When United Airlines was planning its second daily New York-Naples flight, who knows if it had already bet on the Napoli soccer team winning its third, historic championship after no less than 33 years when, in 1990 the legendary Diego Armando Maradona brought the trophy to Naples.
Tourists arriving in the Neapolitan capital today will find a city that has undergone a complete transformation. Soaking up the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre, from Spaccanapoli to Piazza del Plebiscito, from the Chiaia district to the ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, and from elegant Via Toledo to Posillipo they will nod their heads and agree that “See Naples and Die” was coined for a very good reason!
But what really has visitors agog right now – be they football fans or just hopelessly in love with the city and its treasures – is the profusion of white and blue bunting, flags and banners blanketing balconies, streets and squares, and even draped over the artisan crib statuettes in San Gregorio Armeno. Added to which there is the unbridled joy of the Neapolitans, protagonists of the celebrations and the merriment that has gripping the city.
A kermesse that will continue for months and that will result – as figures already show - in a tourist boom. According to Confesercenti Campania, the tourism and commercial return for the championship win will exceed €3 million each weekend in May and June. Hotel and non-hotel occupancy is at a new record level and close to full occupancy. Teresa Armato, Naples' councillor for tourism and productive activities, is already pointing to a surge in the number of foreign tourists of +60% over 2022, and an increase in the average number of overnight stays, from two to 4.5 nights.
Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist
