TOP NEWS

🏠 IHG acquired Ruby brand from Ruby SARL for an initial purchase price of €110.5 million. Ruby, established in 2013, currently operates 20 hotels (3,483 rooms) across major European cities with 10 more (2,235 rooms) in development expected to open within three years in cities including Edinburgh, Marseille, Rome, and Stockholm. Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, anticipates expanding Ruby in Europe and introducing it to the Americas and Asia.

🏡 Palazzo Ripetta, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, became the first in Italy to receive reimbursement from the FRI-Tur fund following approval of the first State of Work Progress (SAL) for a project valued at 8 million euros. On January 10, Banca del Fucino issued 1.5 million euros to the Ginobbi Group for the hotel's upgrades. Overall, the bank reviewed around 70 projects, funding 26 with a total investment of 51 million euros. Funds were used for energy requalification, room renovation, furniture renewal, and digitalization enhancements.

🏕 Enit participates in two international events from today until February 23 to promote Italian tourism: the Belgrade International Tourism Fair and Munich's F.re.e. In 2024, Serbian tourist overnight stays in Italy exceeded 300,000, with a 15% increase in arrivals from 2023, and an average trip duration of 8 days. Germany remains Italy's top inbound tourism country with 14.8% market share, 10.6 million visitors, over 55 million overnight stays, and €7.4 billion spent in the first 9 months of 2024. For the first half of 2025, 1.2 million German passengers already booked trips to Italy.

⛰ Airbnb reveals top winter getaway destinations for Gen Z in Italy: Livigno (32% search increase), Madonna di Campiglio (30% increase), and Cortina d’Ampezzo (18% increase) compared to Winter 2024. Bormio follows with a 19% search rise. Young travelers prefer stays ranging from 2 to 6 days. Globally, Gen Z seeks lesser-known sunny cities and cultural events, with Brazil's Praia Grande and Porto Seguro experiencing a surge in youth travel in Winter 2025.

🚴 Strike of Gruppo Fs Italiane train staff, initially set for February 22-23, postponed to March 18 due to rule changes regarding strike guarantees during holidays. Despite the postponement, national transport strike in major Italian cities confirmed for February 24, with service ensured only during guaranteed time slots.

💡 Ferrovie dello Stato supports 'M'illumino di meno', a campaign for energy saving and sustainability by Rai Radio 2's Caterpillar. The 21st edition focuses on energy waste in fast fashion and solutions for reuse and clothing valorization. Launched on February 16, the National Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles Day, the campaign ends on Thursday, February 21.

🏖 The Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè announced the approval of the DL Milleproroghe, extending deadlines for tourism-related measures. Regions along the Apennine ridge can use 2023 and 2024 budget residues to support tourism businesses affected by low snowfall between 2022 and 2023. Ski area operators have until June 30, 2025, to comply with winter sports safety regulations. The modification deadline for the landscape authorization regulation extends to August 2026. Tourist accommodations with over 25 beds must meet fire prevention regulations by December 31, 2026, submitting a partial compliance report by December 31, 2025.

🏖️ In 2024, the Italian tourism industry witnessed a growth with full recovery of pre-pandemic levels, led by the return of international, especially North American and partly Asian tourists, and the MICE segment. The fourth quarter showed a room occupancy increase by 0.9 points and average room price by 5.3% from 2023. The year's total numbers marked a 1.3-point rise in R.O. and a 7.8% hike in ADR. The luxury sector (5 stars) reached 68.1% R.O. (+2.4 points from 2023) and €610.46 ADR (+5.7%), upscale (4 stars) at 74.5% R.O. (+1.2 points) and €154.72 ADR (+7.2%), and midscale (3 stars) at 72.9% R.O. (+1.2 points) and €71.50 ADR (+10%). Of 39 cities monitored, only Sassari fell below 60% R.O. Roma, Bologna, Milano, and Firenze exceeded 75% R.O., with Venice leading average room price at €247.40 (+5.7%).

🏨 The Italian hotel sector leverages guest welcome books as a key to success and revenue generation. A well-crafted book includes essential property details, local tips, house rules, and GDPR compliance for guest registration—an Italian legal requirement. The shift to digital welcome books offers 24/7 accessibility, dynamic content, cost-saving on printing, and facilitates strategic upselling for increased revenue, like spa packages and culinary tours, all while reducing administrative tasks. Chekin's digital guides enhance guest experience and profitability, offering a 14-day free trial without credit card requirements.

🏨 Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels Italia & Malta, heralds another year of revenue growth, with the international sector being pivotal. The group now encompasses 170 properties with a projected B&B gross revenue of €377 million, up 7% from 2023. Annual average occupancy hit 74%, with a 3.8% average price increase per room. US arrivals constitute 30% of total guests, highlighting the resurgent Chinese and Middle Eastern markets, alongside the emerging Indian market. BWH Hotels expanded with 12 new entries plus 6 upcoming, adding a total of 769 rooms in 2024. SIHO - Hotel Operations, a management company, began managing its first property four months post-launch. BWH is also investing in the future of hospitality through a strategic partnership with Hospitality Innovation Academy (HIA).