TOP NEWS

🏠 Schüco has transformed an old barn into the charming Vineho hotel in Barolo, a renowned location in the province of Cuneo. Architect Paolo Mario Ornato designed the project following bioarchitecture principles to respect the environment and enhance the UNESCO heritage Langhe landscape. The hotel features a sustainable design, six apartments with essential amenities, a pool, and a relaxation area. Emphasizing sustainability, Schüco aluminum frames were chosen for their high thermal insulation and acoustic performance, complemented by energy-efficient photovoltaic panels and water conservation practices. Local suppliers were prioritized to support the green ethos. Millone Serramenti, a Schüco Premium Partner, collaborated closely with the designer, ensuring impeccable installation of the aluminum systems, including Schüco ASE 67 PD panoramic sliding systems and Schüco AWS 75.SI+ and ADS 75.SI+ systems for fixed glazing, windows, and entrance doors, respectively. The hotel promotes inclusivity with Schüco SafeMatic motorized locks integrated with the hotel's domotics system.

🚀 Starting from tomorrow, the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Rome's Termini Station will offer two more evening services departing from Rome at 23:35 and from the airport at 00:23. The initiative, as stated by the Lazio Region's Transport and Mobility Councillor Fabrizio Ghera, aims to improve connectivity for late-night flight passengers and airport workers, especially in anticipation of the upcoming Jubilee.

🏖️ 93% of the Touring Club Italiano community (300,000+ members) vacationed between June and the present. Italy was the top summer 2024 destination (67%), nearly matching pre-pandemic levels (63% in 2019). 33% traveled abroad, mainly to Europe (28%). Top Italian regions visited were Trentino-Alto Adige (16%), Tuscany and Sardinia (10%), and Puglia (9%). 38% stayed within or near their region. France (17%) was the most visited foreign country, followed by Greece (16%), Spain (12%), and Norway (6%). Beach destinations saw a small decline to 38%, while mountain trips increased to 20%. Road trips in cars, motorcycles, and campers accounted for 19% of travel, not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels. Art cities (7%) remained popular. Summer 2024 saw a preference shift from August (48%) to July (34%). Cars dominated travel means (53%), but air travel (26%) is recovering. Hotels and resorts were the preferred accommodation (44%), with holiday homes (12%) maintaining popularity.

🏠 Francesco Dicuonzo, CEO of LVG Hotel Consulting, launches an AI platform named Diamonds Hub for hotel management services. Claudio Lavagna, president of LVG, highlights its ability for detailed problem analysis and AI-assisted data interrogation. FrancisAI, the AI interface of Diamonds Hub, and Diamonds Training, an online micro-training for hotel staff, are set to debut online on October 8.

🏖️ September in Italy sees an estimated €6 billion spent by over 8.5 million foreign tourists, according to Cna Turismo e Commercio. Italiaoggi.it reports that the annual forecast suggests 32 million foreign stays, up from 30 million in 2023, with an average stay length of 3.7 nights. Germans top the visitor list, followed by Brits and Northern Europeans, with the US leading outside Europe, and the Far East following.

💰 Salvatore Sicuso of Boscolo Tours reports a "+26% revenue" and "+20% passengers" in summer 2023 compared to last year. The company is ready for the winter season with a specialized catalog distributed to travel agencies. Boscolo Tours offers thematic trip categories: Christmas Markets, Christmas and New Year's, Cold Places Magic, and Long-Distance Winter Travel. Zuleica Ferrari highlights Scandinavia and Iceland trips enriched with winter activities. The company boasts a 40% repeater clientele rate.

🏨 Hotel prices have risen roughly 40-50% in the last three years, yet over 60% of travelers from major European economies still prefer hotels. In particular, 70% of Spaniards, 64% of Britons, and 62% of Germans opt for hotels. Apartments are the main alternative, averaging 25%, whereas vacation rentals are less popular at 14%. European hotel spending is projected to reach $114 billion in 2024, with the customer base growing to over 287 million users, up by nearly 15 million from 2023.

🏖️ In 2023, 48.1% of foreign tourist arrivals in Italy were concentrated in just six provinces: Venice (11.8%), Rome (10.2%), Bolzano (8.4%), Milan (6.9%), Florence (5.6%), Verona (5.2%). The concentration decreased from 53% in 2008 and 51% in 2013, indicating a spread of tourists into more regions and months. Notably, April saw a 51% increase and October a 35% rise in visitor presence. Tourism accounts for 13% of Italy’s GDP. Proposed interventions include establishing a registry for destination managers, founding a national study center for tourism, and promoting rural tourism and enogastronomy, as 93% of Italians are interested in discovering small inland villages, yet only 58% have visited one in the past year.

🏖️ Mario Ferraro, CEO of Smeralda Holding, aims to extend Costa Smeralda's season through nature, glamour, and events, potentially closing in late November with openings at Christmas and New Year. The 2024 season saw a significant increase in tourism at the four iconic hotels Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Pitrizza, and Cervo, particularly from American and Middle Eastern visitors. Occupancy levels reached unprecedented highs. Content strategy and after-dinner offerings aim to attract younger clients, with a lounge open until 3 AM. Hotel Cala di Volpe recently completed a refurbishment started in 2018, and Romazzino and Pitrizza are now under LVMH, branded as Belmond and Cheval Blanc. Despite these changes, Costa Smeralda intends to remain a niche destination, focusing on high-quality offerings, with even the most expensive Harrods suite being difficult to book in peak season.

🏨 On September 4, 2024, in Verona, Federalberghi Verona, in collaboration with Federalberghi Garda Veneto and Federalberghi Mantova, held a meeting to present the details of the July 5, 2024, tourism CCNL renewal agreement. Paolo Caldana, Secretary of Federalberghi Verona, opened the event. Angelo Candido and lawyer Valentina Avesani discussed the agreement, focusing on dual apprenticeships and safety initiatives for students in work-study programs. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2024, in Pisa.