Jeff Barrington's Puglia Connection Blog

Who could do such a thing?

Administrator — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:36:07 +0000

A few days ago, a bomb exploded outside a high school in the city of Brindisi, killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring many others. This hits home for me because this school is a training ground for students interested in pursuing careers in tourism. Getting young people involved in the tourism industry is a significant step toward improving Puglia’s economy. What’s to be gained by anyone from targeting and killing children? As this week’s edition of The Economist points out, “It may prove to have been the work of a lone maniac, or the local mafia. But it was ominously reminiscent of the apparently random – and still mostly unexplained – bombings that brought terror to Italy from the late 1960s to the early 1980s…what is certain is that, in a matter of weeks, Italy has become not just a more unsettled place, but a darker and scarier one.” Overstated, perhaps, but not reflecting well on Puglia just as the summer tourism season begins.

“4 singular swimming spots” – and one of them is in Puglia; plus celebrating an ancient olive tree in Lecce

Administrator — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:20:28 +0000

I’m always interested to see Puglia get any kind of recognition or publicity on the international scene. Here are two short items:
1. The latest issue of Conde Nast Traveler includes a short feature titled “Taking the Plunge” about “four singular swimming spots.” Besides locations in Hawaii, Mexico and Virginia, the article describes a place called Roca Vecchia, a rocky beach along the Adriatic coast of the Salento Peninsula near the city of Lecce. As the article states, “According to legend, a stunning muse once bathed in this constellation of limestone pools, known ever since as the Grotta della Poesia (Grotto of Poetry).”

2. This week, an ancient olive tree in Puglia was dedicated to U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama for her work in promoting healthy eating, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean diet featured throughout the region since antiquity. The 1,400-year-old tree, named “The Queen” by local people, is in the Province of Lecce. About 25 gallons of oil from the tree will be shipped to the White House in the fall.

Puglia promotional offer for British travelers

Administrator — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:27:55 +0000

I just saw this on a PR site on behalf of the British tour operator Citalia. I’m not familiar with this company or with the hotel being promoted here, so I’m just passing it on, verbatim as stated by the company, in case you’re interested:

Citalia is offering free nights and savings on travel to Puglia, the stunning Italian Coastal Region

Citalia, the leading Italian specialist, is currently giving customers the opportunity to enjoy a free night and savings of up to £230 per couple staying in 4* accommodation in Puglia, Southern Italy.

Puglia, Italy, a region known for its culinary heritage, rugged mountains and sun baked coastline has just been made all the more appealing by an Offer of the Week travelling with Citalia. Running down the Southern heel of Italy, holidays to Puglia bring out the best in an Italian Mediterranean holiday, with warm waters, excellent sea food, lively ports and characteristic fishing villages. The latest Offer of the Week at Citalia capitalises on all of this, tempting holidaymakers not just with the charms of Italy but also incredible opportunities to save money and create a perfect summer holiday.

A 7 night holiday, staying at the 4* Hotel del Levante is from £649 per person, saving up to £230 per couple. For travel between 27th May and 14th July, customers receive a free night for stays of 7 nights or more. The family orientated hotel is situated right on the shoreline, with its own private beach, 2 swimming pools and beautifully landscaped gardens. The price includes accommodation in a twin front sea view room and half board to set up a memorable holiday to Puglia.

From the hotel, the opportunity to explore the wider Puglia region is a convenient one, with the fishing village of Torre Canne a short 5 minute drive away, and from there the wider region including the ‘White City’ of Ostuni and the grottoes of Castellana which are great for adventurous holidaymakers. Inland away from the coastal settlements, Puglia is known for its wooded mountains and distinctive countryside full of Olive Trees and sweeping plains. With such variation and diversity, the Hotel del Levante offer is an excellent example of the tailor made Italian holidays that build upon Citalia’s extensive knowledge and long standing expertise in travel to Italy.

For further inspiration on a range of Italy holidays, from popular Italian Lakes to Florence and Venice holidays and Italian islands, contact Citalia on 0844 415 1956.

It’s already summer in Puglia

Administrator — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:20:24 +0000

Judging by the temperatures recorded over the past few days, it’s already summer in Puglia – and it’s only May 1. The newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno is reporting temperatures throughout the Region of Puglia in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius) with predictions of even higher temperatures in the days ahead. (If you’re reading Italian websites to keep track of the weather, Rick Steves, the TV travel host, guide and guidebook author, teaches “28 equals 82” as a quick and simple guide to temperature conversions.) Despite the still-chilly waters, beaches in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce and Taranto are crowded with city dwellers and travelers alike seeking a break from the heat so early in the season. It is also reported that crowds are heading to cooler weather in some of Puglia’s mountaintop religious shrines, including San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo, both in Foggia province.

An interesting take on Puglia

Administrator — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:52:03 +0000

New Zealand journalist Caroline Phillips reports on her visit to Puglia’s newest village resort and marvels at the region’s food. Read her account, “Puglia: The Heel’s Had a Reboot,” at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/europe/news/article.cfm?l_id=7&objectid=10801117.

Car theft in Puglia: You don’t have to be a victim

Administrator — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:19:42 +0000

Take proper precautions to protect your rental car.

