Written by Maria Luisa Matarrelli, Head of International Government - FX – Emerging, Eurizon

Puglia has become one of the most beloved travel destinations in Italy and Europe thanks to a winning mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and authentic charm. There are many reasons why Puglia is so popular.

In Puglia you can find 800 km of coastline along both the Adriatic and Ionian seas with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches,  dramatic cliffs and sea caves, a beautiful nature and rural landscapes, an outstanding cuisine with iconic dishes like orecchiette with turnip, renowned wines like Primitivo di Manduria and Negramaro, and some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oil, vibrant local festivals like «La Notte della Taranta» , traditional music like pizzica, and unique towns and historical cities like Lecce famous for its baroque architecture, and authentic hilltop villages like Cisternino, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Oria.

Maria Luisa Matarrelli from Eurizon. (Image: supplied)

Oria, in the province of Brindisi, is an alternative travel destination, because it is authentic, less crowded, and historically rich place. Oria has everything you are looking for in Puglia: a charming old town, the medieval traditions, a genuine and peaceful atmosphere. The identity of Oria is well defined by the Swabian castle on the highest hill of the village, that illuminated at night offers very beautiful panoramic views, and by a well-preserved medieval old town. The cultural scene is also very interesting and lively. Especially during the summer evenings there are shows, art galleries and shops are open in the evening.

The tournament Between the Four Districts

In the second weekend of August the «Torneo dei Rioni» is held. It is a unique event and recall a tournament between the four districts of the village in honor of Frederick II of Swabia, who was stationed in Oria awaiting his bride in 1225. On Saturday there is a historical costume parade that recreates Frederick II’s majestic arrival, called «Corteo Storico». On Sunday the competition is held between the four city districts.  Oria is close to well-known tourist area like valle d’Itria, Ostuni, Lecce, and in the middle between the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, connected by good roads and by train and bus.

The sea is calling: Apulia is very popular with tourists. (Image: supplied)

Eurozone’s tourism sector surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with over 745 million international arrivals. Eurozone offers a diversified touristic proposition: there are many countries to visit that are close, well connected, and many emerging destinations, intermodal transport with a focus on the sustainable mobility, and a focus on the green development and slow travel. The Eurozone enjoys a high degree of macroeconomic stability with a reliable infrastructure and robust, universally available health services. 

Well-positioned Bond Market

As in the touristic sector also in the financial sector Eurozone is an attractive destination. The eurozone fixed income market is very sound thanks to the macroeconomic stability, and a growing coordination among the different countries provided by the European Central Bank and the European institutions. 

As a fixed income investor, you can invest in special aggregate strategy, buying the bonds issued by different sovereign countries with different credit ratings, allowing you to have in your portfolio both the safe asset and the yield enhancement, improving your value proposition.

In addition to sovereign issuers, you can buy the debt of EU, and other supranational issuers that collect mutual debt for all the eurozone countries. Furthermore, you can buy bonds issued by agencies with special purpose connected to its sovereign, offering a moderate pickup versus them, and by corporates and emerging markets. Many international issuers, located outside the euro area, are increasing their share of debt issued in euro thanks to the stability of the eurozone institutional landscape, the rule of law and focus on the social well-being and green transition. 

The eurozone fixed income market is well positioned to attract investor flows worldwide in these special times of history, in which we are living in, with a tendency of United States toward more protectionism and isolation, putting under discussion the exorbitant privileged enjoned by us dollar as reserve currency status.