The America’s Cup represents much more than a major sporting event for Naples. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the city's international profile, develop its tourism industry and create new economic and employment opportunities ahead of the main event in 2027.
Update
America’s Cup puts Naples on the world stage: tourism and major events in focus ahead of 2027
The America’s Cup represents much more than a major sporting event for Naples. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the city's international profile, develop its tourism industry and create new economic and employment opportunities ahead of the main event in 2027.
These themes were at the heart of the panel “Naples in the international context: challenges and prospects,” hosted at the City of Naples stand inside the America’s Cup Race Village on the waterfront.
Organised by DMO Napoli for the city’s Department of Tourism and Productive Activities to mark World Tourism Day, the meeting brought together institutions and representatives from the tourism industry to discuss the opportunities created by Naples’ growing international visibility.
⛵ A major test ahead of 2027
The Preliminary Regatta was more than a sporting competition.
For Naples, it provided an important test of the city's ability to host a major international event while managing organisation, hospitality, visitor flows, services and public participation.
The experience is particularly valuable ahead of the 2027 America’s Cup, when Naples will face a significantly larger international challenge.
The Race Village discussion therefore focused on how major events can support the city's economic development and strengthen Naples’ position as an international destination.
🏨 Strong tourism numbers
Tourism figures were among the most significant points highlighted during the event.
According to Naples Tourism Councillor Teresa Armato, the preliminary America’s Cup events coincided with full hotel occupancy, while occupancy in the non-hotel accommodation sector was reported at 85%.
The figures illustrate how the impact of an international sporting event can extend well beyond the racecourse.
Hotels, restaurants, shops, transport and other tourism-related services can all benefit from the additional visitors attracted by an event of this scale.
❤️ Naples embraces the event
Public participation was another major feature of the Preliminary Regatta.
The waterfront and dedicated viewing areas allowed residents and visitors to experience the racing at close range, helping transform the competition into an event involving the wider city.
Mayor Gaetano Manfredi described the America’s Cup as a major opportunity for Naples and stressed the importance of continuing to improve the city's hospitality while involving all parts of the community in its development.
The challenge is therefore not simply to deliver a successful event in 2027, but to ensure that the America’s Cup produces benefits that remain after the racing has ended.
🌎 International tourism continues to grow
The international component of Naples’ tourism market is also becoming increasingly significant.
According to Valentina Della Corte of the Urban Tourism Observatory, international visitors now account for more than 40% of tourist arrivals in Naples.
The US market continues to strengthen, while Asian markets are emerging and new categories of international travellers are showing increasing interest in the city.
The global exposure generated by the America’s Cup could further accelerate this trend.
Images of the Gulf of Naples, the waterfront and the city alongside some of the world's most technologically advanced racing yachts provide an exceptionally powerful showcase for the destination.
🤝 Institutions and tourism industry working together
The panel brought together representatives from several tourism organisations alongside local institutions.
Participants included Chicca Pagliari of Federalberghi, Agostino Ingenito of Abbac, Mario Morra of Aigab and Alessandra Perrella of Atex, together with Teresa Armato and Valentina Della Corte.
Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Regional Tourism Councillor Vincenzo Maraio also attended the event.
Cooperation between the public and private sectors emerged as one of the key factors in consolidating Naples’ growth as a tourism destination.
👩💼 Services, heritage and employment
Increasing visitor numbers alone is not enough.
The discussion also addressed service quality, the enhancement of Naples’ cultural heritage and employment opportunities generated by the tourism industry, with particular attention to younger generations.
The wider objective is to turn growing international visibility into long-term economic and social benefits for the city.
🌊 Naples 2027: the challenge has already begun
The Preliminary Regatta offered Naples its first major test.
The city showcased its Gulf to an international audience, welcomed teams and sailing fans and gained valuable experience ahead of 2027.
The next challenge is to use the months ahead to improve services, organisation and hospitality so that the America’s Cup becomes much more than a spectacular sporting event.
The America’s Cup may be raced on the water, but Naples’ wider challenge is taking place on land too — through tourism, jobs, services and the opportunity to establish itself even more firmly as a major international destination. 🌍⛵🇮🇹
FAQ
Is this official event information?
No. AC Naples 2027 is an independent visitor guide. Official information should be checked on official America's Cup channels.
