Italy proposes new beach concession tender model

The Italian Ministry of Tourism has presented a draft national tender model to the State-Regions Conference regarding new beach concessions. These concessions will have durations ranging from five to twenty years and must be assigned through tenders initiated at least six months before current titles expire, and no later than June 30, 2027.

The draft document specifies that awards must be based solely on the most economically advantageous tender, prioritizing the best quality-to-price ratio and potentially including premium criteria for small and medium-sized enterprises. To ensure continuity, outgoing concessionaires must receive compensation for unamortized investments and fair remuneration for investments made within the last five years.

However, the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) has expressed opposition to the proposal. The association argues that the model places excessive administrative burden and procedural risks on local municipalities while the resulting revenues are directed exclusively to the State.