Perspectives on Cultural and Sustainable Rural Tourism in a Smart Region: The Case Study of Marmilla in Sardinia (Italy)

Abstract

This paper is being inserted into the current debate on the topic of sustainability, as it applies to rural tourism. In particular, it addresses the need to identify strategic actions that will enhance the dissemination of cultural resources to facilitate cultural planning. Balancing the dynamic tension that characterizes the relationship between tourism development and protection of the landscape is key to finalizing appropriate planning strategies and actions, especially in the context of marginal rural areas. In support of theoretical and methodological reflections pertinent to this relationship, this paper presents a case study of the region of Marmilla on Italy's island of Sardinia. The absence of both a "cultural planning" philosophy and a strategic approach to systemic and sustainable rural tourism in this country has been acknowledged. This paper concludes by discussing the results that emerged during the preparation of this case study, with respect to smart, sustainable, rural tourism development, while accepting the need for compromises between the force of globalization, nature, tourism, places, and people.

Assessing and Monitoring the Sustainability in Rural World Heritage Sites

“…For this reason, encouraging sustainable tourism activity can be considered the best practice, for the protection and preservation of the universal value of rural World Heritage Sites over time [45]. Moreover, in rural and marginal areas, Garau (2015) outlined the importance of finding a balance between tourism development and landscape' protection. This author identified strategic actions, such as the application of new information communication technologies that will enhance the dissemination of cultural resources to facilitate cultural planning [46].…”

“…Moreover, in rural and marginal areas, Garau (2015) outlined the importance of finding a balance between tourism development and landscape' protection. This author identified strategic actions, such as the application of new information communication technologies that will enhance the dissemination of cultural resources to facilitate cultural planning [46]. Recently, Cerutti et al [47] demonstrated that sustainable tourism can support local economies and help to preserve landscape and cultural heritage.…”

Host Perceptions of Tourism Impact and Stage of Destination Development in a Developing Country

“…A questionnaire was designed as a means for collecting data. The key statements concerning resident perceptions and attitudes were sourced from the existing literature [3,12,48] particularly that relevant to Asian settings [4,49]. Minor contextual amendments were made following discussions with some Indian tourism scholars and practitioners who were asked to judge the relevance of the statements to the Indian context.…”

Digital Omotenashi: Toward a Smart Tourism Design Systems

“…In recent tourism literature, a new phenomenon was found in the behavior of tourists: many tourists prefer "values of experience" to "value for money" [17,18]. Interestingly, the tourist tends to make a choice that may be relatively unplanned and disorganized, if this choice is related to an experience that matches his personal values [16].…”

“…Interestingly, the tourist tends to make a choice that may be relatively unplanned and disorganized, if this choice is related to an experience that matches his personal values [16]. For instance, plenty of tourists make quick tour decisions to have an authentic experience (e.g., social and cultural identities, traditions, memories, food, local peculiarities, and rural landscape) with chances of being involved in various activities to satisfy their own sustainable values [15,17]. This phenomenon suggests that tourists tend to set and expect higher and more diversified values for tourism experience.…”