Bari, Italy’s historical port city, is shedding its past reputation marred by crime and is embracing tourism with open arms, thanks to new direct flights linked to the U.S.
Bari's Revival: A New Era for the Old Port City
Bari's Revival: A New Era for the Old Port City
Bari welcomes a new influx of tourists as direct flights from the United States open up the region to exploration.
Antonio Maria Vasile embarked on a mission two years ago, aiming to connect Puglia—a region in Italy's boot—with the United States, particularly for Italian Americans looking to retrace their roots. As the head of Puglia’s airports, he focused on promoting Bari as a destination rich in culture, history, and authentic Italian cuisine, rather than letting it be overshadowed by the more famous destinations of Naples or Sicily.
His efforts bore fruit last year when the Italian airline Neos announced the launch of direct flights from Bari to New York’s JFK Airport, the first route to link Puglia with the United States. These seasonal flights will operate once a week from June to October, reigniting hope and excitement among local inhabitants and entrepreneurs for a potential tourism boom.
Vasile hopes the new flights will not only benefit Bari's revitalization due to its historical landmarks—such as the renowned Castello Normanno-Svevo—but also the broader Puglia region, promoting everything from quaint farmhouse inns to picturesque coastal towns.
This transformation in perception comes after years of grappling with the challenges of mob crime that previously deterred both tourists and locals from fully engaging with Bari's old town. Now, as the city's narrative shifts towards positive growth, residents embrace the opportunities while remaining cautiously optimistic about the influx of visitors.
The revival of Bari stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the promise of renewed connections across the Atlantic, opening a new chapter for the city and its historical legacy nestled along the Adriatic Sea.
His efforts bore fruit last year when the Italian airline Neos announced the launch of direct flights from Bari to New York’s JFK Airport, the first route to link Puglia with the United States. These seasonal flights will operate once a week from June to October, reigniting hope and excitement among local inhabitants and entrepreneurs for a potential tourism boom.
Vasile hopes the new flights will not only benefit Bari's revitalization due to its historical landmarks—such as the renowned Castello Normanno-Svevo—but also the broader Puglia region, promoting everything from quaint farmhouse inns to picturesque coastal towns.
This transformation in perception comes after years of grappling with the challenges of mob crime that previously deterred both tourists and locals from fully engaging with Bari's old town. Now, as the city's narrative shifts towards positive growth, residents embrace the opportunities while remaining cautiously optimistic about the influx of visitors.
The revival of Bari stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the promise of renewed connections across the Atlantic, opening a new chapter for the city and its historical legacy nestled along the Adriatic Sea.
