Luxury Hospitality Conference, the leading event for Luxury hospitality professionals, organized by Teamwork Hospitality, of which Mauro Santinato is President, was held at the Melià Hotel in Milan. It was a great success that saw over 900 registrants and the collaboration of 60 partner companies and 15 media partners.
The event
Reaching its fourth edition, Luxury Hospitality Conference confirms itself as an annual in-depth and networking event for all operators and top players in the sector, who wish to compare and learn about market evolution, trends, innovations and the best strategies, able to meet guests' needs, offer high quality standards and thus unique and unforgettable experiences. Mauro Santinato, president of Teamwork Hospitality , which organizes the event, confides his impressions: “We are at the 4th edition and we have seen a consistent growth in the number of participants. This testifies to the great interest there is for our luxury segment hotelier market, which is also confirmed by the presence of international investors and operators who have plans to open new hotels. In addition, the presence these days of personalities such as Cristiano Rinaldi, CEO of Capella Hotel and Resorts, the group that owns the property that won first prize at the 50 Best, and the presence of the president of Relais & Châteaux, are an important signal."
A day of conferences organized in panel discussions, interviews and keynote speeches spread over two halls, which involved more than 50 speakers, including representatives of the most important and authoritative hotels and luxury chains, CEOs of Italian and international luxury brands, and industry experts from all over the world. Aimed at General Managers, investors, owners, tour operators, Destination Managers, students, and journalists, the event delved into issues related to the luxury segment in hospitality, thanks to the testimonies of leading experts in the Luxury segment and the analysis of Italian and international case studies.
“The Italian market and hotel tourism offerings in the luxury segment are attracting big investors. We saw the presence at this conference of so many directors and owners of major hotels in the luxury segment, and this is in some way confirming what has happened in the business. We exceeded the numbers for the 2019 period both in terms of attendance and sales. Hotels have performed and Italy has great appeal in international markets and this event confirms this trend,” Santinato explains. “Four hotels in the ranking of the 50 best hotels in the world are Italian. I think in the medal ranking of the luxury hotellerie Olympics, this is a very good result,” Santinato adds.
The topics covered: the evolution of the concept of luxury in the world, the uniqueness of luxury in independent structures, analysis and comparison of major brands, but also a focus on the Operations sector and insights into the enhancement of personnel. Interpretations of luxury were also provided by great Italian designers and architects. A comprehensive update that also involved issues related to hospitality, training, technology, communication, and sales. And what will be the insights and goals for the next edition of the Luxury Hospitality Conference?
"Involve more foreign specialized operators who bring tourists from the luxury segment to Italy and the awarding of prizes. We are going to include categories, for example, a special award for hotels that offer a unique wine cellar,” Santinato reveals. At the conclusion of the event, specialized consulting firm THRENDS presented a preview of the “Luxury Hospitality Report - Italy 2024,” a report that has been monitoring the luxury segment in Italy for five years: volumes, hotel chains and brands, turnover, margins, transactions and CapEx. According to THRENDS' continuous census, between 2013 and 2023 the supply of 5-star hotels grew by an average of 3.7 percent each year, while demand in the segment grew by 3.4 percent. There will be 24 openings in 2024 alone, bringing the total supply to 710 hotels, with a total of approx. 47,300 keys.
The offer of 5-star hotels is set to grow in the coming years: between 2025 and 2028, 127 hotels are currently in the pipeline, 40 of them in Rome, Milan, Venice, Forte dei Marmi, and Cortina d'Ampezzo. There will be many international brands debuting in Italy: Thompson, Baccarat, Orient Express, Only You, Kimpton, Art'otel, Nobu, Ritz-Carlton, Auberge Resorts Collection, Corinthia, Cheval Blanc, Langham, etc. On the previous evening, this time in the beautiful setting of the Principe di Savoia Hotel, the Best Luxury Hotel Awards, a special awards ceremony for the stars of the luxury hospitality world, was held in front of 300 guests. Here are the winners of the ten categories and the reasons behind their recognition.
