At the recent Business Tourism Management (BTM) event held at Fiera del Levante in Bari, Bisceglie shone bright with the support of several local organizations committed to promoting its tourism and gastronomic initiatives. The event took place on February 26 and 27, 2025, and involved active participation from representatives of Assoco Extra Bisceglie, Confcommercio, and Assolocali.
Diving right in, it became apparent during the opening morning of the event on February 26, the talk focused on “Taste and Culture: Bisceglie between experiential tourism and tradition,” where key figures shared insight on Bisceglie’s traditional products. Notable participants included Andrea Ferrante, the president of Assolocali, Giuseppe Frizzale from APS Cooking Solution, and local councilor Onofrio Musco. The discussions reflected the growing enthusiasm among stakeholders concerning tourism development strategies for the coastal city.
"Producers, merchants, and professionals are the true ambassadors of our city, rich in history, beauty, and traditions," underscored Leo Carriera, president of Confcommercio Bisceglie. This sentiment reverberated throughout the event, showcasing the determination of local representatives to strengthen Bisceglie’s identity as a hub for experiential tourism.
One of the standout initiatives discussed during the event was Asso Extra Bisceglie’s recent entrance to the Aep (Puglia Extra Hospitality Association). Cinzia Capozza, the Aep president, welcomed Rosalia Sette from Asso Extra Bisceglie to the stage, emphasizing the importance of this liaison. "Our entrance to Aep Puglia is a significant step to strengthen the network of extra-hotel operators," she announced, noting the collaborative efforts aimed at connecting local tourism operators with others across the region, including Trani, Polignano, and Bari.
With just three months of operations, Asso Extra Bisceglie is already gaining traction with 15 associates combining to offer over 200 available lodgings. This growth reflects the resilience and collaborative spirit necessary to create synergies among various operators, ensuring Bisceglie's offerings through local tourism continue to flourish.
The event also featured engaging cooking demonstrations emphasizing local gastronomy. Following the discussions, attendees enjoyed tastings of two iconic products from Bisceglie—a focaccia known as u cùcue and the sweet treat sospiro, both recognized as traditional agro-food products (PAT) by the Italian government. This culinary showcase was skillfully conducted by local pastry chefs and pizzaioli, allowing the public to experience the richness of Bisceglie's culinary heritage firsthand.
Onofrio Musco, the municipal councilor responsible for productive activities, expressed satisfaction with the active participation observed at the event. He noted, "The enthusiasm and participation from local operators were impressive," emphasizing the community's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and exploring avenues for developing the local tourism sector.
Throughout the BTM, workshops, seminars, and cultural events enriched the experience for attendees. These collaborative formats sought to unite various operators, government representatives, and private entities to build bridges between different facets of the industry and create lasting partnerships.
Municipal officials, including Councilor Musco, articulated aspirations for establishing a comprehensive tourism network. These initiatives are reiterated at the state general meetings promoted by Bisceglielive, aimed at ensuring open dialogues among all stakeholders. Consequently, the commitment from the city’s administration is viewed as pivotal for future collaborations.
The concluding note from the BTM event centered on Bisceglie's role within the broader Puglia region. Many stakeholders remarked on the potential for developing high-quality tourism and preserving local cultures and culinary ways. Confcommercio Bisceglie is persistently pushing for constructive dialogues with institutions to support efforts to promote the territorial identity.
This BTM event, coupled with the collaborative initiatives from Asso Extra Bisceglie, Confcommercio, and Assolocali, reaffirms Bisceglie's commitment to embracing both its historical legacy and innovative tourism approaches. The momentum gained during this year’s showcase promises exciting developments for Weiss and positions Bisceglie as a key player among Puglia’s tourism offerings.