G7 ITALY 2024 AT ALTAFIUMARA

On July 16 and 17, Altafiumara Resort & Spa had the honor of hosting the prestigious G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting—an event of international significance in Villa San Giovanni that brought together the trade ministers of the world's seven most industrialized nations: Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The primary objective of this high-level meeting was to discuss the challenges and opportunities of international trade, with a particular focus on trade tensions threatening global commerce and sustainable growth. During the G7, participants also addressed crucial issues such as safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime trade routes, particularly in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific regions.

The selection of our property as the venue for the G7 Trade Meeting was no coincidence. Situated in a strategic and symbolic location boasting breathtaking views over the Strait of Messina, Altafiumara Resort & Spa represents a natural meeting point between Europe and the Mediterranean. Beyond its historical beauty, this conference center offers a suite of modern amenities that make it ideal for hosting high-level summits. Its state-of-the-art facilities, combined with an inspiring environment, helped create the perfect atmosphere for the G7 discussions.

Another key topic of the G7 was the role of trade in promoting sustainable development. The presence of representatives from the European Union and various international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), further highlighted the importance of this event.

"For two days, Calabria will become the capital of world trade," stated Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighting the presentation of major projects such as Food for Gaza and the Strait of Messina Bridge. These projects not only grant international visibility to Calabria but also showcase the strategic relevance of the region.

Hosting the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Villa San Giovanni underscored the importance of international events for the development of the Calabrian territory. Events of this magnitude not only bring visibility to the region but also generate a significant economic and cultural impact. The presence of global leaders, international organizations, and global media showcased the potential of the Province of Reggio Calabria as a venue for international events, helping enhance the region's image and promote local development.

The organization and management of events like the G7 Trade Meeting provide an economic boost to local businesses, from hospitality to catering, fostering the growth of the local entrepreneurial fabric. The territory's capacity to welcome and support large-scale initiatives demonstrates its integration into global networks, attracting investments and talent while improving the quality of life for residents.

The G7 Trade Meeting held at Altafiumara Resort & Spa represented a milestone for international dialogue and cooperation. It hosted crucial discussions on issues such as trade tensions, sustainability, and climate change, emphasizing the importance of tackling these challenges with a global and collaborative vision. Events of this caliber are fundamental to the development of the Calabrian and Reggio Calabria territories in particular, bringing international visibility and creating opportunities for economic and cultural growth.

During the event, Gaetano Bevacqua, supervisor and patron of the property, presented Minister Tajani, the President of the Calabria Region Roberto Occhiuto, and the Honorable Francesco Cannizzaro with three artworks by Maestro Natino Chirico. Altafiumara hosts this artist's permanent exhibition inside the "G. Versace" Art Hall, making the presentation a meaningful tribute to Calabrian culture and art.

During the event, Gaetano Bevacqua, supervisor and patron of the property, presented Minister Tajani, the President of the Calabria Region Roberto Occhiuto, and the Honorable Francesco Cannizzaro with three artworks by Maestro Natino Chirico. Altafiumara hosts this artist's permanent exhibition inside the "G. Versace" Art Hall, making the presentation a meaningful tribute to Calabrian culture and art.

A Word from the General Manager, Gennaro Di Meo

To better understand the impact of this event on Altafiumara Resort & Spa, we interviewed Gennaro Di Meo, the Hotel's General Manager.

What does hosting an event of this magnitude mean for Altafiumara?

"It is the right and well-deserved reward for the great work we have been doing—together with the Ownership, all collaborators, and stakeholders—since 2022, the year the new management took over."

What was the feedback from the ministers and delegations regarding their stay?

"The Ministers gave very positive feedback regarding both the location and the entire staff, who proved to be fully prepared and never held back. The Ministers themselves and the entire Italian delegation were personally welcomed by myself and the Front Office Manager, Dr. Matilde Durante, and we directly represented the Company and all the people who manage it."

How would you describe the atmosphere during the days of the G7?

"In several meetings with all our collaborators prior to the event, we sought to share our know-how regarding the management of international events. I believe we succeeded in conveying the level of professionalism—along with the utmost discretion—that we wanted to achieve in every aspect. Not to mention the immense commitment and infinite availability that everyone demonstrated before, during, and at the conclusion of the G7."

How do you think this event will influence the future of Altafiumara?

"Given the excellent outcome of the event, it will certainly be talked about for a while. However, I believe that the future of Altafiumara depends on our ability to keep innovating our operational processes to meet the increasingly demanding requests of our guests, to continue training our collaborators by offering them achievable prospects in line with their expectations, and above all, to strive to maintain high-level standards with our unique flair and simplicity."

What are the next challenges for the resort after such a huge success?

"The most appealing and motivating challenge will be not simply saying 'WE HOSTED THE G7,' but rather saying that we are ready to keep testing ourselves, delivering unique emotions through hospitality of excellence."