Apulia / Economic activities

The economy of Apulia is strongly linked to agriculture (primarily the production of wines and olive oil), fishing and crafts.
It also boasts a notable development in the artisan and industrial sectors (clothing, agro-food, aerospace, chemical, ICT, automotive components). The research sector is important (Biology, ICT, Nanotechnologies, Biotechnologies, Mechanics).

The strategic geographical position in the Mediterranean, the presence of the ports of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto and the international airports of Bari and Brindisi, as well as the good endowment of road infrastructures and, last but not least, the peculiarity of its climate and its agriculture, the its extraordinary wealth of landscape, natural and cultural assets, presage in the immediate future a notable economic development in the industrial, renewable energy production, agro-food, trade and tourism fields.

Tourism in Apulia (2012: arrivals 3,226,000; visitors 13,292,000) has experienced a significant increase in recent years, despite the national and international economic crisis.
Tourism in Apulia, traditionally mainly national and summer, has accommodation facilities (hotels, tourist villages, farmhouses, private structures) and support services (restaurants, transport companies, railways, tour operators, tourist guides, etc.) very extensive and of high quality level.

The Apulia Region, the local authorities and entrepreneurs, after the development of the international airports of Bari and Brindisi, are dedicating particular attention to the expansion policies of the tourism market of European origin.
One of the main objectives of these policies is the seasonal adjustment of incoming and the creation of high quality tourism opportunities, at competitive prices, throughout the year.