks and 85-95 days for longer vacations of up to a month, per Skyscanner. Last year's searches focused on European destinations, with Spain topping the list, followed by the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Best deals were for Madrid, Tenerife, and Prague. More info at www.skyscanner.com.