Salerno is a crossroads that appeals for its beauty, culture and history said tourism councillor Alessandro Ferrara at the recent Mediterranean Tourism Exchange in Naples.
“Tourism can be a fundamental driving force for development”
Salerno has a wide range of tourist attractions and an exceptional blend of history, art, culture, good food and wines, as well as warm hospitality. Adding to which there is the airport, maritime station and high-speed railway making the city easily reached from anywhere in Italy and the world. It is also in a truly privileged position close to the Amalfi Coast, Paestum and Pompeii. “The city of Salerno and the whole of the Campania region are increasingly well-known tourist destinations worldwide,- said Alessandro Ferrara. – But we still have to grow, and tourism can be a fundamental driving force for development.” 
What is the profile of the typical tourist who chooses Salerno?
There isn't a specific profile of the tourist who visits our city. We welcome tourists from Italy, Europe, the Americas and Asia and generally we have more foreign visitors than Italians. As well as visiting Salerno, the city is also chosen as a base for excursions to the two the Amalfi Coast and the splendid Cilento. 
Was 2024 a good year for tourism, and what markets are you looking at?
“In addition to our natural beauty, a major boost is provided by our infrastructure system. Since it opened the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport has posted numbers that have gone well beyond even the rosiest forecasts. In addition to this, the new underground railway is under construction, as well as high-speed rail and road and sea links. All this in an area of incomparable natural beauty, with a vast wealth of historical, cultural, landscape, architectural and food and wine heritage, which makes us optimistic for further growth in the future.” Yes, we are looking at international markets, first and foremost the European market. But we are also working with American and Asian markets, and various contacts are also underway with China and areas of the Middle East.
How much does organized tourism contribute?
It represents a fundamental segment in various aspects. With a lot of coaches arriving in the city at weekends and then there are the cruise passengers, who are organised in groups with guides. There are some tour operators in Rome that include a guided tour of Salerno in their packages, and the travel by train. In addition to heritage tourism, there is also the promotion of the city based on word of mouth, which plays a significant role – and it is free of charge.
