Puglia is gearing up to enchant New York with its exceptional offerings as a top-tier wedding destination. On January 13, the iconic New York Times Building will host the event "Getting Married in Puglia, Wedding Destination," organized by the Tourism Department of the Region of Puglia and Pugliapromozione, in collaboration with ENIT and The New York Times.

The event aims to connect approximately 20 Puglian companies specializing in the wedding industry with around 30 carefully selected U.S. operators. These B2B meetings, without a fixed agenda, will encourage networking among Puglian hotels, wedding planners, and tour operators with buyers looking to promote the region as a luxury wedding destination. Participants will receive a detailed digital catalog to assist in facilitating interactions.

2023 was a record year for the wedding industry in Puglia, with a turnover of 803 million euros, reflecting a 34% growth from 2022. This boom was largely driven by increased demand from non-European markets, with American couples being the main target. This success came despite the lack of a direct Bari-New York City flight, which will begin operating in June 2024, creating new growth opportunities.

The event is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Puglia brand in the United States. According to Luca Scandale, the general director of Pugliapromozione, this initiative follows other promotional activities such as Puglia's participation in Design Miami, where the region showcased its excellence in food, wine, contemporary art, fashion, and design. The goal in New York is to foster collaborations between Puglian operators and North American buyers, boosting the region’s appeal.

The day will conclude with a lunch featuring typical Puglian dishes, offering participants the chance to discover the authentic flavors of the region. The venue for the event, the famous New York Times Building, designed by Renzo Piano, serves as a prestigious backdrop, further underscoring the significance of the occasion.