Giuridico e Amministrativo

🛑 Alessandro Onorato, Rome's Tourism Councillor, responds to a €20 million fine issued by Antitrust to Coop Culture and six operators over the Colosseum ticketing issue. He criticizes groups that inflate ticket prices, adversely affecting tourists, guides, operators, and Romans. Onorato calls for more protection and control to prevent further abuses, emphasizing the negative impact on Rome's tourism experience and reputation.

🛫 European Regions Airline Association urges the US and Europe to ease trade tensions affecting the aviation market, emphasizing the strategic importance of a stable and open air transport market. Montserrat Barriga, director-general of ERA, calls for the recognition of aviation as a driver of cooperation, commerce, and global mobility, and seeks to maintain trade relations that support economic growth, innovation, and community well-being.

🎲 Italian Government establishes the National Day for historical traditions on November 11. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché comments on the legislation that preserves Italy's cultural values. The law promotes manifestations in historical costumes, unique to each of the 20 Italian regions. The initiative aims to boost cultural tourism competitiveness and tackle seasonal variability. A dedicated scientific committee for historical attire recognition and national lists of associations and traditional events will be formed.

🛑 GetYourGuide, along with Tiqets International BV, Walks LLC, Italy With Family S.r.l., City Wonders Limited, and Musement S.p.A., faces a fine from Antitrust for ticket management at the Colosseum. Country Manager Francesca de Falco refutes the use of automated systems (Bots) for mass ticket purchasing, stating all acquisitions by GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets were manual. The company asserts adherence to contractual agreements with CoopCulture until collaboration ended in June 2023, and plans to appeal to the Regional Administrative Tribunal (Tar) to protect its reputation.

📍 Welcome Travel Group, led by CEO Adriano Apicella, oversees 35% of Italian travel agencies, amounting to 2,606 of the 7,551 total. This network generates 42% of the national turnover, which equates to €2.3 billion of the total €5.5 billion. In specific regions like Liguria and Sardinia, they represent 45% and 30% of outlets but account for 60% and 50% of revenues, respectively. Compared to 2019, the Group's agencies have decreased by 13%, but their turnover has increased by 22%, from €1.89 billion to €2.3 billion. The number of customers has also grown by 4%, from 1.3 to 1.34 million, credited to post-Covid investments and enhanced digital tools.

✈ Volotea, celebrating its 2-year Florence base anniversary, commits to 391,000 seats and nearly 2,600 flights for 2025—3% more than in 2024. With a network of 13 routes, 12 exclusive, the balance is split between domestic (51%) and island (49%) destinations, connecting directly to 5 European countries. A new route to Alghero launches on July 6. The airline employs about 30 people at the Tuscany hub, with a 2024 OTP of 79% and a 97% completion factor.

🏠 On April 9, 2025, the Comune di Firenze introduced new regulations for short-term rentals, highlighted by Laura Masi, President of Fondazione Destination Florence. Masi praised the establishment of a municipal register for tourist rentals and the implementation of thorough checks as steps against illegal rentals while promoting tourism that respects Florence's cultural heritage and local life.

💰 Confindustria Alberghi, Assohotel Confesercenti, and Federalberghi appealed to protect the tourism sector and invest for competitiveness. The tourist tax, established in 1910 and reintroduced in 2010, can now be levied by all municipalities. In 2024, Italy's tourism registered a record 458.4 million presences, yielding €1.024 billion. According to Massimo Ferruzzi, the tax revenue is expected to increase by nearly 16% to €1.186 billion in 2025, with 1389 municipalities applying it. However, less than 20% of the tax is used for tourism-related purposes, with some funds diverted to cover municipal expenses. An amendment may allow up to 50% of the tax to be used for current expenses for 2025/2026.

✈ Travelers face disruptions today due to strikes at Palermo and Milan Malpensa airports, coinciding with easyJet flight attendants based in Italy striking until 14:30. Another strike in Greece has air traffic controllers stopping work for 24 hours, with significant flight interruptions expected by AirHelp. Mariana Giuliano of AirHelp reminds passengers of their EU rights: food and drink after a few hours, alternative flights or refunds, accommodation, transfers, and compensation up to €600 for cancellations or delays over three hours. Passengers should keep all boarding passes and receipts. AirHelp's online assistance is available 24/7.

✈ United Airlines will launch flights between Rome and Denver starting May 2, doubling its year-round non-stop services from Rome to New York/Newark to two flights daily until December 2, 2025. The seasonal direct link from Rome to Washington D.C. is now extended year-round, without interruption from January 6 to February 19, 2026. Seasonal flights from Rome to Chicago O'Hare will operate until December 19, 2025, offering more than a 16% increase in seats from Rome for summer 2025.