Puglia: Growing Investments
Puglia attracts over 700 million euros in investments through the unique ZES, creating development and economic growth opportunities.
What are the ZES?
The Special Economic Zones (ZES) are geographical areas created to attract investments through tax incentives and bureaucratic simplifications. The unique ZES, active since 2024, has unified regional ZES to form a single development area in the South, including Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia.
What is the impact of investments in Puglia?
Between March 2024 and April 2025, the unique ZES brought over 709 million euros in investments to Puglia, with more than 1,600 approved projects. This made Puglia the third most attractive region in Italy for investments, capturing 18.05% of the national total. The average value of each project is around 443,000 euros, highlighting the importance of this initiative for local economic development.
Who are the investors?
According to the Court of Auditors, most projects in Puglia required less than 300,000 euros, with 1,014 projects in this range. Another 236 projects required between 300,000 and 500,000 euros, while 348 projects fall between 500,000 and 1 million euros. Only two projects exceed one million euros, demonstrating that even smaller investments can have a significant impact.
What is the role of the tax credit?
The tax credit is a key tool for attracting investments. In the 2024 budget, a spending cap of 1.1 billion euros was set, increased to 2.2 billion in 2025. This credit is aimed at companies investing in production facilities in the Southern regions, thus incentivizing economic growth.
How do investments affect tourism?
The economic revival of Puglia is not only about businesses but also positively impacts tourism. Increased investments mean new structures, more services, and better infrastructure, which can attract tourists even to lesser-known areas. The presence of new businesses can revitalize towns, ports, and industrial areas, creating new opportunities for visitors.
Where are the investments concentrated?
More than a third of total investments are concentrated in Campania, but Puglia remains in a strong position. This demonstrates the vitality of the region and its potential not only in tourism but also in entrepreneurship, making it an attractive place for investors.
What is the future of the ZES?
The ZES represent an opportunity to strengthen the link between economic development and territorial enhancement. Although designed for businesses, these initiatives have a positive indirect impact on visitors, thanks to a more efficient service network and sustainable growth. Puglia is becoming an example of how investments can transform a territory.
Why visit Puglia today?
Visiting Puglia today means discovering a region in strong evolution, which not only offers natural and cultural beauty but also a growing entrepreneurial environment. Ongoing investments are helping to create a better future for the region, making it an ideal place to explore and experience new opportunities.
