Puglia, renowned for its culinary offerings, has secured a prominent position in Italy's food and wine tourism landscape, with 32% of Italian food and wine enthusiasts recognizing it among the top 3 regions for such experiences. Coldiretti Puglia's analysis of ARET Puglia data for 2023, presented during the National Assembly of Terranostra, Coldiretti's agritourism association, sheds light on the region's appeal. A notable 23% of Italian tourists express plans for a Puglia visit centered on food and wine tourism, with over 20% having already visited for this purpose. Puglia's agritourism facilities play a pivotal role in this, offering authentic rural traditions, banning refined foods in favor of regional recipes. The appeal lies not only in gastronomy but also in the thematic table settings, showcasing traditional elements like crochet centerpieces and wildflower compositions. Motivations driving agritourism holidays include a desire for nature contact ranking highest, followed closely by food and wine experiences. The rise of peasant chefs, utilizing farm-grown produce and reviving rural recipes, adds significant value to these establishments.
Beyond gastronomy, agritourism satisfies desires for relaxation, nature escapes, sporting activities, and deseasonalized tourism. A staggering 22 million Italians express interest in opening an agritourism establishment, reflecting the national passion for this sector. Deseasonalization is particularly evident in the June and September periods, attracting those seeking a deeper connection with Italy's parks, countryside, hills, and small villages—a driving force behind food and wine tourism. Notably, 92% of typical national products originate from Italian municipalities with fewer than five thousand inhabitants. Puglia boasts a growing agritourism sector, nearing 960 establishments. Accommodation and catering, with 862 and 693 companies, respectively, form the core of agritourism, while tasting experiences are progressively on the rise, with 443 companies. Lecce leads the regional ranking with 369 agritourisms, followed by Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Taranto, and BAT. For outdoor enthusiasts like campers, Puglia's agritourisms provide equipped parking areas, picnic spaces, and accommodations for those valuing self-prepared meals, aligning with the growing appreciation of guests for clean environments and locally sourced products. Antonio Baselice, president of Terranostra Puglia, emphasizes the commitment to sustainable development models, promoting Puglia's tourism beyond its natural, artistic, and archaeological attractions, to embrace environmental, social, and economic sustainability, fostering quality tourism.
Source: https://ilpaesenuovo.it/turismo-la-puglia-nelle-prime-3-regioni-ditalia-per-lenogastronomia/
