Development Patterns of Rural Depopulation Areas Demographic Impacts of Amenity Migration on Italian Peripheral Regions

Abstract

In contrast to the decades after World War II, out-migration from rural peripheral areas in Italy has now markedly decreased. Instead there has been a slight influx of mostly urban residents; therefore, according to thesis 1, the natural demographic balance has taken over as the determining factor in population development. Thesis 2 assumes that trends in rural/peripheral regions marked by depopulation depend on the interaction between several different factors, as well as the quality of each individually: physical surroundings, recreational and leisure facilities, and public funding. Based on these two theses, the authors define three types of traditional depopulation areas in which the phenomenon of amenity-led migration is reflected in demographic patterns - albeit without a clear-cut distinction between secondary residences and recreational homes. Using three regional case studies encompassing the Orcia Valley in Tuscany, the western Dolomite Region, and the Friulian Alps respectively, the authors support the notion that amenity migration has a key influence on the ongoing demographic development pattern of areas previously characterised by depopulation. Through research it has become apparent that this new type of migration is especially prevalent in regions where the potential for tourism specifically in areas with an attractive traditional cultural landscape, has been developed through public funding. In this context, the Orcia and Fassa Valleys were the focus of on-site research. In areas where the potential for tourism has only been moderately developed, such as the Friulian Alps, amenity migration has developed on a smaller scale.