EDITORIAL
365 days a year by Flavia Pankiewicz
T
he data on tourism in Puglia, released at the end of last year by the Region’s Tourism Observatory, and the subsequent forecasts for 2017, are excellent. In the first ten months of 2016 the results were well above expectations: 3.3 million tourists, more than for the 12 months of 2015. Even better was the rise in incoming tourism from abroad (+13%, while in previous years the increase was 8%-10%). The trends in 2016 were also positive in the winter months and in June. Gargano and Salento continue to be the areas favored by visitors.
Puglia unquestionably possesses an appeal that responds perfectly to the leading trends in national and international tourism: uncontaminated natural spaces and little villages where time seems to have stood still; unique places like Alberobello with its trulli, fairytale buildings that exist nowhere else in the world, declared a UNESCO world heritage site; churches, palazzi and castles. It is an area where olive trees play a crucial role, not only in terms of landscape but also for the production of extra-virgin olive oil – of which the health benefits are well-known – among the best in the world; outstanding wines from the area’s typical varietals; food products ranging from cheeses to conserves to patisserie, all excellent. Then there are the starred chefs who have linked their names to the typical cuisine on our territory, not to mention the history, archeology, art, folklore and popular traditions.
In every month of the year, in Puglia, there is a calendar of extremely attractive events. The first is the Focara in Novoli (the great rite of fire), near Lecce, in January; in February, the “capitals” of Carnevale include Putignano, Castellaneta, Massafra and Gallipoli. Then at Easter, the unique Holy Week rites are celebrated from Gargano to Salento, from the Bari region to the area of Taranto. There is an endless series of attractive events that could bring large numbers of tourists to Puglia right through to the long summer season, which has always drawn tourists and holiday-makers addicted to the crystal-clear water of the many beaches and rocky coastal areas. Puglia offers a huge range of magnificent experiences in all seasons, and it is no surprise that the Region’s Strategic Tourism Plan for the 2016-2025 period is entitled “Puglia 365”.
The opportunity offered by the tourism sector should also be taken up by the many young Apulians in search of work. A crucial role in all this is the one the institutions will have to play. Naturally, another fundamental aspect will be professional training, to ensure the growing quality of what is offered, and last but not least, creativity, the essential ingredient of any professional success.
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