Tourism as sustainable regeneration opportunities of smaller historical centres

Abstract

How tourism can be a factor that can make a significant contribution to the development and the sustainable urban innovation?

This study aims to analyse the elements that characterize some initiatives and actions carried out inItalyand inEuropethat want to introduce those areas not involved by mass tourism and to upgrade quality tourism; the target is to start a reflection about what tourism can and should do particularly for sustainability and regeneration of smaller historical centres.

It is necessary to initiate a change, starting to consider tourism as a great opportunity and coordinating the efforts needed to enhance the untapped potential of these places.

The presence of multiple types of tourism requires the development of a different offer and the definition of strategies for attracting the territories according to their different characteristics, opportunities that can guide and direct the flow of tourists also to areas until now outlying.

The original feature consists in having identified in smaller destinations, those areas in which the territorial quality and the marginality take a positive connotation and become distinguishing factors.

For a relaunch of smaller historical centres this study focused on an innovation of method through the identification of a clear direction in which to move through a review of the roles (and responsibilities) of the European and National institutions that govern the issues of tourism and the heritage protection in order to streamline and simplify procedures, programs, activities.