Southern Italy's Cultural and Tourism Renaissance

Southern Italy is experiencing a cultural and tourism revival, with cities like Naples reclaiming their central role through private cultural investments (e.g., Made in Cloister) and pedestrianization of the waterfront. Pompeii plans a new railway station to better serve visitors and involves migrants in cultural initiatives. Caserta's Reggia demonstrates the success of external museum directors. Puglia continues its golden period with Bari's creative industries and international investments, while Taranto's independent culture scene resembles Berlin of 25 years ago. Calabria shows ambition, with Reggio Calabria's Malacrino competing with Caserta's Mauro Felicori. Palermo plans to host Manifesta in 2018, and Matera prepares for 2019. The revival connects to agriculture and wine sectors, attracting young people back. Official 2015 GDP data shows the South grew 1%, outperforming the North-East for the first time in seven years. Challenges remain: the EU withdrew 51 million euros in investments due to bureaucratic failures, but opportunities from Brexit and shifting capital away from London are noted.