After the GTM in Stuttgart, participation in tourism trade fairs in Germany, Switzerland and Russia is planned.
Castellana Grotte, May 9, 2013 – In line with their 2013-2014 marketing strategy, the Castellana Caves are moving toward capturing the expected growth in foreign tourist flows in Puglia. This, along with the goal of building a network of relationships with European operators in the sector, explains the presence of the Caves at GTM Germany Travel Mart in Stuttgart and the expected participation in the next tourism fairs Cologne, Lugano, Kiev, Moscow and Bucharest.
"In a market scenario that predicts a 15% contraction for the national tourism sector and observing the decreasing number of visitors to the Caves in 2012, we are working with maximum speed to implement all actions that can slow or, if possible, neutralize these forecasts," explains Domi Ciliberti, president of the Castellana Caves. "And at the same time, and necessarily, we are modernizing and expanding our offering, making up for the accumulated delay in tourism marketing as quickly as possible."
In this sense, the marketing strategies introduced this year and projected over the two-year period (the benefits of which can reasonably be seen from the summer season that is just beginning) aim on the one hand to divert the flow of tourists in the region – with particular reference to those present in the Itria Valley and in the immediate coastal areas – and on the other hand to intercept the “new flows” of both national and international tourism.
Puglia is expected to attract an ever-increasing number of tourists from Northern and Eastern Europe. This was also evident at the "GTM Germany Travel Mart," in which Grotte participated, which represents the first of six events planned abroad to promote the beauty and tourism value of the karst site.
After Stuttgart, the Castellana Caves have in fact been accredited to participate, with their own stand, in the trade fair events of Lugano, Kiev and Moscow and at the workshops of Cologne and Bucharest.
This will benefit from funding provided through the call for proposals "For the Granting of Vouchers for Internationalization" from the Bari Chamber of Commerce, which provides 70% non-repayable funding. The remaining 30% will be covered by sponsorship from a private company engaged at the initiative of the president of Grotte.
"The philosophy that has inspired Grotte this year is to operate as cost-free as possible, without limiting our operations; on the contrary," explains Domi Ciliberti, "we want to strengthen them. As announced in my inaugural conference, we want to implement activities that consistently and lastingly enhance the Grotte, rewarding merit and welcoming all proposals that, in line with our marketing plan, aim to increase visitor numbers, developing an approach more in line with today's tourists and the needs of tour operators. Starting with the web and online sales."
"We have made our collaboration with the Puglia Region effective," continues the President of Grotte, "and we are working towards a "systemic" and co-marketing approach with all local stakeholders, neighboring municipalities, and even businesses, on partnerships that can benefit Grotte in terms of visitors, revenue, and development."
Grotte di Castellana Srl Press Office:
Purple & Noise PR
ufficiostampa@purpleandnoise.com
tel. 02 89076900
