TOP NEWS

🌿 Fondazione Qualivita published a study in March 2024, with MASAF's support, analyzing 30 Italian DOP and IGP agri-food products using the FAO-oriGIn methodology. The report covers economic resilience, environmental integrity, governance, and social well-being. The dairy sector leads in sustainability with 38 out of 45 indicators, while opportunities for improvement highlight climate risk management, GHG emissions reduction, soil and water conservation, and safety awareness.

🏙 Lake Garda Hospitality Summit 2024 attracted over 300 participants, including managers, entrepreneurs, five Federalberghi Presidents, and the Fondazione Destination Verona Garda. Organizer Maurizio Galli, with Formazione Alberghiera, emphasizes the need for specific skills in the hospitality industry, offering over 3,500 hours of practical training annually to various accommodations. Efforts focus on revenue management and economic autonomy. The 2025 event aims to expand nationally, addressing Italian tourism challenges. Formazione Alberghiera, established in Verona in 2018, is renowned for its practical approach to tourism sector training.

🏖️ The International Tourism Forum is set to return with the aim of establishing a 'Pact for Tourism'. Organized by Mitur for the second year, it will gather institutions and industry stakeholders in Florence at the Fortezza da Basso from November 8 to 9, preceding the first-ever G7 for tourism in the same city from November 13 to 15. The forum's agenda includes ten panels, addressing themes such as Jubilee, Innovation, Skills, Sustainability, Quality, Growth, Accessibility, Well-being, Blue, and Mountain, highlighting events like Rome's 2025 Jubilee and the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

🌟 CSM Ingredients, including HIFOOD, released their third Sustainability Report, detailing progress and commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. In 2023, the company's sustainable approach focused on reducing waste, using renewable electricity, ensuring ethical labor conditions, and promoting product innovation. 74% of palm oil and 55% of direct cocoa supply were certified sustainable. 62% of energy came from renewable sources, 73% of waste was recycled, and packaging reached 87% recyclability. New hires under 30 made up 32% of recruitment. 🌿

🏖 American Express Italia's Amex Trendex report states 38% of Italians plan to buy activities for partners and 18% for children. Travel is the preferred experience (59%), followed by entertainment (50%) and culinary events (40%). Over half (57%) will focus on travel this Christmas, with 61% traveling within Italy and 54% abroad. Pleasure travel is chosen by 70%, with 81% willing to pay more for comfort. Average spend: €843 on travel, €525 on entertainment and experiences.

🏖️ Travel Trends 2025 report by Skyscanner highlights a shift towards shared experiences influencing travel choices. AI integration in 2024 has revolutionized the tourism industry, leading to increased customer satisfaction and conversions. Italian travelers seek meaningful moments and community. Cultural tourism drives change with 53% of Canadian travelers influenced by cultural richness. Natural phenomena like the Aurora Boreale interest 56%, while 33% plan trips around specific astronomical events. In 2025, immersive experiences, astrotourism (46% of Gen Z interested), and gaming influence (34% of travelers) will be key, alongside a growing desire for green spaces (71% of travelers). Sustainability becomes a norm with CORSIA in 2027 and the EU's 10% sustainable fuel mandate by 2030. Success in 2025 requires a balance between AI technology and authentic, sustainable experiences.

🍴 Milano, 23 ottobre 2024 - Maria Carmela Colaiacovo, Presidente of Associazione Italiana Confindustria Alberghi, highlights the increasing importance of food and beverage (F&B) in the hospitality industry in enhancing guest experiences and the strategic role of local products in sustainable development. The "Food & Beverage Hospitality Forum" was held at the 10 Watt, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and local ties. Discussions included sustainable F&B management, innovative dining formats, and technology in service efficiency, with input from experts like Enrico Buonocore, Graziano Debellini, and Roberta Garibaldi.

🍷 From 8th to 12th November 2024, the Merano WineFestival returns, featuring 160 Italian organic wine producers, 330 Italian and 110 international wineries, and 120 champagne and classic method producers. The event starts with bio&dynamica & more and includes the prestigious WineHunter Award Platinum ceremony and the introduction of WineHunter Stars. Over 1000 exhibitors, 3000+ wines for tasting, 5400 WineHunter Awards, 39 masterclasses, and 32 showcookings will be part of the festival, culminating in the "Quo Vadis?" Summit with 6 talks. Tickets are available online, with single-day passes and multi-day subscriptions.

🏖️ Gianluca Caramanna, Tourism Ministry Councilor, highlights the need for a reliable online platform for tourists in Italy, amidst fake news and scams. The Tourism Digital Hub, backed by PNRR funds, facilitates detailed local information, lodging options, and guides. Barbara Casagrande, General Secretary of the Tourism Ministry, aims to extend the hub's reach to all 500,000 Ateco codes in tourism, building on the initial 20,000 operators. The hub also offers statistics, training programs, and innovative products from startups, ensuring tourists' needs are met without privacy risks.

🌍 The World Travel & Tourism Council's Global Summit will be hosted in Rome in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism. This marks the first time in six years the summit will take place in Europe, with the last European host being in 2019. Key speakers at this year's summit in Perth included environmentalist Robert Irwin and the 68th US Secretary of State, John Kerry. The travel and tourism sector has reportedly reduced its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 8%, despite growth in the industry.