Innovazione

📡 FAE Technology SpA has developed advanced technology for Vinservice Micro Matic's "Next" dispenser, enhancing the smart beverage sector's product range for Micro Matic Group. FAE Technology managed development, engineering, prototyping, and final realization of a scalable, modular platform with a multi-touch HMI. The project, involving joint testing with Vinservice Micro Matic's Zanica-based team, aims to reinforce Micro Matic's global leadership in beverage dispensing solutions. The technology is compatible with various product families and will expand Micro Matic's offerings. Micro Matic, headquartered in Odense, Denmark, is part of the group including DSI, Taprite, and Disptek UK, with 11 production sites, 24 offices in 16 countries, over 125 client countries, and employs more than 1600 people, generating nearly €340 million in revenue. The first units are expected to hit the market in 2025, with increased production capacity over the next three years.

🏨 Flora suggests hotels distinguish themselves in competitive city searches by targeting proximity to landmarks (e.g., Colosseo, stations, airports), specific profiles (e.g., business hotels with meeting rooms), and events (e.g., Taylor Swift concert at SNAI La Maura, Internazionali BNL d’Italia near Foro Italico, Champions League final near San Siro). Fresh content like blogs or news sections can enhance visibility without damaging existing SEO. Keywords for family-friendly hotels are also recommended as a growing niche.

🍫 Nutella® launches "Nutella® Buongiorno" limited edition in April 2025, featuring 21 jars each representing an Italian region, to celebrate Italy’s beauty from villages to cities at dawn. Created with ENIT, the collection showcases landscapes and lesser-known spots, aiming to enhance breakfast experiences with regional bread pairings. A QR code on each jar leads to a dedicated page with information on the featured locations. Suggested retail prices: €6.49 (750g) and €7.49 (950g).

📈 In 2024, The Travel Expert saw a 65% increase in business volume from the previous year. CEO Luigi Porro highlighted the growth as a testament to the company's dedication to professionalism, attentiveness, and innovation. Porro stated that The Travel Expert will focus on consolidating effective strategies, improving evolving aspects, and investing in untapped potential in 2025. Two new projects are in the works: 'Tavolo Marginalità' for organizational skills development and initiatives for lead generation and conversion training. CTO Davide Volpe revealed plans to integrate artificial intelligence solutions by the year's end to optimize data analysis and enhance customer offer personalization.

🏦 Takyon, an Italian startup known for digital property of bookings, is expanding its team with five open positions: three in the tech team and two in Business Development. CEO Antonio Picozzi highlighted Takyon's innovative DirectSearch technology and its decentralized ecosystem connecting hotels and travelers. For tech roles, they seek two junior programmers and one senior Full-Stack Developer with at least two years of experience and skills in TypeScript, React, MongoDB, Node.js, and Git. Business Development roles include one junior and one senior Business Development Manager with at least three years of experience, B2B expertise, and a hospitality background.

✈ Virgin Atlantic landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking its first flight to the Kingdom. The service caters mainly to a Saudi market, connecting to 12 North American destinations via Virgin Atlantic and Delta networks, including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Seattle, Boston, and Detroit. Partnerships with Saudia provide links to Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The airline anticipates a deal with the upcoming Riyadh Air in 2025. Additionally, a "Riyadh-based crew" has been trained in Saudi culture to improve the onboard experience for Saudi customers. New daily flights to Seoul are planned, tapping into business travel and leisure interest in South Korean culture, with connections across East Asia through partnerships with SkyTeam members. Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787-9 will operate these flights, available from May 14, 2025.

🏫 The new high-speed train line between Naples and Bari in Italy will open by the end of the year. The link, spanning 145 kilometers, will reduce travel time from 4 hours to just 2 hours. Upon completion, the travel from Bari to Rome will take 3 hours and from Lecce and Taranto to the capital approximately 4 hours. Funding includes a portion of the €25 billion from the PNRR funds aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure.

🏤 High-speed rail between Naples and Bari, Italy, will become operational by the end of the year. The 145-kilometer new railway line will reduce travel time from Naples to Bari to 2 hours, down from the current 4 hours. The project, which is part of a greater effort to decrease travel times across Central and Southern Italy, is partially funded by 25 billion euros from PNRR funds intended for infrastructure enhancements and advanced technology implementations.

🏢 Palladium Hotel Group launches Palladium Pro, a loyalty program for travel agents, wedding planners, and event organizers, offering exclusive benefits, reward points, and discounted stays. Points are transferable to Palladium Rewards, doubling in value, with up to 50% rate reductions, platform activity rewards, free Palladium Academy training, and increasing perks by level. Palladium Pro aims for long-term, beneficial relationships, providing a simplified, personalized experience across all group brands.

🍕 The 11th edition of Food Match in Milan awarded the "Miglior Prodotto Food 2025," a prize established in 2014. Analysis on 18,000 food sector companies showed 86% investing in innovation, with 60% focusing on waste reduction and circular economy, 38% on automation & robotics, and 29% on blockchain for traceability. Trends indicate functional products and nutraceuticals (57%), clean label interest (56%), and personalized products like DNA-based food (nearly 20%). The winning products came from 9 categories, with 3 special awards for Convenience, Packaging, and Sustainability.