Naples – "This is a very important event, increasingly well-attended, with a massive participation of local and international operators," said Manfredi during the inauguration of the BMT, held at its traditional venue in the Campania capital. The fair, now in its 29th edition, confirms its role as a reference point for Mediterranean operators, attracting buyers, tour operators, and institutional representatives from across Europe and beyond.
Observatory data and optimistic forecasts
The mayor then presented the report from the Municipal Tourism Observatory, which monitors visitor flows and provides forecasts for 2026 and 2027.
According to the document, the signs are "very positive," with a projected 12% increase in foreign visitors compared to the previous year, supported by the programming of high-profile events. However, Manfredi warned that potential international tensions could impact the trend, urging caution.
America's Cup: a driving force for tourism
A central chapter of the presentation was dedicated to the America's Cup's arrival in Neapolitan waters. "It's a very important opportunity for the tourism industry and for the type of tourism it brings," the mayor explained, adding that the event generates "a significant amount of revenue" and therefore "growth and job opportunities" for the area. The presence of the crew, support teams, and spectators is seen as a multiplier capable of activating sectors such as hospitality, catering, transportation, and cultural services.
The Municipality's commitment to supporting the sector
Manfredi concluded by highlighting the initiatives implemented by the administration to strengthen the tourism sector: incentives for accommodation facilities, targeted promotional campaigns, staff training, and improvements to reception infrastructure. The stated goal is to transform growing demand into stable, quality employment, making tourism not just a seasonal phenomenon but a structural pillar of the city's economic development.
It seems like an important initiative for Naples, but it's unclear how the municipality will deliver on its promises; foreign operators are arriving en masse, but the infrastructure isn't ready, there's a lack of qualified personnel, ineffective training, and effective incentives, and more strategic coordination and practical oversight are needed.