Green revitalization of historical settlements for responsible tourism in mediterranean areas: The multiscale approach of VIVIMED project and the experience of Albergo Diffuso

Abstract

Is it possible to apply a multiscale approach to implement a really green and sustainable revitalization of historical settlements? Is there a strategy to link the needs of social innovation and responsible touristic use of inner territories? How can we support territories that require strategies for intervention and tourism development capable of enhancing the geographical characteristics of places, environmental factors and understanding of economic and social values? This paper presents the experience of ViViMed international research project to implement sustainable tourism activities in Tuscany Region as driver of new opportunity to develop a new story-telling of the hinterland territories, stimulating the networking of natural, architectural and cultural resources to build a successful tourist experience for new scenarios of green and social innovation. The experience of Albergo Diffuso was implemented in two inner villages, Guinadi and Seggiano, stimulating a deep involvement of local communities to define different scenarios of services and network, testing new and traditional bioclimatic technologies for green rehabilitation.