TOP NEWS

💰 In Milan on October 8, 2024, studies by Global Blue and Agility Research & Strategy show 19,000 Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) spent over €70,000 each on Tax Free Shopping between September 2023 and August 2024. They represent 0.1% of Tax Free shoppers but account for 13% of total spend, averaging €160,000 per shopper. UHNWI segment grew by 33% since 2019, and their spending increased by 26% post-pandemic. 56% visited Europe, 21% Asia, and 23% both, with France and Italy being top destinations. UHNWIs tend to be repeat shoppers, 23% compared to 7% of general shoppers. They purchased nine brands on average, with two brands receiving 75% of their Tax Free sales. By 2027, a 38% increase in ultra-rich is expected, particularly among Americans, Chinese, British, and Indians. Indian UHNWIs (90%) anticipate growing their expenditure the most, and at least 50% of UHNWIs are part of VIP/VIC programs, with the highest participation by Britons (78%). Indian UHNWIs (95%), followed by Britons (88%), show a high propensity for international travel in the next 12 months.

💰 La Bottega Group acquired the entirety of Palatino Hospitality's capital, which reinvested part of the proceeds into La Bottega Holding, securing a minority stake. This marks La Bottega's third M&A operation in the last year, following acquisitions of Vanity Group and Beltrami, and is a key part of its 'buy and build' strategy aimed at setting a unique standard in the luxury hospitality industry. La Bottega and Palatino will now join forces to provide an integrated solution for upscale hotels worldwide.

🏖️ Basilicata, Italy, witnessed a 60% increase in international arrivals for the summer season compared to 2019. Antonio Nicoletti, the director of the regional Tourist Promotion Company, highlighted a robust framework and a new perspective for local operators. Efforts in destagionalization aim for year-round tourism, as reported by ansa.it.

🏢 The 61st edition of TTG Travel Experience-InOut opened in Rimini with Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè emphasizing the role of AI in tourism development, advocating for data-driven strategies, quality, professionalism, and education. Maurizio Ermeti, president of IEG, highlighted the need for a holistic tourist experience. Rimini Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad discussed year-round regional attractiveness, and Andrea Corsini mentioned a decade of tourism growth in Emilia-Romagna, aiming for an integrated airport system. Technology and AI were also stressed as key by San Marino's Federico Pedini Amati, Ibar's Flavio Ghiringhelli, Astoi's Pier Ezhaya, Fto's Franco Gattinoni, and Federalberghi's Bernabò Bocca.

🌮 122nd stage of the 8th edition of the International Street Food 2024 will be held in Urbino, Piazza del Mercatale, from October 10 to 13, 2024, featuring 150 stops throughout Italy until the end of November. Organized by Alfredo Orofino, President of A.I.R.S., the event celebrates street food with international and Italian regional cuisines, and concurrently takes place in Rivoli, Ancona, and Spesiano. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Urbino and will also visit cities such as Terni, Teramo, and Naples.

🍷 Ciù Ciù, a 50-year-old winery led by the Bartolomei family, expands its prestigious collection for the Horeca channel with three new wines: Piceno D.O.P. Superiore, Pecorino Offida D.O.C.G., and Spumante Pecorino. These wines showcase the deep connection the winery has with the Piceno territory. The Pecorino Offida D.O.C.G. is noted for a straw-yellow color with golden reflections, fruity and vegetal aromas, and Demeter certification for biodynamic cultivation. The Piceno D.O.P. Superiore stands out with a ruby red color, fruit and forest scents, and a Bio Vegan Demeter badge. The Spumante Pecorino brings fresh notes to the portfolio, crafted from 550m high vineyards in Acquasanta Terme (AP), characterized by fine bubbles and a slightly bitter finish, also certified Bio Vegan Demeter.

🏖️ Bernabò Bocca, president of Federalberghi, assessed tourism trends before the 2024 TTG Travel Experience and InOut - The Contract Community event. In 2024, the U.S. market flourished while European markets, including Italy, faced a downturn. Art cities are expected to replicate their 2023 performance, while seaside and less-visited locales may see a decrease but still outperform 2019 figures. Bocca remains optimistic about the robust tourism sector.

📝 The Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (Masaf) announced the third decree granting aid to restaurants, pastry, and ice cream shops. A total of 313 businesses will receive about €7 million, against investments exceeding €10 million. To date, 1,378 companies have been granted €29 million in aid, sparking over €45 million in investments for machinery and equipment. The total fund amounts to approximately €56 million. Additional decrees are anticipated in the coming weeks.

🍺 Birra Peroni, established in Bari since 1924, celebrated its centennial on October 4th, with key attendees such as Michele Emiliano, President of the Puglia Region, and Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari. The current facility spans 185,500 sqm, employs 200 people, and produces 2 million hectoliters of beer annually. Peroni, part of Asahi Group, plans to invest over €10 million in the next 3 years and has already invested more than €40 million. The new bottling line produces 50,000 bottles per hour, demonstrating Peroni's innovation and commitment to sustainability.

🥂 Amaro Lucano partners with 1895 Coffee Designers by Lavazza in their Essenza Lucano bar and flagship store in Bari. The collaboration features innovative cocktails blending Amaro Lucano and coffee, including the Cocoa Reloaded blend. Francesco Vena, CEO of Lucano, highlights the Italian excellence and shared commitment to tradition and innovation. Both companies, with origins in the 1890s, aim to offer unique sensory experiences, combining heritage with contemporary taste exploration.