Innovazione

🏖 Gianpaolo Romano and Cartorange, operating since 1998, expect a turnover of €45 million by August 31, 1995, up from €40 million in 2024. Based in Milan and Florence without physical stores, they employ 400 travel consultants and receive up to 4,000 resumes yearly. The company, which has a majority family-owned stock package, withstood COVID-19 by providing €1 million in provisional advances to consultants. Their own tour operator contributes 25% to the business, targeting the high-end market amid rising airline ticket prices, some up by 30%.

📍 Qantas and Airbus are investing a combined total of 15 million Australian dollars in Climate Tech Partners, a venture capital firm dedicated to funding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects. This initiative, as reported by travelmole.com, aims to support both local and global startups focused on SAF and other innovative technologies, with the first flights anticipated in 2027.

🏖️ On April 16 at 10:00 AM in Rome at Palazzo Wedekind, the General States of Federturismo will take place, featuring discussions on the future of Italy's tourism industry. The event will involve all sectors within the industry associated with the Federation. Sessions will be moderated by Radio 24 - Il Sole 24 Ore Executive Deputy Director Sebastiano Barisoni and will showcase the outcomes of three thematic working groups: Finance and Tools for tourism support, Infrastructure and Transport, and Artificial Intelligence. Confirmed attendees include Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, and Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini. Attendance is by invitation. For more information, contact [email protected].

🏨 Italy's hospitality sector reached €37.8 billion in 2024, a +5% increase from the previous year. Hotel Varese in Rome, founded in 2020, chose Dojo's payment services to enhance customer payment experiences. General Manager Massimiliano Marianecci emphasized the need for advanced tools, which Dojo provided, including immediate transaction credits, Dynamic Currency Conversion for international tourists, and reliable Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity. Dojo's Country Manager for Italy, Antonio Di Berardino, highlighted the aim to simplify payments for both clients and operators.

📢 HotelPartner Revenue Management collaborates with the Berlin School of Economics and Law to support digitalization and young talent, focusing on AI, career, and cooperation. The partnership includes an event at the ITB trade fair in Berlin, organized by Prof. Dr. Sandra Rochnowski, showcasing research and projects from dual study program students. Founded in 2006, HotelPartner provides custom revenue management in Europe, employs 70 experts, and serves around 500 partner hotels. The company promotes education and innovation, combining academic expertise with practical experience for sustainable industry innovation.

💰 Milan, with 43% of Italy's Tax-Free Shopping spend, sees a +10% year-over-year increase. The U.S. leads extra-EU nationalities with 17.8% of Design Week tourism demand. The most sought-after dates are April 8 and 11, 2025. Arab tourists top spending volumes at 16%, surpassing the Chinese at 12%. Chinese visitors spend the most per receipt (€1,982), followed by U.S. tourists (€1,756). Milan's central station area is the most popular, and the Fashion & Clothing sector accounts for 80% of Tax-Free Shopping.

🔓 Domia Mini by AGB offers a reliable, flexible, and easy-to-install access management system with a modern design, ideal for retrofitting existing doors or new installations. It requires no wiring due to battery operation and installs with just two screws without replacing existing locks or cylinders, making it perfect for those wanting to update their access system without structural changes. Guests can access rooms with physical (cards, tags, bracelets) or digital (links or apps) credentials, managed locally or remotely. The system integrates with AGB components, such as locks and energy saver pockets, and uses cloud-based Accexi software for a secure, personalized access experience. Domia Mini comes in various finishes and handles, with the option of a mechanical emergency cylinder, ensuring access at all times while balancing security and convenience.

📈 L’Astrolabio, owned by the Aronson family, reported a 15% growth in 2024 over 2023 across its four agencies in Milan and Bergamo. Key to success: efficiency, service personalization, adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence, advanced CRM, and investments in digital communication. AI improved visibility, optimized advertising campaigns, and real-time market response, with optimism for future tech integration, flexible payments, and a focus on sustainable tourism.

🚀 Wizz Air announced its "Customer First" transformation plan, including a Customer First Compass, to place customers at the center of all operations, as stated by corporate and esg officer Yvonne Moynihan. The company will invest €14 billion over the next three years to enhance customer touchpoints, focusing on punctuality, affordability, innovation, and service. The plan comprises four pillars: product (modern, sustainable fleet), price, service (improved operational reliability), and communication, with strengthened customer support and the elimination of the call center's premium line. Additionally, this summer, Wizz Air will launch the MyJourney feature on its app for real-time travel updates.

🏖️ Thailand's Tourism Authority launched the "Thailand Digital Arrival Card" (Tdac) platform online set to fully operate from May 1, 2025, aiming to become a leading smart tourism destination. Tdac allows travelers to pre-register and submit personal data online, significantly reducing immigration wait times. It integrates with other government systems, including E-Visa and health screening processes. Travelers must complete Tdac within 72 hours before arrival, and the digital card is emailed to be printed or saved on a smartphone.