It’s not news that stealing cars is a common crime in Italy, nor that Puglia is a popular place for car thieves to operate. But a recent report from the Italian news organization AGI (http://www.agi.it/) reinforces the need for visitors to be aware of the problem so they can take proper precautions: “In Italy 315 cars are stolen every day: Campania, Lazio, Lombardia and Puglia are higher-risk regions…(In 2011) Bari had the highest number of thefts in Puglia (8,725).”
Because Puglia’s network of trains and buses does not provide access to all parts of the region, many visitors opt to rent cars, frequently at airports. From my experience, that’s the best way to enjoy Puglia and to see what the region has to offer visitors. But you need to be mindful that as an outsider you can be a target.
There are ways to protect yourself and your rental car. First, rent your car from a recognized company. Most international rental car companies have outlets at Puglia’s airports. Reserving a car in advance is advised; necessary if you need an automatic. Carry an International Driver’s License (available in the U.S. from AAA). Buy the insurance. Make sure you check the car for any damage before you leave the lot. Ask about any precautions or special rules, such as areas to avoid or what happens if your rental car is stolen. Get a map and familiarize yourself with the area. Know where you’re going. Take the time to learn the local traffic laws and what the road signs mean, especially in regard to legal and illegal parking. And don’t drink and drive.
When parking, look for public lots that are supervised or access is controlled, such as at a public beach or a historic site like a castle. A parking garage is the best option at night. In public parking areas in some cities and towns, you may see men wearing white captain’s hats with “Parcheggio” (“Parking”) stitched across the front. For the most part, they have no official capacity or legal authority, but for a euro or two they will keep an eye on your car while you’re walking around. It’s unofficial, but it works (the same type of situation exists at many public restrooms, but that’s a topic for another blog).
Puglia’s highways are for the most part easy to navigate and well maintained. Local roads can be tricky, especially at night. But if you take the same precautions you would take at home, you will find Puglia a great place to explore by car at your own pace.

New president for Brindisi hotel federation

Administrator — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:29:34 +0000

A veteran tourism and hotel industry executive has been elected president of Federalberghi Brindisi, the Brindisi hotel federation. He is Pierangelo Argentieri, director of Tenuta Moreno, a resort property in Mesagne, and the www.palazzovirgilio.it/it/home/, the former Hotel Majestic on Corso Umberto I near the Brindisi train station. Argentieri previously was vice president of the hotel association.
Argentieri told La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno that he is aware of “the economic difficulties that our industry is experiencing because of the instability and then national and international responsibilities to which we encounter…We must be able to respond as fast and practical needs of colleagues and the industry and immediately open a discussion table with all the institutional actors involved in the various institutions involved and of tourism.”

Disgusting

Administrator — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:10:32 +0000

In our travels to Puglia, sadly we’ve often seen evidence that people don’t care about the region’s precious heritage and antiquities. We’ve seen beaches and historic sites littered with trash. We’ve also seen graffiti on public buildings, but this is a first. Someone has spray-painted “Ti amo” (“I love you”) on Castel del Monte. This is not just any building; Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II in the 13th century, is recognized internationally for its historic significance. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. People from around the world visit each year to admire the construction and try to figure out the structure’s significance. It’s a disgrace and an embarrassment that someone would defile this site in such a way.
(Photo copyright © La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno)

Puglia Resort on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2011 “Hot List”

Administrator — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:35:13 +0000

Borgo Egnazia, a high-end masseria in Savelletri di Fasano, Brindisi, is featured among the exclusive Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2011: The Year’s 124 Top New Hotels. The magazine’s editors wrote, “Every hotel in this list won its place the old fashioned way ‒ by earning it. …The hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style and a strong sense of place.”
Acknowledging Puglia’s importance among international travelers, the magazine reports, “Despite a late start in tourism, Puglia has jumped ahead of other regions in Italy with its abundance of stylish hotels, yet even in this high-design market, Borgo Egnazia stands out. Unlike many of its masserie (traditional Puglian farmhouses) counterparts, the hotel is newly built in the traditional style, a large compound surrounded by stone walled field of ancient olive trees. An enclosed courtyard leads into a lofty, domed hallway filled with hanging lanterns, while fireplaces set into the white stone flicker throughout the public spaces. The 63 comfortable guest rooms have white stone walls and canopy beds, and each comes with a terrace looking onto the sea, the hills, or two huge pools flanked by double-size daybeds. The spa has a heated indoor pool, and the 18-hole golf course next door, the San Domenico, is one of the area’s main attractions (this, combined with a terrific children’s club, is a welcome combination for families).” Doubles range from $587 to $677.

Business As Usual

Administrator — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:55:39 +0000

This is only marginally related to tourism, but it’s an interesting story nonetheless. It seems that just over a year ago, back in December 2009, the carcasses of seven whales were beached along the Gargano coast between Ischitella and Cagnano Varano, La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno reports.
Fearing that the hygiene of the public, not to say the tourist appeal of the affected beaches, would suffer if something was not done quickly, local officials hired a company to recover, transport and bury the decomposing carcasses. The company did everything it was asked to do, on an emergency basis – and, because of bureaucratic snafus, is still waiting to be paid more than a down payment for its work.
The company claims it is out “several tens of thousands of euros” that it paid out to buy materials, pay its workers and bring in heavy-duty equipment to finish the job. It also claims it may go out of business if it’s not paid soon. He’s gone so far as to threaten to dig up the carcasses and deposit them in front of the offices of the government officials involved if he’s not paid.
As I said, not really a tourism story, but think about this: what if something like this happens again, let’s say in July, at the height of the tourism season, and nobody will step forward to do the necessary cleanup work out of fear of not being paid for their trouble.