COUNTRY OF ORIGIN• Italy
Albergo Diffuso,developing tourism through innovation and tradition
International Interests
To demonstrate the high interest shown by the Italian regions in this innovation it is useful to state that at present 12 regions have amended their laws to include this new model and have opened public financing to it. Other regions are at present introducing it.
Recently interest towards this innovation has been expressed to BIC Lazio and to the Italian Association of Alberghi Diffusi by various countries such as Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Albania, Croatia and other European countries such as France, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland.
The innovation Albergo Diffuso can support the achievement of the millennium goals. Specifically it contributes to reaching Mg 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability) and MG 8 (Develop a Global Partnership for Development), because on one side it supports the integration of sustainable development in country strategies, and on the other side it enhances decent work and employment opportunities in the tourist-related sector, based on the exploitation of local resources.
Furthermore this innovation complies with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, specifically with:
Article 1 “Tourism’s contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies”
Article 3 “Tourism, a factor of sustainable development”
Article 4 “Tourism, a user of the cultural heritage of mankind and contributor to its enhancement”
Article 5 “Tourism, a beneficial activity for host countries and communities”
The innovation won the first prize within the first United Nations Development Program – European BICs Network contest which was held in Budapest in June 2008.
The innovation sets its roots in the European tradition of hosting tourists in homes, although this typical form of hospitality has been specifically engineered in Italy. At present it hasn’t been transferred out of the Italian boundaries, although, as previously stated international interest has been expressed.
It is not subject to national and or international patent. A trademark has been registered by the Italian National Association of Alberghi Diffusi and it is valid at European level. The trademark is managed by the association and identifies the parameters which need to be met in order to be properly defined an Albergo Diffuso.
The following are the actors to be involved in order to transfer the innovation properly in the interested countries:
- National Ministries involved with tourism to analyze the legal aspects.
- The local administrations in order to verify how this new model can fit in their existing development plans.
- Local stakeholders (of the public and the private sectors) involved in the tourist sector to analyze the feasibility.
Where possible, the support of a Local Economic Development Agency or a Business Innovation Centre, which can support local administrations and entrepreneurs providing financial and non financial services.
