The enhancement of Islamic heritage in Italy: The new parallel market frontier

Abstract

Italy is one of the very few Western countries that boasts a millenary history, in fact the myth of Rome "Caput Mundi" boasts almost 3 thousand years of history. Italy has got another invaluable heritage that it still does not know and does not adequately value, i.e. the evidence of the Islamic presence it has had for centuries, concentrated above all in Southern Italy and in Spain, due to the Arab domination. Sicily, an Italian region that underwent an Arab occupation that began in the 7th century, an impressive Islamic heritage in a Christian land. It is not only Sicily that has got such Islamic evidence, but the Region of Puglia too, which has had two caliphates. The tourist enhancement of the Islamic heritage in Italy would have a significant impact on the choice of tourist destination by Muslim Travelers, who would choose to visit the Italian historical heritage, combined with the Islamic one. Now, in order to make this enhancement effective, the class of Italian tour operators should be, above all, equipped to provide Muslim-friendly services, especially related to food. In truth, something has already moved in Southern Italy, in fact, Salento, part of Puglia Region, has been named the most Muslim-friendly area in Italy, due to the tourist services provided.