Special Topics: Sustainable Tourism: Policies & Strategies for Italy & Tuscany Study + Internship in Florence Program Spring 2018 Semester

Every year, Italy swells with millions of tourists who infuse the economy with billions of Euros and almost outnumber Italians themselves. In fact, Italy has been a model tourist destination for longer than it has been a modern state. Cultural Tourism contributes significantly to the Italian economy, and Tuscan destinations enjoy a dominant position in the global market due to their unique cultural heritage. Yet, the intricate links between tourism and cultural heritage require a sustainable approach to ensure the preservation of monuments, locations and traditions, as well as steady revenues.

Both Tuscan and Italian tourism are currently facing numerous challenges, ranging from economic competitiveness, technological issues, and changing markets. Tourism policies and strategies encompass economic, environmental and social dimensions. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is fundamental to understanding the topic.

This course will introduce you to the key economic, socio-cultural, and environmental challenges that characterize tourism in Italy and in Tuscany as well as to the policies and strategies currently implemented that make it sustainable.

Through class lectures and readings as well as the study of statistical profiles, this course will analyze the main concepts and factors indicative of successful policy institutions and appropriate measures of sustainable performance. As a student in this course, you will investigate tourism in various Tuscan locations, including the concept of collaborative economies. Case studies and best practices will further enable you to develop a strong understanding of the fundamental characteristics of sustainable tourism within the Italian peninsula - while taking into account each individual destination's unique circumstances.