Innovazione

🗣 Julia, a new chatbot for the Comune di Roma, is set to launch in early March. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that Julia is undergoing final technical tests. Businesses related to tourism in Rome are encouraged to register on the certified database at 060608.comune.roma.it to provide chatbot responses. Julia, accessible via phone call, not an app or website, will support 60 languages and feature AI to answer any question.

🏡 "Dream of the Desert", the first Italian five-star train in Saudi Arabia, designed by architect Aline Asmar d'Amman of Culture in Architecture, features 14 carriages and 34 luxury suites. The train reflects the charm of the Arabian desert, with sandy tones and premium materials honoring local craftsmanship. Paolo Barletta, CEO of Gruppo Arsenale, announced operations will begin by the end of Q3 2026, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to boost high-end tourism and showcase local culture. The initiative includes cultural programs in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and president of SAR, highlighted its strategic importance for Saudi transport and logistics network development.

🔎 Scalapay's study on e-commerce reveals by 2025, 40% of users are willing to accept AI product recommendations and automate daily shopping, with 34% open to purchasing solely via virtual reality. Privacy concerns are high, with 79% worrying about online transparency and 72% fearing improper data collection. Personalized shopping experiences, data protection, content overload management, and emotional connections are key challenges brands face to stay competitive. Short-term financing and invisible payments can enhance customer satisfaction, while delivery efficiency is crucial for modern consumer expectations. Scalapay CEO Simone Mancini emphasizes the importance of using data to improve customer experience and meet their needs.

📈 During the Travel Innovation Day 2025 at Politecnico di Milano, Umberto Bertelè emphasized the need for businesses to rethink their processes radically due to AI in the tourism market. He highlighted the importance of strategic foresight in implementing new operational models. According to Focusright, 67% of travelers struggle with comparing rates and identifying advantageous offers, while 8% find difficulties even in payment. The Chinese company Deepseek's case demonstrates that strategic vision is crucial, and not necessarily large funds, for simplifying data utilization and enhancing business intelligence. AI agent Operator by OpenAI promises highly personalized travel planning, posing the question of what unique value human travel agents can offer.

🎸 Costa Crociere focuses on product and distribution, maintaining its 2024 strategy into 2025. The cruise sector, with Italy as a key market, recorded 14 million passengers in 2024, aiming for 40 million globally by 2027. Costa targets the youth segment, offering a 10% discount for under-35s and themed cruises. Partners benefit from a value-driven relationship, with base commissions plus periodic incentives. Promotions like "Bevande gratis" support sales, with bookings available until March 3 for departures through November 30, 2025. Repeat customers enjoy C|Club benefits, with new experiences slated for the 2025-26 winter, featuring cruises in the Canaries and comprehensive itineraries in the Far East.

🚢 Msc Crociere strengthens its presence in the United States by announcing a new ship at Port Canaveral, joining the Florida port's winter 2027-2028 Caribbean 7-night itinerary offerings. Leonardo Massa, vice president, emphasizes the strategic significance of Port Canaveral for the market expansion. Msc Grandiosa will offer year-round 7-night Caribbean cruises starting winter 2026-2027. Msc Seashore to provide 3 and 4-night Bahamas cruises throughout the year. Fleet continues to embark from PortMiami, with a new terminal opening this year.

✈ Travelers, or "transumers," seek experiences at airports worldwide, leading to amenities catering to all tastes. Doha airport boasts a 25-meter Olympic swimming pool, while Singapore's airport features a rooftop pool with a bar. JFK in New York and Charles de Gaulle in Paris offer 24/7 gyms. Yoga classes are available at Dallas-Fort Worth and San Francisco airports, and walking paths are created at Cleveland, St. Louis, and Indianapolis airports. Cultural experiences include admiring artworks at Amsterdam's terminal with Rembrandt pieces, and Roman artifacts at Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Portland International Airport in Oregon has a free 17-seat cinema, with similar offerings in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Minneapolis. Slot machines are available at Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Las Vegas airports. Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden allows couples to marry at a 82-meter high control tower. For relaxation, airports like Bergamo offer NapCabs, soundproof capsules with comfortable seating or beds.

💾 Ixpira launched a new version of its B2B platform today, designed for travel agencies and hotel partners. CEO Guy Luongo stated 2025 is a year of transformation and growth. The update includes a QR code voucher system to eliminate paper documentation, high-definition images, interactive maps, and certified reviews. A chatbot for real-time customer support will be added mid-February, offering 24/7 personalized assistance, and will later integrate with WhatsApp. The final website version will feature a storytelling section about the company and a blog with exclusive industry insights and previews of special offers.