Proximal tourism and territorial rehabilitation. The internal areas of the Marche Appenines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1192Keywords:
bonds and synergies within fragile communities, development of marginal areas, landscape, Montefeltro, proximity tourism, rediscovering internal areas, remote identities, surveysAbstract
Introduction: The aim of this article is to illustrate how certain internal areas of the Apennine region, particularly those within Montefeltro, exhibit characteristics, peculiarities, and potential to stimulate and sustain proximity tourism, in a way to make it relevant not only during times of emergency but also afterwards as a mean of reclaiming and revitalizing spaces with cultural and environmental resources. Methodology: To achieve this goal, a series of meetings, comparisons and inquiries were conducted with officials from local entities of varying scales and levels of political-territorial engagement. The methodology involved on-site research and questioning the insiders intimately involved in portraying the local territory. A blend of data analysis pertaining to tourist flows and qualitative methodologies (interviews and ethnographic observations) were employed to devise strategies for the enhancement of environmental and cultural heritage. Results: Data at regional level shows an increase in proximal tourism, from which can be expected a territorial recovery of marginal spaces. Discussions: The aim is to interpret, in the selected area, the development of this increase and, most importantly, to predict the possible development dynamics. Conclusions: The heritage within the surveyed area has the potential to foster sustainable proximity tourism, acting as a catalyst for local development, economic growth, and social resurgence.
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