Manfredi: "Naples is now a global city."

Naples looks to the future with the awareness of having become, in all respects, a global city.

Mayor Gaetano Manfredi is convinced of this, and at the opening of the 77th edition of the Prix Italia, hosted at the Royal Palace, he took stock of a growth path that is transforming the city's image in the eyes of the world.

"This is the edition with the highest international attendance ever," Manfredi said, "an important sign that confirms Naples as a major global city. We must get used to hosting world-class events: it means our growth is stable and recognized."
The Prix Italia, promoted by RAI under the high patronage of the Presidency of the Republic and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Neapolis 2500 – Napoli Musa Committee, is for the mayor a piece of a broader strategy of international promotion.
“We have changed the global perception of Naples”

In recent years, Manfredi explained, a true paradigm shift has occurred. "We've succeeded in showcasing the real Naples, beyond the stereotypes. It was a powerful message that generated extraordinary tourism growth and renewed international interest. Today, the city is perceived as an authentic, creative, and welcoming place."

According to data cited by the mayor, Naples has seen a 45% increase in tourist numbers over the past three years, with a record influx of foreign visitors.

Towards the America's Cup: "A decisive challenge for the city"

The mayor then turned his gaze to the future, indicating a key objective: the 2027 America's Cup, which will be held in Bagnoli.
"It will be a global event," he said, "that will boost Naples' image and have a significant economic impact. It confirms the growth path we're pursuing: a challenge we're facing with commitment and vision."
The world sailing event is part of the celebrations for the 2500th anniversary of the founding of Neapolis, an opportunity to combine historical memory and contemporary revival.
“Looking to the future means remembering one's roots,” Manfredi emphasized, “and this is precisely what makes Naples a true city.”

Scampia, from a symbol of degradation to a model of regeneration

Among the topics addressed by the mayor was urban regeneration, with an update on the future of the Vele di Scampia, a symbol of redemption and rebirth.
"The Sails represented the Naples of Gomorrah," he explained, "but today they tell a different story. One has already been demolished, another is being demolished, and a third will be redeveloped to become a major technological innovation center."
Demolition operations on the Vela Rossa have already begun with the initial stripping phases, which will be followed by bulldozers in the coming weeks.
“We worked with the residents,” Manfredi continued, “building 500 new apartments to allow them to stay in Scampia, but in decent homes and with a new lease on life.”

“There are no suburbs, but polycentric cities”

Speaking more generally about the suburbs, the mayor reiterated his vision of a polycentric Naples, where every neighborhood can feel an active part of the urban fabric.
"I believe there are no suburbs," he stated. "We need to build cities where everyone is a key player. This is what we're doing in the historic center, in Sanità, in the Spanish Quarter, and also in San Giovanni, where an important technology and university hub has emerged."

Pride and participation

For Manfredi, the pride of Neapolitans is the key to rebirth:
Being proud of your city means investing in it, defending it, and improving it. For too long in Italy, we've spoken poorly of ourselves, but places like Naples demonstrate that our beauty is unique and must be protected. It's a collective heritage that belongs to everyone.