The Amalfi Coast, with its rugged cliffs, picturesque towns, and crystalline waters, has long been a magnet for tourists seeking a slice of Mediterranean paradise. This stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy is renowned for its natural beauty, historic villages clinging to cliffsides, and vibrant culture.
In recent years, the allure of the Amalfi Coast has only grown stronger, attracting a diverse array of travelers from around the globe. While the region has historically been popular among independent travelers and luxury seekers, there’s been a noticeable shift with the rise of cruise tourism. Increasingly, large cruise ships now navigate the azure waters, bringing thousands of visitors who disembark at ports like Salerno.
Salerno, once a lesser-known gem overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Amalfi and Positano, has now become a bustling hub for cruise ships. These floating cities dock in its port, disgorging throngs of tourists eager to explore the enchanting Amalfi Coast. This influx has brought both opportunities and challenges to Salerno, transforming its waterfront into a bustling gateway to the region’s treasures.
As cruise tourism grows, so does the need to balance the economic benefits with the preservation of the Amalfi Coast’s fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. The influx of visitors has spurred local businesses, from waterfront cafes to tour operators offering excursions along the coast’s dramatic cliffs. Yet, it also raises concerns about environmental impact and maintaining the authenticity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Salerno
Piazza della Libertà
Piazza della Libertà is a recently constructed square designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill.
The square features a large underground parking area. Its design aims to open the city towards the sea while connecting the Trieste promenade to the main port, Molo Manfredi, and the maritime station through a scenic walkway. From the square, tourists arriving on cruise ships have easy access to key attractions in Salerno such as Teatro Verdi, Villa Comunale, Palazzo di Città, and the historic city center.
Along these pathways, numerous spaces are allocated for leisure activities including pubs, restaurants, and bars.
Interview
In the midst of these dynamics, Orazio De Nigris, the chief delegate of Salerno’s maritime station, plays a pivotal role. His insights into managing the influx of tourists, ensuring sustainable tourism practices, and preserving Salerno’s unique charm are crucial. Our interview with Mr. De Nigris sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Salerno as it navigates the currents of modern tourism while safeguarding its timeless allure.
Join us as we delve into the heartbeat of the Amalfi Coast, exploring how Salerno is shaping its future amid the waves of global tourism.

Do you have a model port that you are inspired by?
No, I believe ours is artisanal. While we follow the general rules like others, our approach is unique.Orazio de Nigris
Interview
Challenges and Growth: An Interview with Orazio De Nigris on the Salerno Maritime Station
Can you start by sharing how your journey began, even before you became the managing director of the Salerno Maritime Station?
It all started when I returned from Tunisia. Initially, I worked as a tour animator, then I became the sports sector head, chief animator, and later, village chief. During one of my final years in Tunisia, I worked for an operator called Sprint Tour. My Italian-Tunisian boss saw potential in me and suggested a managerial role. He wanted me to tour all the villages in Tunisia, maintain contact with the general manager, and ensure everything was in order.
That sounds like an incredible experience. How did this role help you grow?
It was indeed. I would travel with a Jeep, present shows at night, and hold meetings with hotel managers during the day. A year later, my boss wanted me to take on more responsibility. He sent me to the airport to manage all the Italian arrivals by charter or scheduled flights. My routine involved being at the airport at 2 AM, preparing buses, and ensuring passengers reached their designated hotels. This experience was invaluable. I handled logistics, coordinated cleanings, and opened new aspects of the business.
How did this lead to your role in Salerno?
After graduating, I returned to Italy. I wanted to become a lawyer, but fate had other plans. A friend, who had just become the secretary-general of the system authority, suggested creating something for cruise ships since Salerno hadn’t explored this yet. The turning point came in 1998 when a cruise ship docked in Salerno due to bad weather in Amalfi. Passengers disembarked in the rain and mud, which led to terrible reviews calling Salerno a third-world destination.
That must have been quite a challenge. How did you turn it around?
Local entrepreneurs decided to create Salerno Stazione Marittima S.p.A. They invested capital and tasked me with developing the project. My first encounter with the port authority was discouraging—they couldn’t see the vision for a maritime station. So, I invented two prefabricated modules on wheels that could move wherever the cruise ships docked. This temporary solution worked until 2016.
When did the major breakthrough happen?
The major breakthrough came in 2015. We realized that to attract more cruise lines, we needed a proper maritime station. Working with Mimmo Pellegrino from MSC and the mayor, we secured a deal for 28 MSC ships annually. We had to manage logistics for passengers and their luggage efficiently. By 2015, we hosted not only MSC and Costa but also Mein Schiff, Royal Caribbean, and others. This rapid growth required us to adapt quickly.
How did you handle such growth and the associated challenges?
We expanded our team and infrastructure. Training was crucial. I conducted over 500 interviews to build an exceptional team, training them to be both land and onboard stewards. Coordination with various city services like Salerno Mobility, Salerno Cleaning, and the police was essential. The mayor supported us in creating a seamless process for tourist flow.
What about the airport and its role in your operations?
A year ago, we started working with Gesac to create a Fly and Cruise program, coordinating slots for groups of 1500 arriving by plane. This integration ensures that luggage is directly transferred to the cruise ship, allowing passengers to enjoy a few days in Salerno before boarding. It may sound simple to say, but it requires a lot of work and anticipation.
How has this impacted Salerno’s tourism?
Salerno’s tourism has flourished. The region offers a bouquet of unique experiences, including Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Ischia, Capri, Naples, Pompeii, and Paestum. The new airport link enhances our attractiveness, making us less dependent on Naples. We strive for a holistic and satisfying logistical experience for tourists, blending modernity with our rich cultural heritage.
Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights, Orazio. It’s clear that your dedication has significantly contributed to Salerno’s success as a premier cruise destination.

Public Relations and marketing Manager, Mrs Anna Rita Secchi
In my conversation with Mrs Anna Rita Secchi, in charge of relations and marketing at the maritime station in Salerno, I realized that the term « maritime station » might not fully encapsulate the essence of what we promote. « We’re not just advertising a port; we’re promoting a destination, a place with unique charm and allure. » While the port of Salerno was chosen for its technical attributes (wharf, depths, structure), it’s the destination’s overall appeal that seals the deal.
Once the port is validated by cruise companies, those planning to include it as a stopover want to know what the area offers. She said « It’s not just about the beauty, though that’s an easy sell for our American friends—on that front, you have the easy part! My career has also allowed me to manage terminals in Cagliari and Catania, which were exceptional in their own right. »
Campania has a flavor and scent that surpass imagination. « This is precisely what I aim to convey to our clients, the shipowners. We often rely on our renown—Salerno, after all, is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s like having an automatic brand. Our job, besides promoting the territory, is also to organize it. An organized territory avoids criticism.
It’s crucial to ensure tourists don’t return to their cruise ships complaining about a city unprepared to welcome them. This chain of events requires everyone to give their best to make it work. I could attend a thousand fairs a year, but without the support of people, institutions, and shipowners, it’s futile. There’s a collective awareness that we must all aim for a common goal.
I always keep the example of a clock in mind. Every part must fit perfectly for it to work. No one is irreplaceable, but everyone is important. After the Caribbean, the Mediterranean is one of the most competitive itineraries. That’s why we must maintain excellent service from the moment tourists set foot on land, creating a comfort zone for them.
Together, we can ensure that Salerno is not just another port of call but a memorable destination that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
"Salerno is not just another port of call but a memorable destination "
Anna Rita Secchi