Innovazione

🏖️ Forrester Research predicts the global travel market will grow at a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028, outpacing the world economy. Global travel spending is projected to exceed 2019 levels, reaching over $2 trillion in 2024. The United States and Europe drive this growth, aided by rising middle classes in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. International travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, while the growth of online travel agencies (OTAs) is highlighted, with seven major OTAs accounting for nearly 46% of global online travel spending in 2024, up from 40% in 2022. The United Kingdom leads in online travel expenditure with 71%, followed by China and Australia. In key markets, travel spending accounts for up to 6.5% and 6.2% of total household consumption in the UK and the US/Germany, respectively. The U.S. remains the largest travel market, with spending predicted to reach $650 billion by 2028, up from $566 billion. The travel market in China is expected to recover to 99% of pre-pandemic levels by 2026, marking a significant rebound, while the UK is the second-largest European travel market, projected at $77 billion in 2024.

🍔 Burger King celebrates its 70th anniversary by revamping its iconic Whopper with a new recipe, developed in collaboration with thousands of Whopper lovers, featuring soft glazed bread and juicy grilled beef seasoned with spices, eliminating artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. This change reaffirms Burger King's commitment to quality, taste, and authenticity while continuing its innovation journey.

📢 Celebrating World Tourism Day, Sanpellegrino, Italy's leading mineral water and soft drinks company, has recorded 851 million tourist presences in 2023, generating over €84 billion economic impact. Michel Beneventi, the company's administrator, highlights Sanpellegrino's role in promoting Italian tourism and culture globally. The "Factory of the Future" project, headed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, aims to attract global visitors to San Pellegrino Terme. In 2023, Sanpellegrino contributed €2.54 billion to Italy's economy, 0.12% of the GDP.

☕ Trieste Coffee Festival 2024, in its 9th edition, occurs in October with guided tours, workshops, and competitions like the Capo in B Championship. Organized by Freshmedia in collaboration with Associazione Caffè Trieste, Aries, and others, it coincides with TriestEspresso Expo from October 24-26. Key events include the International Coffee Day, "Aziende Aperte," and "Trieste Coffee Tour." The main theme explores the intersection of coffee with physical and digital spaces. Solidarity initiative "Offri un Caffè Buonissimo" supports A.B.C. Associazione per i Bambini Chirurgici del Burlo.

🍹 The St. Regis Venice, a five-star hotel near Piazza San Marco, revamped in 2019, combines art with mixology in its Arts Bar. The new drink list, "World Wide Icons Pop-Art," features 12 cocktails, including six new signatures inspired by art. Handmade Murano glassware from Berengo Studio and designer Mariapia Bellis complement the drinks. Highlights include "Willful Dart," an Old Fashioned-style rum and bourbon mix, and "Urban Grid," a Gin N° 3 based tribute to Mondrian's Composition C No. III, served in three uniquely shaped glasses.

🏖️ In response to economic uncertainties, the hospitality sector is focusing on local tourism. Post-pandemic "revenge travel" demand has shifted, requiring updated marketing and continuous training in advanced technologies for competitive success. The "staycation" trend, where travelers prefer destinations within 3-4 hours’ drive from home, demands tailored offers to cater to local experiences. Comprehensive multi-channel strategies, including geolocation services and personalized online content for local stays, are crucial. Investing in personalized services and loyalty programs is also advised to build strong customer relationships and ensure growth in uncertain times.

💪 Mondelēz International, global snacking leader, entered the Italian protein bar market with the Grenade brand, post its 2021 acquisition of the UK brand established in 2010. The protein foods and supplements market saw an 8.4% increase in 2023, with 7.42 million Italian households purchasing high-protein products, accounting for about 30% market penetration. Italy's protein bar market is valued at €47 million in 2023, up 16% from the previous year. Grenade's protein bars, rich in protein and low in sugar, will be available from September 2024 in 60g packs in four flavors. The brand will also sponsor AC Milan as the Official Protein Bar Partner and Regional Partner for Italy.

☕ Mikael Jasin, 2024 Barista World Champion, appointed Global Ambassador for Victoria Arduino, an Italian brand known for high-performance espresso machines. Relationship began in 2018 with a course on VA388 Black Eagle, leading to a top six global ranking in 2019. Jasin contributed to the launch of Black Eagle Maverick in 2021 and opened Omakafé in Serpong Tangerang, Indonesia, in 2023. As Global Ambassador, he will promote espresso machines and share expertise, with appearances at SCAJ in Japan and Korea Café Show from November 6-9, and product launches in Vietnam (November 14) and Malaysia (December 3-4).

🥂 The MONIN Cup Italia, a mixology contest for bartenders under 27, concluded with Alberto Gnocchi winning. On September 20, twelve finalists competed at Ex Spaccio delle Carceri in Modena. The "Low is More" theme focused on low-alcohol cocktails. Gnocchi, from "Bar Is The Name," impressed judges with his "Mela Verde" cocktail made with MONIN syrups and will compete in the world final in Bourges in December.

🛠 Ok Home offers comprehensive solutions for short-term rental management, focusing on automated processes such as self check-in and online check-in, which enable guests to enter their accommodations independently using a web app with digital keys or personalized access codes. These systems increase efficiency, improve guest experience, and provide higher security through traceable entries. Additionally, Ok Home's platforms streamline the online check-in process and facilitate direct communication with the official Italian police platform, Alloggiati Web, for reporting guest stay details. Ok Home's calendar integration with major OTAs and channel managers like Beddy and Octorate enhances booking management, while automated messaging and a virtual reception improve guest communications. Advanced systems also monitor real-time energy and gas consumption, helping to prevent waste, reduce operational costs, and support environmental sustainability.