Towards a Direct Air Connection Between Naples and China. An Analytical Report on Economic Linkages, Tourism Potential, and Air Connectivity

Publisher: UniorPress

Series: Miscellaneous

Pages: 102

Language: Italian

Abstract: This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic, cultural, tourism, and aviation linkages between China and the catchment area of Naples Capodichino Airport, defined as the Campania region together with the functionally connected provinces of Latina, Frosinone, and Potenza. Its primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a direct air connection between Naples and China by examining the evolution of bilateral interactions and identifying the conditions necessary to sustain such a route. The analysis is structured around three dimensions: economic relations, including trade, foreign direct investment, and the presence of Chinese businesses; tourism dynamics, with particular attention to the recovery of Chinese inbound tourism, Naples' digital visibility on Chinese social media, and future market potential; and passenger mobility patterns, highlighting existing travel flows, the role of connecting hubs, and the demand for direct air services.

The findings show that economic relations between China and the catchment area have strengthened steadily over time but remain insufficient to generate substantial business travel demand. By contrast, cultural and academic exchanges continue to expand, laying a solid foundation for deeper long-term cooperation. The greatest potential lies in the tourism sector, where the recovery of Chinese outbound travel, Naples' growing digital presence in the Chinese online ecosystem, and the region's well-developed transport infrastructure create increasingly favorable conditions for attracting Chinese visitors. Overall, the report concludes that, while a direct Naples–China route cannot yet rely primarily on business demand, it represents a promising long-term opportunity if supported by targeted tourism promotion, stronger economic cooperation, enhanced digital engagement, and continued investment in transport connectivity. These findings offer strategic evidence for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to strengthen Sino-Italian connectivity and position Naples as a gateway between southern Italy and China.