A Napoli alberghi occupati al 100%, ma la provincia resta esclusa

At 100% occupancy, Napoli hotels remain unaffected by the America's Cup

The preliminary regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in Naples demonstrated the city's allure to tourists. Walking along the promenade and through the city streets revealed the significant influx of visitors drawn to the second regatta, following Cagliari's in May. These observations were corroborated by the Urban Tourism Observatory established by the City of Naples.

"The pre-regatta America's Cup events have given a significant boost to arrivals," stated Tourism Deputy Teresa Armato. By the end of September, the city is projected to have welcomed 2.24 million visitors, 770,000 of whom arrived during the pre-regatta week. This surge in tourism, coupled with a long-standing upward trend, marks a notable development.

However, the source of this influx is high-spending, passionate sailors and curious individuals who seized the opportunity for a vacation in Naples. The impact of this tourist boom is evident, with the Tourism Deputy Pier Paolo Baretta commissioning an economic impact evaluation study for the city. The study, expected to be completed by late 2027, will assess the overall period of the America's Cup regattas.

Costanzo Jannotti Pecci, former President of the Industrial Union of Naples and manager of hotels such as Palazzo Caracciolo and de Bonart (now Britannique), remarked on the unprecedented level of appreciation from foreign guests. Gianna Mazzarella, president of the Tourism section of the Industrial Union of Naples, confirmed a 100% hotel occupancy, primarily composed of American tourists.

The Capodichino Airport noted a 10% increase in travelers during the week following the regatta. Yet, the excitement and optimism remain confined to Naples' center. While the southern coastline, adorned with ports, ports, archaeological areas, and the Vesuvius, remains unaffected by the America's Cup regatta, local operators in Vesuvian coastal towns fear they may not capitalize on the event's economic and social potential.

The Vesuvian towns fear that the regatta's long-lasting wave will not reach the Sorrentine Peninsula. "In September, we work very well in Sorrento," said Gino Acampora, president of the Sorrentine Peninsula Travel Agencies Association. However, no effect of the America's Cup is anticipated here, and they expect the same next year.