Recently, the 2026 edition of the Forum Turismo Italia concluded in Bari, with a focus on enhancing human resources in the tourism sector. Organized by Manageritalia for the Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata regions, the forum aims to foster dialogue among industry actors.
Key Discussions at the Forum
The forum opened with remarks from notable figures, including Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Senate and former Minister of Tourism, and Eugenio Di Sciascio, Economic Development Assessor of the Puglia region. They emphasized the integral role of skilled human resources in driving tourism growth in Italy.
Focus on Human Resources
- Theme: “People First – Human Resources as the Engine of Italian Tourism Development.”
- Objective: Address challenges in combining growth, innovation, and service quality.
- Call: Strengthen human capital through training, welfare, and competitive wages.
Domenico Fortunato, president of Manageritalia Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata, highlighted that enhancing skills and ongoing training is essential for the tourism sector’s future. He stated that a shared vision between managers, enterprises, institutions, and political bodies is crucial for sustainable development.
Investing in Skills
Centinaio reiterated the importance of prepared professionals in tourism. He advocated for comprehensive educational pathways from high school to advanced training, integrating industry involvement. He noted that while technology can aid operations, the human touch in hospitality should never be overlooked.
Di Sciascio added that tourism in Italy needs a clear strategy, significant investments, and robust management. Enhanced training is essential across all levels, from operational to managerial roles.
Manifesto for Tourism Development
The forum concluded with the presentation of a ten-point manifesto aimed at improving workforce quality and attraction in the tourism sector. Key highlights of the manifesto include:
- Enhancing the appeal of tourism professions and guiding youth towards career opportunities.
- Improving work conditions and stability through better organization and career growth.
- Supporting employee welfare with local housing, mobility services, and work-life balance.
- Strengthening partnerships between education and businesses through structured internships.
- Promoting dual training programs that seamlessly blend theory with practical experience.
- Creating destination-specific academies to align training with local business needs.
- Facilitating continuous education via simplified access to funds.
- Training new tourism managers in vital areas such as digital marketing and sustainability.
- Encouraging cooperation among businesses to manage seasonality effectively.
- Establishing a labor observatory to monitor professional needs and workforce quality.
Conclusion
Manageritalia aims to place people at the center of development policies, asserting that quality competencies and leadership are vital for the future of Italian tourism. The Forum Turismo Italia 2026 facilitated valuable exchanges among over 200 professionals, confirming its status as a key event for enhancing tourism’s growth as a crucial economic driver in Italy, especially in the Mezzogiorno region.