Best New Opening: The award was given to Borgo dei Conti Resort Relais & Chateaux in Boschetto Vecchio, for the beauty of its architectural design, choice of materials and deep references to Renaissance art. The resort has created a unique experience for lovers of beauty, enhancing the territorial identity. Antonello Buono, general manager, collected the award presented by Fabio Formenti, CEO of Simmons, the world's leading bedding brand.
Best Design: The award went to Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione, which reopened its doors in 2021 after an extraordinary renovation. Thanks to the work of Florentine master craftsmen, the hotel has become an icon of Made in Italy hospitality. Helvetia & Bristol General Manager Federico Versari along with Elisabetta Fabri, President and CEO of Starhotels Group, collected the award presented by Martino Pedersoli, founder of Pedersoli, a luxury linen and laundry service provider.
Best Restaurant: The I Tenerumi restaurant at Therasia Resort Sea&Spa on the island of Vulcano won for bringing contemporary plant-based cuisine to the island of Vulcano, with a commitment to authenticity, respect for the environment and innovation. Umberto Trani, Co-General Manager, received the award from Alain Prost, chairman and CEO of Ginori 1735, 100% made in Italy porcelain manufacturers.
Best Breakfast: Portrait Milano stood out with a breakfast that combines beauty and passion for taste, thanks to a rich and diverse buffet and the creativity of the executive pastry chef. Receiving the award (presented by Nicola Fornasieri, International Key Account Director of Lavazza Group, a leading coffee company) were Cesare Murzilli, Executive Pastry Chef Portrait Milano; Valeriano Antonioli, CEO Lungarno Collection; Diego Cognetti, F&B Manager Portrait Milano; and Diego Roggero, General Manager Portrait Milano.
Best Bar: Aman Venice's bar won the award for its extraordinary combination of drinks that are true works of art, offered in a unique location. Bar Manager Antonio Ferrara with Executive Assistant Manager Riccardo Cuomo collected the award presented by Domenico Toni, Chief Business Officer of Distillerie Bonollo.
Best General Manager: Vincenzo Falcone of Bvlgari Hotel Roma won for his visionary leadership and ability to find the best in people and for people. To present the award was Michelangelo Murano, Head of Sales Italy of Blastness, a technology partner for business development of hospitality companies.
Best Service: The San Pietro in Positano was awarded for the uniqueness of its offerings and staff management, making it a hotel of excellence recognized by guests as the “world's favorite hotel.” Vito Cinque, owner, collected the award presented by Dario Parizzi, Head of Operations of Adecco Italy.
Best Wellness & SPA: The Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti in Ortisei was recognized as an international benchmark in wellness, thanks to its unique spa treatments and impeccable hospitality. Daniela Zappelli, PR of the resort, collected the award presented by Alessandro Sciarrone, Sales Manager Hospitality of Technogym, a world leader in the production of wellness and sports equipment.
Best Sustainability Program: Hotel La Perla Corvara was honored for its commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability, with a focus on protecting the Dolomites. Michil Costa, owner, accepted the award presented by Thomas Tschimben, owner and managing director of PRIMA, a creative atelier of hotel amenities.
Best Innovation Technology: The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio won for creating an experience in which technology and hospitality blend seamlessly, enabling advanced management of rooms and services. Marco Montagnani, General Manager, collected the award presented by Gloria Armiri, Manager of the Tourism & Hospitality Division of Italian Exhibition Group, an exhibition group that organizes and hosts 48 events including TTG Travel Experience.
Special awards and lifetime achievement awards. Special awards were also presented during the evening:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Giuseppe Rossi and Paolo Lorenzoni were honored for their outstanding contributions to the hotellerie industry. The award, presented by Ezio Indiani, celebrated their achievements in hotel management and leadership in international hospitality.
Special Award to Borgo Egnazia: The resort was honored for its flawless representation of Italy during the G7 summit. Aldo Melpignano, owner, collected the award presented by Andrea Dori of ADORI Consulting.
Special Award to Mario Mancini: A recognition for his contribution to the development of the hospitality industry through editorial initiatives and innovative events. Mauro Santinato of Teamwork Hospitality presented the award.
