Proximity Tourism between Experience and New Forms of Tourism

Abstract

This study explores the evolution and regional impact of tourism in Italy, with particular attention to sustainable tourism practices. It situates the analysis within the broader economic and cultural context of the country and underscores the crucial role that sustainable tourism can play in supporting regional development.Using a multidisciplinary approach, this research integrates multiple data sources to analyse tourism dynamics in Italy. Data from institutions such as ISTAT and ENIT are complemented by qualitative assessments of industry trends and governmental reports, while statistical techniques are applied to evaluate tourism patterns and their economic implications. The study also draws on classical tourism-geography methods: observation, used to examine phenomena across different territorial scales; analysis, which decomposes the tourism system into its constituent parts (Iuga, 2009); and synthesis, which reintegrates analytical results to support interpretative frameworks (Cocean, 2002). These approaches, together with the traditional distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods, provide a comprehensive basis for studying sustainable tourism. The findings highlight the central role of tourism in Italy’s economy and underscore the potential of sustainable tourism as a driver of long-term development. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering an updated overview of tourism dynamics across Italian regions and by identifying avenues for further research on emerging models of sustainable and proximity-based tourism. The study highlights the need for strategic planning and policy action to strengthen sustainable tourism in Italian regions. Practical implications include targeted marketing, infrastructure investment, and community engagement. Embracing sustainable principles can enhance Italy’s competitiveness while preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.