TOP NEWS

💰 Garibaldi Hotels's revenue in 2024 hit €20 million, up from €16.5 million in 2023, marking a growth rate of 37.7% from 2020 to 2023. The hotel chain now boasts 14 properties with 1,230 rooms. CEO Fabrizio Prete shifted to direct investment in incoming travel, hiring Luigi Tilotta from international contracts to push this strategy. The brand targets both national and international markets, including South and North American guests, and is branding with international partners, with a new 210-room first-tier branded hotel in Rome opening this year. European leisure markets are also a focus, as relationships strengthen with Eastern European operators. Two new locations, Matera and Gallipoli, were launched in 2024. Garibaldi Hotels encourages advance booking by protecting prices.

🏡 Virtuoso luxury travel network reported a 25% sales increase in 2024 over the previous year, with expectations of further growth in 2025 and 2026. Sales surged by 239% compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Customer booking habits show a 124-day average booking window, up 6%, and a 57% rise in high-ticket bookings over $50,000. Safari and cruise bookings at the same price level jumped by 48% and 64%, respectively.

📅 A new click day for the "decreto flussi" is approaching, allowing the tourism and hospitality sector to request additional quotas of foreign seasonal workers for the upcoming summer season. The click day is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12. Companies can apply for the first 70% of the entries provided by the decree for 2025, with another click day for the remaining 30% planned for October 1.

🏆 Italy introduces a licensing exam for tourist guides, fulfilling a promise after over ten years. The exam, as per Law No. 190 dated December 13, 2023, was published on January 28, with over 4,000 candidates expected. It consists of a written test on various subjects, an oral exam in at least one foreign language, and a practical test simulating a guided tour. Successful candidates will be listed in the national registry at the Ministry of Tourism. Applications are to be submitted via the "inPA" portal within 30 days of the announcement.

🏖️ International arrivals returned to pre-Covid levels in 2024, with spending growth estimated at 4%. Tour operator volume rose by 9%, transport increased by 10%, and the receptive sector grew by 5%. E-commerce growth slowed to +5%. Air transport market surged by 10%, with a real growth driven by passenger increase, especially in the air sector, which represents two-thirds of the entire industry. Despite an 11% increase in transactions, airfares decreased by 2.1%, while car rental prices dropped by 1% with a 7% volume increase. Ground transport prices rose by 4.5% with an 11% transaction increase. Hospitality in Italy achieved approximately €38 billion, up 5%, propelled by higher prices, strong incoming traffic, and a resurgence in business travel. The open-air segment grew by 3%. Organized tourism with tour operators and travel agencies scored a +9%, with package costs up by an average of 12%. Forecasts predict further growth, especially in air transport by approximately 8%, while hospitality, tour operators, and agencies might see a +6% increase.

🏢 New Deal Europe, set for March 25, 2025, at the Congress Centre in London, aims to be the largest in-person business event for Southeast Europe and the Balkans. In 2024, over 90 buyers and 65 suppliers attended, a 30% increase from the previous year. Albania welcomed over 10 million foreign visitors, while Slovenia surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 2023 with a 2% increase from 2019. The event has 10 additional spots for suppliers due to early sell-out, marking it as the most attended edition yet.

🏖️ Tourism trends in Italy show that 57% of tourists view travel as a transformative experience for personal growth and 69% consider rediscovering themselves as fundamental, as reported by TTG Monitor. Gloria Armiri of IEG highlighted the trend during Travel Innovation Day, indicating a shift towards destinations offering evocative aspects such as magic, fairy tales, folklore, cinema, poetry, and music. The importance of food, crafts, and shopping remains a steadfast attraction for visitors seeking value-added experiences. Italy is adapting its tourism offerings to meet these evolving desires.

📍 Polimi's Osservatorio Travel Innovation reports tourism has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with international arrivals and spending up, marking a 4% growth. Transport sector rose by 10%, with airfares decreasing by 2.1% despite an 11% transaction increase. Car rental prices dropped by 1%, with a 7% volume rise. Ground transport prices, however, increased by 4.5%. Hospitality in Italy generated approximately €38 billion, a 5% increase, driven by strong incoming business travel. E-commerce growth aligned with the market at 5%. Organized tourism, including tour operators and travel agencies, saw a 9% increase, with package costs rising by an average of 12%. Future projections indicate an 8% growth for air transport and a 6% rise for hospitality and travel agencies. ????