The "covenant" on orators between Lombardy and the Diocese

Italy has launched a new national training network aimed at strengthening skills in the tourism sector through specialized educational programs. The initiative, named Feogist "Tourism Leaders Academy," is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and led by Luiss Guido Carli university with coordination managed by Federturismo Confindustria. The project aims to create a bridge between the education system and businesses within the tourism industry, focusing on developing managerial, digital, and sustainable competencies. The program includes seven high-level training paths ranging from university masters to technical and professional courses. These include a Master's degree in Digital Management of Intelligent Tourism Systems, a summer school on Tourism, Hospitality, and Lifestyle, a course on Sustainable Tourism Management in Internal Areas, an Executive Master in Marketing with a specialization in Exhibition Management, an Advanced Travel Agent Course, a course on the New Horizon of Marina Management, and a course on Luxury Hospitality Excellence. These offerings are designed to address current and future needs in the tourism sector while promoting innovation and sustainability. Courses will begin in autumn 2026 in five locations across Italy: Rome, Milan, Naples, Lecce, and Padua. They will be offered in both in-person and hybrid formats, accessible online as well. The target audience includes students, recent graduates, professionals, managers, and workers looking to update or enhance their skills. Through its collaboration with Federturismo Confindustria, Feogist will engage with thousands of companies in the tourism sector, facilitating connections between job market demands and available expertise. The Feogist network connects universities, higher education institutions, trade associations, and businesses nationwide. Alongside Luiss Guido Carli and Federturismo Confindustria, the initiative involves the University of Naples Federico II, SDA Bocconi School of Management, ITS Academy Puglia, Assomarinas, AEFI, Altagamma, Scuola Italiana di Ospitalità, and Luiss Business School. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive approach to aligning educational offerings with industry needs and fostering direct links between training and employment opportunities. In another development, the Lombardy region and the Diocese of Milan have signed an agreement to support youth activities in over 900 oratories across the diocese and more than 2,300 throughout Lombardy. The agreement allocates €5 million for 150 projects, combining regional funding, diocesan contributions, and a zero-interest loan from the ICSC (Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit) over 15 years. This financial commitment recognizes the social importance of these community-based centers, which provide young people with opportunities for sports, culture, and spiritual growth. Federica Picchi, deputy secretary for Sport and Youth at the Lombardy Region, emphasized the significance of this investment, highlighting the educational and value-forming role of oratories for the broader community. Arcbishop Mario Delpini, who was participating remotely from Brazil, described the initiative as a response to the educational emergency facing society today and praised it as a sign of positive institutional relations focused on the common good. The funding increase reflects a growing recognition of the vital role played by oratories in supporting youth development and community cohesion. With the additional resources, these centers can expand their programs, improve facilities, and ensure continued engagement with young people in a rapidly changing societal landscape. The collaboration between regional authorities and religious institutions underscores a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation through structured, supportive environments. The integration of such diverse initiatives, ranging from tourism education to youth development, illustrates a broader strategy to invest in human capital and social infrastructure. As these programs take shape, they are expected to influence policy directions and foster long-term partnerships between public and private sectors, ensuring sustained impact on both individual and collective levels.