The Regional Tourism Board Puglia Promozione

Bari's Adriatic coastline is characterized by the presence of several hamlets and small towns
overlooking the crystal clear waters of an amazing sea. The Apulian chief town, with its fascinating castle,lies on a coast studded with small hamlets, perfect spots for a relaxing stay or an immersion in history. Towns like Mola and Polignano offer to tourists the perfect combination of a beautiful sea with pristine beaches and a very rich cultural heritage.
The territory of Murge, partly under the protection of its national park, features an incredible variety of landscapes: caves, sanctuaries, strongholds, churches and cave settlements, quaint hamlets and bigger towns, such as Altamura, famous for its bread which best embodies the fragrances and the sun of this land.

The territory of Gargano and Daunia offers a wide variety of landscapes: the gentle hills around the Fortore river valley, the Daunia South-Appenine and the Ofanto river valley, the areas part of Gargano National Park, the flatland of Tavoliere delle Puglie and the Tremiti islands.
The Tavoliere, covered with nothing but golden fields of grain as far as the eye can see, is the kind of scenery surrounding Foggia which, together with San Severo and Cerignola, displays its mainly agricultural vocation.
The Gargano National Park, the largest green area in Puglia, is characterized by a peculiar type of vegetation, ranging from the Mediterranean shrub to big forests.
The Tremiti islands are considered a true natural paradise. The amazing seabed and the caves worn away by the tides and the wind are an irresistible attraction for scuba divers and sea lovers.

The ancient origins of Taranto and its provinces can still be admired in the remains of cave civilization and Greek culture which are considered still today a vibrant element of the local social fabric. In the inland areas of Taranto, characterized by landscapes where dominates the green of olives and grapes, lie numerous inhabited centres such as Manduria or Grottaglie, the origins of which are deeply rooted in the ancient history of the Messapian civilization. This territory include archeological and nature parks of great ecological interest.
The territory of Murge is characterized by the ''gravine'', deep grooves created by water erosion, and several karst caves which bear witness to a flourishing cave civilization.
The Ionian coastline features wide beaches with clear waters, characterized by gradual depths. On the coast lie cities such as Taranto, the ''city of the two seas'', and Pulsano, a cherished tourist destination with an exquisite local cuisine.

Imperial Puglia denotes an area enclosed within the borders of the provinces of Foggia and Bari. This territory is characterized by the presense of several medieval villages perfectly preserved. The hinterland, from the Murge upland down to the Adriatic coast is a vast grassland studded with cathedrals and castles bearing witness to a land that has a long history to tell.

Towns like Trani, Barletta and Bisceglie, with their coastline dotted with watchtowers, have always been important landing points for ships sailing to the Holy Land. The shoreline of Imperial Puglia is more than 40km long, along which stretches an extremely interesting wetland, where thousands of migratory bird species chose to winter in, located right next to the salt flats of Margherita di Savoia.

Salento finds its very beating heart in the province of Lecce, skirting both the provinces of Brindisi on the Adriatic coast and Taranto's on the ionian one. Driving through this territory one comes across the cities and towns of the hinterland, true gems of that peculiar architectural style known as the Baroque of Lecce.
The Salento coastline is characterized by a wide variety of landscapes. Wind and kite surfers gather on the long beaches facing the Alimini lakes, while scuba divers are spoilt for choice as the seabed of the Ionian coast, as well as around Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca offer an amazing underwater spectacle. In this strip of land embraced by two seas, nature reigns supreme.

The Itria Valley is characterized by a lush vegetation dominated by the olive trees grown in the areas around the masserie, the small stone fortresses peculiar to this territory. The coastline is characterized by long sandy beaches, sand dunes and protected landscape areas. The inland preserves many traces of ancient civilizations, cave settlements, castles and the characteristic trulli, built with the dry stone technique, which bear witness to a land whose history is carved into stone.
The energy of this land can be almost felt in the air, while travelling the roads connecting the beautiful town of Citernino with the Ostuni, the white city, and with Locorotondo, Martina Franca, up to Alberobello, unique and unforgettable.

Puglia is a land of art and culture, rich in treasures waiting to be discovered, with tourist services covering the entire territory.
Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they organize itineraries in cities of art, UNESCO sites, archeological areas, historic towns, museums and cultural heritage of particular tourist attraction;
• they organize historical and cultural itineraries (related to historic routes, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, cultural heritage related to Frederick II, rock churches etc);
• offer accomodation inside buildings of historical and architectural value;
• organize itineraries and guided tours related to the product Art and Culture;
• provide useful services that facilitate the fruition of artistic and cultural assets in the territory.

