Risorse umane

🏢 Mariagrazia Verna was appointed as the new sales director of Going Tour Operator, with a 20-year career background. In 2024, Going reported a revenue growth of 20% and is on track with its five-year goals set in 2022. Going's strategy includes long-haul tailor-made travel, resort lines, incoming division with Going2Italy, and a focus on dynamic packaging with the recent platform update of Going4You. Verna's focus will be on brand promotion and strengthening the company's market position.

🏥 Carlo Bortott, former president of Fiavet Piemonte and head of Torviaggi in Turin, passed away at the age of 78 due to an illness. Bortott led Fiavet for over two decades, was known for his strong ideals, and fought against illegal competition, significantly impacting the Piedmont travel agencies. His expertise and passion for air transport were well recognized, especially during press conferences at Turin Airport.

👥 Ezio Indiani, GM of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, confirmed as National Delegate of EHMA for another three years, marking his sixth term alongside deputy Damiano De Crescenzo, General Manager of Planetaria Hotels. Indiani has led the Italian Chapter since 2010, fostering significant growth and initiatives such as the European certification for hotel directors and the "Mentor me" project. EHMA, with over 470 members from 24 European countries, represents about 400 hotels, 86,000 rooms, and 66,000 employees. The Italian Delegation is the largest with 117 members. ????

🏦 Ezio A. Indiani, general manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, reappointed as national delegate of the Italian Chapter of Ehma, uniting over 470 members from 24 European countries, 400 hotels, 86,000 rooms, and 66,000 employees. Indiani, on his sixth term, will lead for the next three years, confirmed during the autumn meeting at Borgo Egnazia. Deputy Damiano De Crescenzo, general manager of Planetaria Hotels, also reconfirmed. Indiani has received multiple awards, including the 2002 Hermes Award for best hotel manager worldwide and the 2009 Excellent Award for international hotel management. Knighted by the President of the Republic, he's led the Hotel Principe di Savoia since July 2005. The Italian Chapter of Ehma has the most members with 117.

🏡 Xavier Padovani, co-founder of Experimental Group, highlights Cowley Manor Experimental's hospitality combining 17th-century architecture with contemporary creativity in Gloucestershire, Cotswolds. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the hotel boasts 36 colorful rooms and links historical legacies to modern living. The property, dating back to 1695, was once exchanged by Edward the Confessor and served as a WWII refuge. Cowley Manor features a dining room, cocktail bar, library, garden room, game room, living room, spa, and a soon-to-open stone and wood building. The design pays tribute to "Alice in Wonderland" with geometric decorations and vibrant colors. Materials like lacquer, enameled lava, and marble enhance the colors throughout the hotel. The traditional English pedestal sink reinvented with lacquered wood and lava stone, and the bathrooms feature the Diametro35 series by Ritmonio. Chef Jackson Boxer leads the restaurant, and a spa offers vegan skincare treatments. Guests can experience foraging and seasonal cocktail masterclasses on the manor's grounds. The marketing strategy includes local and global outreach, with constant updates to adapt to market changes.

📍 Samuel Maubanc has been appointed as the new general director of Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) in Europe. His mandate includes leading the association towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and promoting responsible tourism with ports and destinations for sustainable growth. With a background as general director at Neste and general manager at Liquid Gas Europe, Maubanc has focused on decarbonization, renewable development, and green fuels. Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Clia, is confident that Maubanc's leadership will accelerate the cruise sector's sustainability program. Maubanc aims to support the transition to sustainable transport, influence policy makers, and build a secure supply chain for the maritime sector, acknowledging the industry's role in European competitiveness and industrial innovation.

🏠 Salvatore Sozzo is appointed General Manager of Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat by Italian Hospitality Collection, enhancing the 5-star thermal resort's management in San Casciano dei Bagni, Siena province. With 30 years of luxury hospitality experience beginning in the UK and encompassing roles at Forte Village Resort, Marcegaglia Hotels & Resorts, and most recently, Palazzo Doglio Cagliari as General Manager, Sozzo aims to merge tradition with innovation, offering treatments that blend ancient thermal practices with cutting-edge technology for a comprehensive wellness journey.

🚢 MSC Cruise Division, led by Leonardo Massa as Vice President for Southern Europe, competes with Royal Caribbean and Carnival Group. The company is expanding in the USA with the launch of the World America ship in April 2025 and the opening of a new cruise terminal in Miami by summer, involving a €400 million investment with Fincantieri. MSC has 2 brands across 3 market segments: traditional cruises, MSC Yacht Club for upscale clients, and Explora Journey for luxury.

🚀 Alexander Vervoort is the new Commercial Director for Italy and the East Mediterranean area at Air France-KLM. Air France-KLM operated direct flights from 15 Italian airports to Paris Charles-De-Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, totaling over 14,000 frequencies. Vervoort highlighted Italy's importance and his anticipation to collaborate with local partners. Upcoming winter season will see new destinations including Salvador de Bahia, Manila, Malé, and Portland, alongside service quality innovations with new travel cabins and aircrafts. By year-end, Air France will introduce a new luxury first class.

🚢 Luigi Stefanelli, Associate Vice President of Costa Crociere for Southern Europe, aims to reassure travel agencies of close distribution ties at TTG Travel Experience. TTG Italia’s podcast "Gente di Viaggi" featuring Remo Vangelista discusses the cruise company's challenges and future plans. By 2025, Stefanelli is tasked with introducing market innovations and products to stay competitive.