An SOS for the economy of the Phlegraean area affected by the consequences of bradyseism was launched today in a meeting at Villa Avellino in Pozzuoli (Naples); the #CampiFlegreiLive meeting was wanted to draw attention to the economy, tourism, catering, from an appeal by the chef and entrepreneur Mariano Armonia.
Owner of the restaurant 'Armonì' on the Pozzuoli seafront, after yet another seismic swarm, which alarmed the population, found himself from one day to the next with the restaurant half empty. Hence the request for a discussion and help, to which Roberto Laringe, president of Federalberghi Campi Flegrei, Giulio Gambardella, director of Campi Flegrei Active for tourism operators, the newly elected Nicola Scamardella, head of Confcommercio Pozzuoli, Luca Esposito representative of the association of Flegrean restaurateurs, Rosario Mattera creator of Malazè, Giovanni Parisi organizer of Fab, Festival dell'Archeologia di Bacoli responded.
“Due to the alarmism – explained Roberto Laringe – we have registered a 20% drop in attendance, when we usually have a full house at Easter. The same thing happened last year after the earthquake in May. Those who cancel their reservations are Italian tourists, fortunately foreigners are not worried. The Campi Flegrei continue to live, in the area we have more than 2900 companies with over 10 thousand employees, the economy cannot be stopped. For this reason we have urgently requested a meeting with Minister Santanchè”.
"Among the projects in synergy - commented Giulio Gambardella - the launch on social media of the hashtag #CampiFlegreiLive, with the invitation to post live photos, videos, reels, while visiting the archaeological sites, while eating at a restaurant, while taking a walk or drinking a coffee, while doing any activity, because the Campi Flegrei 'live'. Another initiative that we have implemented as tourism operators is participation in training courses on emotional communication, to learn how to best explain moments of crisis, bradyseism, tremors, etc.".
"We must learn to truly live with bradyseism - said Mariano Armonia - a phenomenon that as we know has existed for millennia. For our part, it is true that we have chosen to live and work in this area, and no one forced us, but it is right to deal with a reality that exists and is alive. It is alive with tourism, archaeology, food and wine linked to the territory. I literally asked for help from those involved in each sector, who responded to me, and so we came together to launch #CampiFlegreiLive, a way to not be self-referential, and to show, but above all to have those who come to Campi Flegrei show in real time, what is happening, and that we should not be afraid".
“My proposal – Rosario Mattera emphasized – is that there is a unification of communication management between the four Phlegraean municipalities. I have always believed in networking by bringing together people and ideas to create something bigger”. “The seismic swarm of recent days has not stopped the organization of the Bacoli Archaeology Festival – Giovanni Parisi argued – which is proceeding quickly for the new edition in October. As evidence of TILE Storytellers' closeness to the Phlegraean territory, a TV series set in this land at the time of Ancient Rome, when Baia was considered the imperial pearl, is being written. Alongside institutional communication, it is essential to bring a narrative of these territories to the general public, such that cinematographic tourism can be born”.
Article published on March 31, 2025 - 20pm
It is a complicated situation for the Phlegraean economy, bradyseism has negative effects on tourism and catering. Restaurants must find ways to attract visitors, but it is difficult with the current alarmism that exists.
It is important to talk about these economic problems, but I do not know if the proposed solutions are sufficient. Communication is essential and a clearer strategy is needed to attract tourists, in order to help local businesses.
I agree with what has been said, but I also think that there needs to be a greater commitment from local authorities. More needs to be done to ensure the safety and serenity of visitors, otherwise it will be difficult to recover.