Urbanità del turismo

Town planning and tourism have traditionally been considered as separate disciplines. Legislation, subject related literature and operational norms, all confirm this. However, over the last few years three factors have contributed to the bridging of this separation: the value of the lower historical heritage, the depopulation of Historical Centres and the emergence of a new type of tourism that requires services and experiences different from those of traditional mass tourism. These three factors have made it possible to relate urban regeneration policies to those of tourism development. Among the main operational responses are Albergo Diffuso, Hospitis e Comunita Ospitale. These projects show how it is possible to activate progressive mechanisms even within difficult economic contexts. But this is not enough. As innovative and forward looking as the individual initiatives are, they remain sporadic and disjointed and a more comprehensive overall framework is needed. Looking towards the future, we need to identify the actions needed to create a national framework within which these (and other) projects will thrive. The most immediate occasion arises from the European Development and Territorial Cohesion Policies, 2014 – 2020, and with regards to Italy, from the Internal Areas Project