Innovazione

☕ Rhea will be at HIP - Hospitality Innovation Planet 2025 in Madrid from March 10-12, with stand 6C344. Offering an immersive experience focusing on hospitality, Rhea highlights quality, beverage variety, design, and sustainability. The table-top rhTT1 and Fresh Milk machine rhMM2 present a diverse range of drinks including coffee and milk alternatives. The free-standing models rhFS1 and rhFS2, paired with Saphirh snack machines, emphasize quality vending solutions. CEO César Ouro will speak on March 12th about sustainability and inclusive hospitality. Barista On Demand, an autonomous coffee service, represents innovation in the sector. Rhea, established in 1960 by Aldo Doglioni Majer, operates internationally with headquarters in Varese, Italy, and subsidiaries in 10 countries, serving coffee culture in 100 nations.

📊 NielsenIQ expanded its Consumer Panel to 16,000 units, becoming Italy's largest. Data for 2024 shows a 1% growth in Grocery spending with an average receipt of €25.12, driven by a higher purchase frequency (196 annual acts) despite a 0.7% drop in quantity per transaction. Consumers aged 55+ are driving consumption growth, with a 2.3% increase in their basket value, notably among singles (4.1% increase). The affluence of this group is evident, with 66% classified as high-income and spending an average of €2.42 per package. NielsenIQ's integration of Retail measurement and Consumer data offers detailed market insights, enabling businesses and retailers to better understand market evolutions.

🛠 In the hospitality industry, BREM, a leader in thermo-design, is blending functionality with aesthetics through their ESSEN towel warmer, designed by Luigi Brembilla, part of the CROSS FRAME Collection. ESSEN features a single tubular section for an appealing look and high functionality, with a large rectangular frame that increases thermal output. Available sizes range from widths of 40/52/64/70/130 cm and heights of 72/104/136/168/200 cm, with various finishes including classic white sablé, chrome, and gold or silver leaf. ESSEN also comes in an electric version and an ESSEN PLUS model with additional radiant tubes for increased heating needs.

📌 Marcello Mangia, previously skeptical about the future of travel agencies, has launched a new technology platform, Mdestinations, to simplify booking processes for agencies. Mangia, speaking with TTG Italia, expressed confidence in the potential for modern, well-developed travel agencies. He is also considering expanding his company's hotel operations abroad, acknowledging his company's reliability in working with international investment funds.

✈ Emirates Vice President Adnan Kazim announced an expanded agreement with Expedia Group, integrating the New Distribution Capability (NDC) API directly into Expedia brands. This collaboration enables personalized booking experiences and ongoing access to Emirates' NDC content, simplifying the booking process. The partnership will also enhance loyalty programs and provide a broader range of options, including extra baggage and seat selection, creating tailored travel packages with Expedia's global hotel offerings.

📍 Abu Dhabi Pass, a digital tool by DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways, simplifies access to the emirate's offers. Etihad passengers receive an email to access the pass, which includes a tourist SIM with 10GB of data, unlimited public bus access, and 24-hour hop-on-hop-off tourist bus access. Holders enjoy discounts at cultural venues like Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi, special rates at Yas Island attractions, savings at over 200 restaurants, and deals on desert safaris and city tours. The pass aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 to enhance visitor experiences.

✈ Air Europa connects New York, Havana, Medellin, Panama, and Asuncion daily, increasing Cancun and Punta Cana flights to five weekly and adding Madrid to Cordova and Salvador de Bahia four times a week. The airline aims to reach an average occupancy of 84% by transporting 3.3 million passengers with a total offering of 3.5 million long-haul seats, boosted by the arrival of three new B787 Dreamliners to its existing fleet of 26.

🏖 Lombardia ranks third in Italy for luxury tourism according to Demoskopika, scoring 105.7 on the Elite Index, behind Lazio and Campania. Barbara Mazzali, Regional Tourism Councilor, highlights Lombardia's high-end segment growth outpacing traditional tourism. Predictions for 2025 forecast a 2% increase in luxury tourist arrivals and a 1.4% rise in stays. Mazzali emphasizes strategic growth through specialized training, innovation, digitalization, and partnerships with luxury brands to position Lombardia among top global luxury destinations.

🍕 Special guest Koji Nakai brings his unique Japanese cuisine to Nite Kong in Rome for MidNite Chef on March 6. The evening features a fusion of Japanese flavors with signature cocktails by Patrick Pistolesi. The immersive experience includes a four-course meal paired with cocktails, a live soundscape by Giorgio Gigli, and costs €90 per person. Bookings are available through the Superb platform. Upcoming MidNite Chef events include renowned chefs Andrea Antonini, Fabio Verrelli D'Amico, Francesco Apreda, and Anthony Genovese, each presenting a menu with cocktails for the same price, accompanied by jazz or DJ sets.

🚙 In Switzerland from March, autonomous driving (level 3 advanced) is allowed on specific highways, marking Europe's first instance of such vehicles operating without direct human control. Decisions for other roads are up to individual canton authorities. The Swiss government decided this in December, making it the first country to authorize assisted driving cars, which can operate independently except in certain situations where driver intervention is necessary. Drivers must be ready to regain control at any time.