The assembly of delegates of GastroTicino took place yesterday – Monday 11 May – at the Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, marking the reconfirmation of Max Suter to the presidency oftrade associationA formal meeting, but also a moment of discussion on issues affecting the restaurant and hospitality sector in Ticino, in an ever-evolving economic and tourism context.
The hall welcomed about seventy members, institutional representatives, and guests. The meeting opened with a greeting from Don Andrea Stabellini, a moral and spiritual focal point for the association, testifying to the bond built over the years between the professional and community worlds. Speakers also included Vice President Nunzio Longhitano, Mayor of Ascona Giorgio Gilardi, and David Maye, a member of the Board of Directors. GastroSuisse, the national reference organization for the sector.
Renewal of positions and management continuity
The highlight of the meeting was the nominations. In addition to the confirmation of Massimo Suter as president, the Board of Directors was renewed. It includes Nunzio Longhitano as vice president, the new member Giacomo Gilardi (GastroLagoMaggiore e Valli), the treasurer Flavio "Mamo" Quadranti, Luca Serra (GastroMendrisiotto), Michele Unternährer and the newly elected Filippo Picardi (GastroLugano), Andrea Giuliani and the newly elected Davide Della Vecchia (GastroBellinzona Alto Ticino).
The association also thanked outgoing members Luca Merlo, Fabio De Robbio, and Roberto Balemi for their years of service, emphasizing the importance of continuity and generational change in internal governance.
In the presence of State Councillor Norman Gobbi, the director of GastroTicino Gabriele Beltrami and President Suter himself, discussed some of the most current issues affecting the sector: framework conditions, professional training, regional competitiveness, and challenges related to business management.
A technical presentation focused on the less visible risks in professional kitchens, with an in-depth analysis by Marco Lo Baido of Alpuriget. The presentation focused on prevention and safety measures, with particular reference to fire hazards and the importance of up-to-date protocols.
Tourism, opportunities and critical issues
The second part of the day was dedicated to the debate entitled "Tourism Key Players: A Review of Recent Years and a Look to the Future: Opportunities and Risks." Moderated by journalist Alessandro Pesce, the discussion involved Massimo Suter, Simone Patelli (President of Ticino Turismo and the Ticino Camping Association), Angelo Trotta (Director of Ticino Turismo), Massimo Perucchi (Hotelleriesuisse Ticino), and Aldo Merlini (President of OTR Ascona Locarno).
The discussion focused on visitor trends, evolving visitor habits, collaboration between public bodies and private operators, and the need for coordinated strategies to support the region's attractiveness. The importance of a shared vision, capable of integrating restaurants, hotels, and tourism promotion, with a particular focus on the quality of the offering, emerged.
A career recognition
The evening ended with a convivial moment, during which GastroTicino awarded Bruno D'Addazio the "Lifetime Achievement Award." The award celebrates thirty years of service at the Lungolago Bar in Locarno and a professional career marked by continuity, constant presence, and commitment to the industry and the Locarno region.
The award was met with applause and a spirit of participation that underscored the symbolic value of the initiative: a tribute not only to the individual entrepreneurial experience, but also to the collective dimension of the sector.
During the aperitif and dinner, local products were offered, including Verzaschella Bevanda, Ticino Desert Rose gin, and a selection of wines from the Delea wineries of Losone, Matasci of Tenero, and Chiericati of Bellinzona. The musical component was provided by singer Marcella Nicotra, who performed the closing performance.
The Ascona assembly therefore represented a moment of assessment and relaunch for GastroTicino, confirming Massimo Suter's leadership and reiterating the desire to maintain constant dialogue with the institutions and other stakeholders in the cantonal tourism system.
In the photo from left:
- Gabriele Beltrami,,
- David Della Vecchia,
- Michele Unternährer,
- Flavio “Mamo” Quadranti,
- Luca Serra,
- Massimo Suter,
- Nunzio Longhitano,
- Philip Picardi,
- Andrea Giuliani
- James Gilardi.
