The commemorative conference marking the sixtieth anniversary of the Arzachena Hotel Institute opened with a minute of silence, followed by applause, dedicated to the memory of the recently deceased former mayor Pasquale Ragnedda.

After Professor Francesco Giorgioni opened the proceedings and introduced the school principal, Antonello Pannella, the following speakers included Professor Franco Macciocco, the school's first principal, former mayors Piero Filigheddu, Tino Demuro, and the current mayor, Roberto Ragnedda, along with representatives of trade unions, local business associations, former students, and faculty.

A series of commemorative speeches confirmed the school's deep roots in the Arzachena community and Gallura.

The sixtieth anniversary celebration, which took place last February 4th, was the second act of a journey that began on December 13th of last year at the municipal theatre.

Two dates that are far from coincidental: both are linked to Karim Aga Khan, founder of the Costa Smeralda, the inspiration and supporter of the hotel management institute, born on December 13th and passing away on February 4th. A few days ago, the Municipality of Arzachena named the historic Piazzetta in Porto Cervo after him.

The beginnings of the Hotel Management Institute, now IPSAR, were recounted by Professor Franco Macciocco, its first principal: it was 1965, and it began with 45 students and a handful of teachers. In its first year, the institute was located in Porto Cervo, with an entire restaurant at its disposal, where practical activities were conducted, and several additional rooms (three of which were in the Hotel Cervo) where theoretical lessons were taught. The following year, it moved to the Hotel La Conia in Cannigione, until the construction of its current headquarters, made possible by the municipality's purchase of 14 hectares and a design by architect Vico Mossa.

Today, the Arzachena IPSAR is a premier educational and professional institution: 650 students between Arzachena and Budoni, drawn from across Sardinia, 80 boarders, 138 teachers, and 75 technical-administrative staff. These numbers speak of continuity and growth, but above all, of a vision that, sixty years later, continues to develop professional skills adequately suited to the needs of high-quality tourism facilities.