Vinicio Borsi at the Economic Forum Giannini
Chiavari, Italy – April 2025
At the prestigious Economic Forum Giannini, held in Chiavari in memory of the renowned banker and founder of the Bank of America, Vinicio Borsi, Vice President of Skål International Roma, and Hospitality innovation manager at Swisse based DB Strategy took the stage to address a concern that is quietly echoing through the tourism sector: the risk of rising inflation in the United States and its potential impact on global travel flows.
In a panel discussion alongside leading figures from the Italian business and hospitality sectors — including Aldo Werdin, President of Federalberghi Liguria, and Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria Liguria — Borsi highlighted how new tariffs and economic turbulence could lead to a contraction of outbound tourism from the U.S., a market that remains vital for Europe’s top destinations.
“The spectre of renewed inflation in the United States — fuelled by protectionist measures and tariffs — should not be underestimated,” Borsi warned. “It could have a direct impact on tourism demand, especially long-haul travel to Europe.”
The discussion, moderated by Mauro Boccaccio of DB Strategy, offered a rich exchange of ideas on how Italy and the broader European hospitality sector can respond strategically to ongoing global economic fluctuations.
Investing in Talent and Technology
Rather than adopting a wait-and-see attitude, Borsi advocated for a proactive response grounded in two pillars: the professional development of hospitality staff and the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the tourism value chain.
“In times of uncertainty, we must double down on professionalism,” Borsi stated. “Better training, better service, and better strategic thinking. But we must also open the door to innovation — because AI can play a vital role in revenue optimisation and job creation in hospitality.”
Far from seeing AI as a threat, Borsi described it as a tool of empowerment, especially in a sector like tourism where personalisation, speed of service, and pricing strategy are essential. From demand forecasting to dynamic pricing, customer profiling to operational efficiency, the right use of AI can help businesses stay competitive — even during volatile economic cycles.
A Call for Smarter Strategy
The forum, held in one of Italy’s most iconic coastal towns, was a fitting venue for this debate — not only because of its economic legacy, but also due to its growing tourism economy and position as a bellwether for trends in regional hospitality.
For Borsi, the message is clear: the hospitality industry must think smarter, act faster, and work together — nationally and across borders — to anticipate disruptions and ensure growth remains inclusive, tech-enabled, and deeply human.
“We can’t control global inflation,” he concluded, “but we can control how we prepare. Investing in people and in smart technologies is the best defence — and the best way forward.”
Borsi’s intervention reflects a broader Skål Europe message: in an unpredictable world, resilience comes through collaboration, innovation, and leadership rooted in the values of integrity and excellence.
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