Naples is at a crossroads in the tourism sector: there's no shortage of visitors, but the overall quality of services and management leave much to be desired. According to Amedeo Conte, president of Sistema Trasporti Campania and CEO of Worldtours, the sector's profits are not commensurate with the efforts and costs incurred, in a context marked by rampant illegal construction.
The problem isn't so much the absolute number of arrivals, but the relationship between what tourists pay and what they actually receive. Naples is failing to compete with other destinations in terms of quality and efficiency, with a perception that diverges from the reality of official data. Conte emphasizes that flows are measured with unreliable tools, creating a narrative that fails to reflect the concrete challenges, including the decline in port calls, the limited expansion of Capodichino Airport, and the city's congestion, exacerbated by numerous construction sites.
On the transport front, the situation appears fragmented and penalizing regular operators. The proliferation of limited traffic zones, new restrictions on loading and unloading, rising parking fees, and checkpoints create a web of inconsistent regulations that weigh on the costs and operations of those who operate in compliance with the regulations. Conversely, those operating illegally do not face the same restrictions, fueling a climate of unfair competition.
Regional Law No. 10 of July 22, 2024, which recently came into force, introduced new rules for non-scheduled public transport in Campania, including taxis, chauffeur-driven rentals, and buses. An electronic register has been operational since May 11, 2026, to monitor businesses in the sector. However, according to Conte, local authorities and regulatory authorities must quickly define precise procedures and timeframes for inspections, otherwise the situation of illegal activity and poor quality will perpetuate, further eroding the margins of those who comply with the rules.
The operators' plea is clear: without decisive and coordinated action, tourism in Naples risks stagnating, with an offering that fails to fully exploit the potential of the city and its coastal area.
