Underwater Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Diving Centers. The case of Pozzuoli and Baiae (Italy)

In Pozzuoli and Baiae, in the Gulf of Naples, villas, mosaics, baths, streets, houses and harbour structures of the Roman period were submerged by the sea, as a result of the volcanism. This unique environment, severely looted over the years, has been included in a Marine Pro- tected Area since 2001. Since then, the Soprintendenza Archeologica has carried on some rese- arch and documentation works, while the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro has experimented with new techniques for the conservation of the underwater structures. The public access has been made possible with the opening of underwater archaeological trails, and through the involvement of the diving instructors active in the area, appropriately trained. Here we would like to analyse the effects of this strategy also through the lens of the tourism and diving industry, considering their needs and their expectations, together with the primary need to preserve the sites for the future generations.