TOP NEWS

🍾 **Panettone World Championship 2025** is set from October 13-17 in Verona, with the final on October 18 at Host Milano. Twelve countries, including Argentina and Japan, will compete in creating three types of panettone. The jury includes Michelin-starred chefs like Enrico Cerea. Key figures involved are pastry icons like Damiano Carrara and Davide Oldani. Organized by Accademia dei Maestri del Lievito Madre and HostMilano, the event will be live-streamed 24/7 by Gruppo Polin.

💻 Nel 2024, in Italia, il 7.2% dei 32,940 hotel sono catene, con 2,400 strutture, un aumento del 10% dal 2023. Le catene rappresentano il 20.7% delle camere, totalizzando 226,000 su 1.09 milioni. Sardegna ha la massima penetrazione al 51%. Gli extra-alberghieri crescono del 18% con 230,000 strutture. Nel 2024, 5 stelle sono il 2% degli hotel, 4 stelle il 20%, 3 stelle il 55%. Il 2025 vede un calo del 10% negli affitti brevi privati.

📈 Italian hospitality sector, July-September 2023: 301k job openings, 62% temporary contracts, focusing on youth (36.3% under 29). iziwork reports 72% under 35 in temporary roles, with Lombardy leading at 48%. Popular jobs: hostesses (62%), waiters (11%). Milan (42%) and South Sardinia (11%) are key locations. Temporary work aids young entry into labor. iziwork uses tech for real-time insights and has 1M+ workers, 1,200 clients in Italy.

🏖️ Elvira Amata, assessore al Turismo della Regione Sicilia, annuncia un finanziamento di 135 milioni di euro per migliorare le strutture ricettive senza consumare suolo. Nonostante una contrazione a giugno e luglio 2024, il turismo è aumentato del 9,7% grazie alla destagionalizzazione. Nei primi cinque mesi del 2025, le presenze straniere sono in crescita. La sinergia tra servizi è fondamentale per lo sviluppo del turismo.

💻 Phocuswright's study explores the shift from 'b2b' and 'b2c' to 'B to AI' in the travel industry. Julie White from Accor acknowledges AI's potential to connect brands and customers. Matthias Keller of Kayak highlights AI's role in offering personalized recommendations. During the 2024 Phocuswright Conference, Erik Blachford, former CEO of Expedia, emphasized the need for significant investments and adaptations. AI's influence is steadily transforming tourism distribution.

🏨 The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel expands with a wellness area, fitness room, and a meeting room for up to 35 guests. Located near the Pantheon, this 5-star hotel, previously a Senate site, was renovated by Studio Marco Piva 7 years ago. It features 79 custom-furnished rooms, some with private terraces. The Michelin-star restaurant Idylio by Apreda blends Italian and oriental flavors. Ranked 137th in FT 1000, it boasts 1,143.7% growth and a 131.7% CAGR.

🚄 Trenord enhances service from Lombard stations to Monza with extra trains from September 5 to 7, 2025, facilitating Formula 1 fans' access to Monza's National Autodrome for the Italian Grand Prix. On September 6 and 7, eight additional trains link Milano Centrale and Monza. On September 7, 21 additional trains connect Milano Porta Garibaldi and Biassono Lesmo Parco, including 12 morning and 9 afternoon trips. Special tickets are available on giteintreno.trenord.it or at ticket offices.

✈️ British Airways is expanding its summer 2026 schedule from London airports, adding long-haul flights. From Heathrow and Gatwick, there will be three weekly flights to Bangkok with 60,000 additional seats. Jamaica gains an extra weekly flight from Gatwick to Kingston, totaling four. The U.S. sees two daily flights to Miami and San Diego, and one to Dallas. Heathrow to Bahrain flights double to daily, with Jeddah at five weekly, and Riyadh and Doha at 14 weekly flights.

💰 Regione Lombardia is offering a €15 million fund until October 9, 2025, to boost competitiveness in the tourism sector. The initiative supports both the renovation of existing accommodations and the creation of new hotels and outdoor facilities like campsites and glamping. Grants cover 50% of eligible expenses, up to €300,000, with a minimum spend of €80,000. Regional Tourism Assessor Barbara Mazzali aims to enhance lesser-known areas' appeal.