TOP NEWS

🍕 Matteo Vari, acclaimed in the media for his pizza expertise, won the Pizza Talent Show and attended the G7 Agriculture in Ortigia, serving ministers from various countries. Recently, he received the “Facce da Spot” award and was recognized as an ambassador for Doc Italy, promoting Italian culinary culture. Vari consults for Molino Signetti and will feature at the upcoming Festa del Cinema di Roma, highlighting the international success of quality pizza dough.

🏖️ In the first two quadrimesters of 2024, the tourism sector grew internationally, with experiential travel expected to exceed a market size of $1 trillion by 2025. The "State of Travel 2024" report by Skift highlights three key trends: the rise of experiential journeys, with consumers prioritizing unique experiences; the impact of social media on direct bookings, with 51% reporting an increase and 34% of younger travelers willing to book through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube; and loyalty programs facing challenges, particularly with only 9% of Gen Z and Millennials engaging with them, indicating a shift towards flexibility and personalization.

📊 Skeepers' research on 72,000 consumers across Italy, France, and Spain reveals 75% consult online reviews before purchasing, with 79% trusting them. A significant 65% value the quantity of reviews, with 60% reading 6 or more. The quality is also critical, with 46% focusing on 5-star ratings. Up-to-date reviews are trusted by 64%, and 63% appreciate prompt brand responses to negative feedback. Most consumers (71%) review within 7 days via smartphones (62%). Visual content like photos and videos in reviews boosts trust for 54% of consumers.

🚧 Tourism workers protest for contract renewal on Tuesday between 10 am and 12 pm, organized by unions Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl, and Uiltucs Uil, due to the non-renewal of the national collective contract by companies under Federturismo, Aica - Confindustria. Following initial protests in Cagliari last month, further demonstrations are expected across Sardinia and Italy.

🏨 HNH Hospitality, founded in 1999 by Loris Boccato and Marina Drighetto, saw CEO Luca Boccato lead a record growth year in 2023. The company closed 2023 with a net profit of €6.4 million, a 47.8% increase over the previous year’s €3.4 million. Revenue grew by 42.3% to over €106 million, driven by the Leisure segment and international demand, particularly from American clients. EBITDA rose by 35%, investment doubled, debt service flow halved, and liquidity at year-end increased by 22.5%. Operational cash flow increased by 51.2% to €19.5 million. The acquisition of Pullman Almar Timi Ama resort in Villasimius expanded the group’s operational scope. HNH also invested in sustainability, saving over 6,800 tonnes of CO2 with innovative technologies. Occupancy rates in 2023 returned to pre-pandemic levels at 73.5%, with a RevPAR increase to €116.2.

🍷 After a successful launch in Turin last February, the Salone del Vermouth will take place on October 5 in Florence and October 6 in Bologna at The Social Hub. Top vermouth producers, including Carpano, Punt e Mes, Antica Formula, and Martini, will feature traditional and innovative blends. The event includes a week of off-site tastings at prominent local bars and restaurants, with over 5,000 attendees, 40,000 tastings, and 500 bottles sold at the Turin event.

🍷 Antonio Rallo, president of the Sicilian DOC Wine Consortium, addressed climate change challenges at the "Resilience, Research, Strategy: Sicily Governs Climate Change" conference on September 22 in Siracusa, during the G7 Agriculture Expo Divinazione. Strategies for sustainability and biodiversity are emphasized to combat viticulture issues. Luigi Pasotti from SIAS detailed Sicily's complex climate situation, with a significant increase in spring precipitation in 2023 leading to disease, and an early harvest in 2024 due to rain scarcity and rising temperatures. Assovini Sicilia reported that 80.5% of members introduced new technologies, 22% are involved in experimental projects, and 20.3% collaborate with research institutions. SOStain Sicily Foundation, established in 2020, aims to promote sustainability, impacting not just agriculture but also worker well-being and consumer health. The Sicilian wine sector, with its innovative approach, is actively facing future challenges to maintain quality production.

🏖️ L'Italia registra un tasso di prenotazione online del 39%, secondo al Mediterraneo. Le destinazioni più popolari: località lacuali/balneari (50%), termali (46%), montane (44%). Affitti brevi tramite OTA preferiti al 42%, con prezzo medio di soggiorno a 160€, inferiore alla media e in aumento del 3%. Le località balneari di Abruzzo (65%) ed Emilia-Romagna (61%) guidano le prenotazioni OTA, superando la media nazionale (50%). Sardegna presenta il prezzo medio più alto (256€). A agosto, calo prenotazioni aeree del 3% rispetto al 2023, con aumento domestico del 12%, USA (12%) e Roma (34%) principali mercati e hub. Permanenza media in Italia: 8,4 notti; europei (6-7 notti), USA (11 notti), italiani (6,9 notti). Bandiera blu 2024, Gallipoli la più ricercata (132mila ricerche), Budoni (+49% vs '23).

📌 In Italy, property managers offering short-term rentals must navigate the complexities of VAT (Partita IVA) compliance. If managing more than four properties or providing additional services, obtaining a Partita IVA is mandatory to ensure compliance with Italian tax laws. The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, with a reduced 21% flat tax option ('cedolare secca') for certain residential leases. Key regulations include displaying a National Identification Code (CIN) on listings from 2024 and reporting guest information to authorities within 24 hours. Automated check-in solutions like Chekin streamline operations for over 80,000 properties, offering features like online ID verification and ensuring regulatory compliance.

💸 Emanuele Zuanetti, CEO of Gruppo Germinal, on European Organic Day, established on September 23 by the EU Parliament, Commission, and Council, emphasizes organic as an ethical, healthy, and conscious consumer choice. In the first half of 2024, the Italian organic sector grew by 3%, outdoing the overall food growth, reaching €2.1 billion in 2023 and €1 billion in the first five months of 2024 despite a -1.7% decline in 2023. Volume growth at 2.6% suggests this isn't just inflation. Germinal Bio leads the organic snack market with over 40% share, focusing on short, controlled, and certified supply chains for raw materials.