Apulia as a protagonist in the world: Excellence Pugliesi Award at the Chamber of Deputies

On Tuesday December 16, the sixth edition of the Excellence Pugliesi Award took place in the Press Room of the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, an event that has established itself over time as one of the most authoritative moments in telling the story of a Puglia capable of asserting itself well beyond regional and national borders. Not just a simple award ceremony, but a collective narrative of skills, visions, and roots that continue to generate value in the fields of entrepreneurship, culture, tourism, social issues, and innovation.

Conceived and founded by Roberto Pansini, the Award was created with the aim of giving voice to a Puglia often portrayed through stereotypes, but which today presents itself as a vibrant and dynamic network of excellences. A territory that is no longer a periphery, but a central node of global relations, also thanks to the fundamental contribution of the Apulian communities around the world.

In this context, particular significance was given to the recognition awarded to Nevio D’Arpa, founder of BTM Italia, honored for his role as a promoter of Apulian tourism at the national and international levels. His figure emblematically represents the transformation of tourism from a simple economic sector to a strategic tool for territorial development, branding, and identity building.

BTM Italia, under D’Arpa's leadership, has established itself over the years as a reference platform for operators, institutions, and stakeholders in the sector, helping to position Apulia among the most dynamic and recognizable destinations in the Mediterranean. A project that has successfully combined vision, training, networking, and promotion, intercepting the new needs of contemporary tourism: sustainability, authenticity, experientiality, and innovation. 

Alongside D’Arpa, the sixth edition of the Excellence Pugliesi Award celebrated eleven other personalities who, in their respective fields, have contributed to bringing Apulia to the world. Among them Luca Scandale, awarded for the tourism sector, Delfina Licata, an authoritative voice of the Italians in the World Report, Piero Ricci, a historic face of Rai journalism in Apulia, and Nevio D’Arpa, a key figure in a journey that has made tourism one of the main ambassadors of the region.

Significant also are the recognitions given to figures who embody the dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity: from the cultural entrepreneurship of Nevio D’Arpa to the food and wine represented by chef Gegè Mangano, to the identity craftsmanship of master ceramist Agostino Branca, creator of the Puglian Pumo sculptures awarded to the winners.

Hosted by Hon. Christian Di Sanzo and organized by the OLL MUVI association, registered in the Register of Apulians in the World of the Apulia Region, in collaboration with CIM – Confederation of Italians in the World, Apulia Delegation, the event brought together institutions, the associative world, and key players in the sectors crucial for regional development.