Puglia agritourism sees surge in demand and international visitors

Agritourism in Puglia is experiencing a significant boom, with farm stays reaching full capacity during the peak summer season. According to data from ISMEA and Coldiretti Puglia, the region has become a strategic asset for regional tourism by leveraging its rural heritage and agricultural traditions.

The sector has seen a 7.3% increase in tourist arrivals, totaling over 223,000 visitors, and a 9% rise in overnight stays, exceeding 766,000. A notable driver of this growth is international interest; 51.5% of all stays—approximately 394,846 units—are attributed to foreign travelers seeking authentic experiences such as wine tastings and olive grove tours.

Economically, Puglia's primary agricultural production reaches 5.7 billion euros, supplemented by more than 1 billion euros generated through connected activities like rural hospitality and multifunctional farm businesses. Antonio Baselice, president of Terranostra Puglia, noted that modern tourists seek a direct relationship with the territory and its producers rather than just a destination.