Let's have a chat with Marlou Boelens, who for years has been transmitting his love for Vieste and its territory to the Dutch and beyond.
Hi Marlou, where does your love for Vieste come from?
The love for Vieste was born many years ago. The first time we saw Vieste it was a short and casual experience.
My husband and I have been traveling to Italy for over 20 years and in 2008 we moved to Vieste.
I only saw the coast and Pizzomunno and immediately searched the Internet to know more about the place with the particular position. We discovered the beauty of Vieste, the beaches, the historic center and everything in between. We went back again. Then my husband had an accident and we got stuck in Vieste for a long time without a car , with many problems and we have discovered the most important reason for my love for Vieste: THE VIESTANI.
Although Italy has many beautiful places and we have friends all over the world, for some years now I have been able to say: Every time I arrive in Vieste, I feel like I'm coming home and Vieste friends are like my family. Vieste is the TOP. This is why the idea was born to organize things in Vieste for the Dutch and to collaborate with friends from Vieste. To get to know Vieste and to share my love for Vieste. 
What activities do you organize with the Dutch?
How do they get in touch with you and with Vieste?
The activities I organize are always in the low season. They have to do with the tradition, culture and specialties of Vieste.
For example, the program for November is 5 days in Vieste for the olive harvest. So do the collection, eat cooked bread in the countryside, visit the oil mill, oil tasting, workshops to learn how to make orecchiette and cavatelli (and eat of course), excursion to the historic centre, visit to an art workshop, demonstration of fishing on the trebuchet, various aperitifs in the centre, a special aperitif and, to round off the evening, a pizza turn.
For the future there are also plans for those who want to walk or ride a bike in the Umbra Forest, cooking courses, lessons and practice of Italian , yoga & pilates the harvest, and much more. Everything for small groups and for tourists who want to discover Vieste and its specialties and surroundings. We can expand the activities throughout the Gargano.
I created the facebook page Come and see Vieste and I'm advertising in the Netherlands. I feel like the ambassador. Then I am a member of the various groups in Holland where I can also tell about Vieste. And recently they asked me for 2 magazines to provide text and images all about Vieste. Instead, in February the special of Vieste and the Gargano comes out.
So slowly the Dutch find me. Between facebook, mail, apps etc. Even when I'm not in Vieste, Dutch tourists find me on the spot to ask for information on where to eat, help in calling a campsite or looking for places, etc. Very useful, as hardly anyone speaks Italian and many Italians cannot speak English, German or Dutch. For the summer months I think it is very useful to be a "Helpdesk" for foreign tourists.
What do they think of Vieste? What are their places their favorite activities?
It is not difficult to love Vieste. All those I brought in the winter want to return, while there are many others who returned in the spring or summer. During the journey with our shuttle between Bari and Vieste I tell things and we stop to see the view, when they take their first look at Vieste they are speechless. After the trip they talk about the historic center, the extra-special location, the coast, nature, beaches, food and the experience of being among the locals, working together, eating together and feeling at home. The countryside and downtown combination works well.
How are the Gargano and Vieste perceived by Holland, compared to other Italian territories?
They are known?
Gargano is for the Dutch the unknown part of Puglia. Puglia has been well known for some time, but is identified above all with Salento. Everyone who comes by plane goes from Bari or Brindisi to the south.
Obviously Alberobello, Lecce, Gallipoli, Polignano a Mare are the well known places. The Gargano does not. For the Dutch it is too far by car. ( they drive to Tuscany, Liguria, Lake Garda, Le Marche) and then too far from the airports. Not everyone wants to drive 2 hours or more in a rental car. They are not used to the twists and turns. For this, better connections are needed. It's a pity because everyone who sees my photos and advertising in Vieste wants to go there! This is why I organize things. The Gargano is very special, it takes an extra effort to get there but it's worth it.
You organize real experiences in the area, even with the help of local people. Do you think that the cultural and traditional heritage of the area can be better valued? How?
I only work with local people because they know the area. It's always best to listen to the experts. In the meantime, I too am learning more and more. Then I must say that I am sorry to see that Vieste really has a lots of things to offer for real all year round does not exploit them. In my humble opinion Vieste is used to working mostly for Italian tourists. The season is short. But also it has a lot to offer for foreign tourists. It would be useful to understand that Dutch, German, Belgian and even Scandinavian tourists prefer to go on vacation in spring (months March, April, May, June) and also in months September, October, November, December. They don't just come for the sun. And for activities it's even better because it's not too hot.
The Dutch also have their important holidays in April/May and October like now. I know many who are now in Puglia and complain about that almost everything is closed despite the good weather. They talk to others about their experiences and then the others think “ok let's go to another place”: Negative publicity.
Another important example: there is a special market for Dutch, Belgian and German pensioners who normally go to Spain to spend most of the winter in their camper or rent an apartment. They want to come willingly to Puglia but they can't find any campsites or services open.
That's why I continue to advertise and bring the Dutch out of season. I hope that slowly things change. I'm positive because I hear more often that even the Viestanis want it. Maybe they can join . Extending the season would be great for everyone, shops, clubs, facilities, etc. And maybe if the young people from Vieste find work even for the winter they shouldn't leave Vieste?
My personal dream can come true:
Le businesses grow and there are more collaborations. This year is "strange", but there are plans for next year and if all goes well I'll come to Vieste to live and work in March 2021. I can work for foreign tourists who come to Vieste and stay to bring the Dutch for experiences. I have the possibility to leave my job for 1 year to try to live and work in Vieste.
Thanks Marlou for the nice words and your advice
Thanks to you!
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