The first edition of Puglia Vibes has confirmed a fundamental fact: the need for dialogue on the future of Apulian tourism is real and deeply felt. As highlighted by the Fondazione Re Manfredi, the event saw high and diverse participation, a sign that the region is ready to build a system to meet the challenges of an increasingly demanding global market.

A moment of discussion during Puglia Vibes: networking and new professional connections

THE FOUNDATION'S ANALYSIS: A FORMAT LOOKING AHEAD

The public enthusiastically welcomed a formula capable of uniting institutions with private operators. According to data released by the Foundation's press office, the audience included qualified attendees from across the region, consolidating the B2B area and the light lunch as strategic networking spaces. "Puglia Vibes was born from a community working together that will treasure this experience to return with an even stronger project," stated President Michele De Meo.

DESTINATION MARKETING AWARDS: THE HOSPITALITY LEADERS RESHAPING PUGLIA

Within this growth scenario, the ceremony for the VI Edition of the Destination Marketing Awards took place. Among the protagonists of this edition, the award was presented to Luigi Fusco, CEO and Co-Founder of Raro Real Estate & Hospitality, for his contribution to redefining the relationship between territory and hospitality, promoting a development model capable of attracting international clientele and returning value to local communities.

Luigi Fusco (CEO Raro Real Estate & Hospitality) awarded for his exemplary vision in the evolution of the Apulian economy

THE STORY OF A CHALLENGE: "RETURN, STAY, AND BELIEVE"

During his acceptance speech, Luigi Fusco traced the stages of a journey that began in 2000, when Puglia was still a "land to be explained" to foreign travelers. "In 2004, at the London fairs, I had to explain what trulli were. There were no low-cost flights, and getting here was almost an odyssey," recalled the CEO of Raro Real Estate & Hospitality with emotion.

Today, with Puglia having become a mature and desired market, the focus shifts to the quality of human relationships. Fusco dedicated the award to those who, like him, decided to bet on the unexpressed potential of their land: "We have proven that we have what it takes to compete in the global high-spending tourism sector. This award is not a finish line, but the responsibility to continue working so that the beauty of Puglia becomes a concrete value for those who arrive and those who live here."

THE PILLARS OF THE TOURISM FUTURE

From the integration of the Foundation's data and Luigi Fusco’s vision, the trends that will drive 2026 emerge:

• System Synergy: Constant collaboration between institutional partners like Puglia Region and Pugliapromozione and private entities.
• Memory of Places: Hospitality that doesn't scream, made of authenticity, sunsets, and the soul of the homes.
• Emotional Connection: Apulian hospitality as an unbeatable added value.
• International Identity: A mature destination that speaks to the world without losing its roots.

"Travelers may forget the structure where they stayed, but they will never forget how we made them feel."

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