The Partnership Between Altafiumara Resort & Spa and the Istituto Erminio Maggia

Hospitality is a sector that thrives on experiences, encounters, and cultural exchanges. It is precisely for this reason that hands-on learning plays a crucial role in training the future professionals of the industry.

The collaboration between the Maggia Institute of Stresa and the Altafiumara Resort & Spa is a prime example of this, bringing together two realities that are geographically distant but closely aligned in the importance they place on students' practical training.

The highlight of this collaboration was the scholarship award ceremony held on March 1st at the Maggia Campus, where Altafiumara supervisor Gaetano Bevacqua personally presented the awards to the deserving students.

The winners—Maria Grazia Spadone and Matteo Ceschetti (Hospitality & Front Office program), Chiara Volanti, Angelica Lotito, Bianca Palmiero (4th year, Food & Beverage Service and Culinary program), and Elena Rigolin (4th year, Food & Beverage Service and Culinary program)—represent academic excellence and commitment to the hospitality sector, highlighting the importance of targeted training and personal dedication.

Practical education is fundamental in the field of hospitality:

from learning techniques and procedures to understanding the true meaning of guest relations, attention to detail, and anticipating customer needs.

This type of training helps develop not only technical skills but also teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy—all of which are essential in this industry.

Altafiumara Resort & Spa’s approach to hands-on training stands out for its ability to offer real, meaningful experiences where service quality is the standard.

The partnership between Altafiumara Resort & Spa and the Erminio Maggia Institute of Stresa is distinguished not only by the quality of the experience offered to students, but also by the personal and direct commitment of key figures within the resort’s organizational structure.

Antonio Battaglia (F&B Manager and Executive Chef), Giovanni Bevacqua (Restaurant Manager)—who respectively oversee the culinary and front-of-house interns—and Gennaro di Meo (Resort Manager and head of the Rooms Division), serve as fundamental pillars in welcoming and training the students.

Their dedication to the project goes far beyond the simple role of supervisors; they are committed to delivering an educational experience that transcends technical learning, passing down the core values of high-quality hospitality.

Di Meo expresses this shared vision and commitment to the future of the sector as follows:

"Personally, I have had the good fortune of collaborating with the Maggia Institute of Stresa at other hospitality properties as well. The decision to carry forward this important project stems from a vision shared with the new ownership, in addition to the solid relationship established with the school.

Fortunately, we are in a region that is—if I may say so—sun-kissed, with a beautiful sea and a favorable climate; a territory rich in history, culture, and an excellent gastronomic selection. Therefore, the partnership aims not only at continuous training, but also at allowing students to truly experience our region.

We need to look to the future—which is innovative and unpredictable, especially in terms of tourism offerings and services—by working with the talents of today and tomorrow through a continuous exchange between knowledge, training, and performance.

Commitment, consistency, and perseverance are essential ingredients for a career filled with success and satisfaction."

Collaborations between the academic world and leading companies in the sector, such as the one between the Maggia Institute and Altafiumara Resort & Spa, are fundamental. They allow academic programs to adapt to the real needs of the market, preparing students not only to enter the workforce but to excel. These partnerships serve as a bridge between theory and practice, between learning and application.

Looking to the future, it is essential to integrate emerging trends such as sustainability and technological innovation into training programs. The hospitality sector is constantly evolving, and only through a continuous commitment to updates and innovation will it be possible to prepare future professionals for the challenges that lie ahead.

The collaboration with Altafiumara Resort & Spa has already shown its impact, inspiring students to pursue ambitious careers in the industry. Success stories are already emerging, such as that of a student who, following their internship, decided to specialize further in luxury hospitality with the goal of becoming a major resort manager.

To future students interested in a career in hospitality, the message is clear: embrace practical learning opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication. They represent the launching pad for a successful career. To educational institutions, the advice is to carefully evaluate the importance of partnerships with the private sector: it is these collaborations that make a difference in students' learning, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow in the hospitality industry.

Gaetano Bevacqua, supervisor of Altafiumara Resort & Spa, addresses future participants with a message of encouragement:

"Approach these experiences with curiosity and passion. They are unique opportunities to grow both professionally and personally, in environments that represent the excellence of our sector."

Following an in-depth reflection on the collaboration between the Maggia Institute and Altafiumara Resort & Spa, we had the opportunity to interview the school's Principal, Dr. Fiorenzo Ferrari, to gather further details on this exemplary educational project.

The Principal emphasizes the importance of an "active and lasting collaboration" with Altafiumara Resort & Spa, aiming to "enable our students to achieve increasingly high-level specific and soft skills." This objective aligns perfectly with the institute's vision of providing an education that not only equips students with the necessary technical skills but also motivates them to pursue careers in the hospitality sector.

Regarding the internship program, the Principal describes a careful selection process involving interviews and meetings with experts, ensuring that each student is adequately prepared for their practical experience. This path not only refines technical abilities but also strengthens fundamental skills such as problem-solving and effective communication. "Certainly, these include specific skills within the hospitality sector, but undoubtedly soft skills as well," he states, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to training.

Responding to the results and impact of the program, the Principal highlights a remarkable improvement in students' transversal skills and a strong inclination to continue working in the hospitality industry. The selection of students for the scholarships is based on academic performance, behavior, and evaluation in the specialized laboratory classes, reflecting a balanced approach that considers both academic achievement and personal and social skills.

In conclusion, Dr. Fiorenzo Ferrari reveals a deep commitment to practical education and a shared vision of success for students in the hospitality sector. These collaborations between educational institutions and the private sector prove essential for preparing future professionals for an ever-evolving job market, highlighting the importance of an educational approach that integrates theoretical learning and professional practice.

“Life is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming.” – Matthew Arnold