Forum Turismo Italia 2026: Prioritizing People for Sustainable Growth

Bari, Italy – The 2026 edition of the Forum Turismo Italia, organized by Manageritalia Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata, concluded on March 13th at the Deloitte NextHub in Bari. The event served as a key platform for discussion among national tourism sector leaders, focusing on the critical role of human capital in the industry’s future.

Keynote Speakers and Opening Remarks

The forum commenced with addresses from Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Senate and former Minister of Tourism, and Eugenio Di Sciascio, Councilor for Economic Development of the Puglia Region. The central theme, “People First – Human resources, the engine of Italian tourism development,” underscored the need to balance growth, innovation, and service quality through the empowerment of tourism professionals.

The Importance of Human Capital

Domenico Fortunato, President of Manageritalia Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata, emphasized that while Apulian tourism possesses significant growth potential, its true competitive advantage lies in its human capital. He stated that investment in skills development, continuous training, employee welfare, and fair compensation are essential for enhancing service quality and fostering innovation within the sector. Fortunato highlighted the need for a shared strategic vision among managers, businesses, institutions, and policymakers to support the sustainable development of tourism in Southern Italy and throughout the country.

Investing in Tourism Professionals

Vice President Centinaio stressed the necessity of a skilled workforce for the tourism sector, encompassing not only managerial roles but also a comprehensive range of expertise across the entire supply chain. He advocated for investment in education, starting from high school and extending to post-diploma and managerial training programs, with active involvement from companies, institutions, and trade associations. Centinaio also championed the preservation of Italy’s unique tourism assets – hospitality and human connection – noting that while artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool, it cannot replicate the personal touch that defines Italian tourism.

Regional Development and Skill Enhancement

Eugenio Di Sciascio, Councilor for Economic Development of the Puglia Region, characterized tourism as a genuine industry requiring strategic planning, investment, and professional management. He underscored the importance of strengthening skills and training at all levels, from management to operational roles, and called for collaboration between managers, businesses, institutions, and training providers to create courses that offer dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for young people in Puglia.

The Forum’s Manifesto: A 10-Point Plan

The Forum culminated in the presentation of a manifesto outlining ten programmatic points, developed through collaborative work during five thematic working tables. The manifesto aims to provide concrete guidelines for strengthening human capital, improving work quality, and enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Italian tourism sector. Key elements of the manifesto include:

• Enhancement of Tourism Professions: Launching a national plan to attract young people and professionals to tourism careers.
• Improved Quality of Work: Promoting contractual stability, better shift organization, skills valorization, and professional growth.
• Worker Welfare Support: Providing territorial tools like seasonal worker accommodation and work-life balance support.
• Strengthened Training-Business Links: Developing structured collaborations through internships, apprenticeships, and school-business workshops.
• Dual Training Development: Integrating theoretical training with practical company experience, focusing on managerial and digital skills.
• Territorial Tourism Academies: Promoting destination academies to develop skills aligned with local business and territorial needs.
• Facilitated Continuous Training: Simplifying access to interprofessional funds for SMEs and promoting shared training programs.
• New Tourism Manager Training: Strengthening skills in destination management, digital marketing, data analytics, sustainability, and innovation.
• Company Networking for Seasonality: Encouraging collaborations and supply chain contracts to enhance employment stability.
• Tourism Workforce Observatory: Monitoring professional needs, work quality, and employment dynamics to inform effective policies.

Manageritalia Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata reaffirmed its commitment to a people-centric vision for tourism development, believing that the quality of skills, leadership, and work organization are crucial for the future of Italian tourism. The manifesto will be distributed to key stakeholders in the tourism supply chain and public institutions.

Forum Participation and Impact

The 2026 Forum Turismo Italia attracted over 200 professionals from across Italy. The event featured four keynote speeches, two panel discussions, and five thematic working tables, fostering open dialogue between managers, institutions, businesses, and tourism operators. The forum continues to establish itself as a vital platform for generating ideas and proposals to drive the transformation and growth of the Italian tourism sector.