Because of the presence of numerous businesses and service providers in the hospitality industry, their growth potential, the profit they generate and the quality they offer, tourism related to business conferences, trade shows, meetings and events represents a strategic economic sector for Puglia.  
Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they have or are well connected to poly-functional centers, exhibition or trade show areas, sale meetings;
• they provide adequate services for incentive travels;
• they are or might be business tourism oriented depending on their location or on the type of services they provide;
• they provide services to business clients and to congress or event organizers;
• they are classified as PCO "Professional Congress Organizers", DMC "Destination Management Company", meeting planner, convention bureau;
• they provide catering services for big events, set-up solutions, audiovisual technical support, interpreting services, transport etc.

Puglia is a region with a culinary tradition of extraordinary variety, appreciated in Italy and around the globe. The gastronomic products have been considered for a long time very important elements which define and influence the tourism offer of the territory, in addition to representing a strong point of our brand.
Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they are situated close to or in areas of production of a particular product;
• they are producers and distribute typical products of Puglia's culinary tradition;
• they are Catering companies or provide Catering services;
• they organize tourist itineraries, guided tours, offer food and wine tasting, deal with local typical products or provide services related to the Food and wine industry.

Visiting Puglia is a way to discover a rich calendar of events held throughout the year, choosing between leisure activities, clubbing, shows, culture and entertainment. Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they are located near event locations of particular interest for tourists;
• they are located next to an area generally recognized as a Cultural attraction, to an event location or to a youth entertainment hub;
• they provide accommodation service relying on their experience in entertainment and leisure industry;
• they organize leisure travels, travels related to big festivals, music events, Art exhibitions etc.;
• they provide services to tourists looking for culture experiences, theater performances, recreational and leisure activities.  

 
The product Events & Entertainment includes a service package (hospitality, interpretive programs and extra services) which is always at the tourist's disposal for Exhibitions, Music Festivals, Film Festivals, Opera seasons, Concerts, Performances, Music events, parties, exclusive or mass events. The calendar of events (and organizers) is to be consulted only after registration at: www.pugliaevents.it (integrated in DMS).

Of all Puglia's attractions, the sea represents the major tourist attractor of the region. With its 860 km of coastline, it stands at the very heart of the overall tourism offer in the territory. Puglia's coastline, which includes several protected areas, has an extraordinary variety:  wide sand and rocky shores, islands with a pristine nature, secluded beaches and popular seaside resorts.
The sea of Puglia can be enjoyed in many ways: relaxing, having fun, doing sports, adventuring or simply by being in contact with nature.
Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they are located near marine protected areas (Tremiti, Torre Guaceto, Porto Cesareo etc.), small docks, seaside resorts and provide other sea related services;
• they are located in coastal areas characterized by a seasonal tourism demand;
• they organize guided tours, fishing activities, provide boat charter services and services related to beach activities (boat charter, diving, docking, sport centers etc.);
• they organize summer season travels according to the resorts offers.

Nature, sports and wellness; three different attractive options that Puglia offers to a traveler. The extremely mild climate of the region and the presence of natural protected areas allow sports to be practiced year-round, immersed in the green of the Mediterranean vegetation: trekking and cycling, horse riding, golf courses, natural parks and protected areas, diving centers and sailing equipment supply, windsurf, kitesurf etc.
Nature in Puglia means inner country as well, the Murgia, the Daunia, the masserie, Agritourism and the opportunity to experience the contact with a genuine environment. The presence of spas and wellness centers meet the demands of different target markets.
Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they are located near to, run or are well connected with sports facilities used by tourists (golf courses, bike rental, riding stables, windsurf and kitesurf centers etc.) and with spas and Wellness centers;- They are located near to or within national or regionals park areas or inside protected areas;
• they are equipped for outdoor sports and recreation;
• they have spa resorts and Wellness centers;
• they provide services for outdoor activities  (trekking, mountain biking, biking, bird-watching etc.), sports, wellness and slow tourism;
• they offer sport tourism packages and provide services for relevant sports events, nature excursions, cycling, day spas and slow tourism.

The product Nature, Sport and Wellness includes; natural protected areas, rural landscapes with centuries-old olive trees, oaken groves and Mediterranean vegetation, accommodation in trulli (typical local houses) and in picturesque manor farms, Destination spas, wellness centers, outdoor sports or backpacking.

Puglia offers a wide variety of sites and events related to local traditions, religion and faith. Sanctuaries, cathedrals, pilgrimage destinations, catholic and orthodox traditions, the new and the old sacred sites of Itria Valley, Easter week rituals, patron saint festivals, the ancient route of Via Francigena in the South, local craftsmanship, country festivals, historical commemorations, legends and mysteries.

Businesses can partake in initiatives involving this product if:

• they are located close to places of worship or pilgrimage, to the Via Francigena route, to locations where traditional events are held, to areas characterized by renowned handicraft production;
• they provide accommodation in religious buildings;
• they organize tours related to religious ceremonies, pilgrimage destinations, places of worship, local festivities and traditional events.