Albergo Diffuso Research Articles

Urban Regeneration through Cultural–Tourism Entrepreneurship Based on Albergo Diffuso Development: The Venac Historic Core in Sombor, Serbia

The inner core of Sombor, known as “Venac”, is probably the best-preserved one among medium-sized cities in Serbia. The stagnation of Sombor during the 20th century and its urban shrinkage in the 21st century have prevented significant transformations of the core, enabling its preservation under state protection as an urban heritage site. However, the recent rise of cultural tourism has triggered urban regeneration. As the city is still unprepared for this change, this regeneration has mostly omitted the inner core. Realising this, local representatives and experts have started rethinking innovative approaches to its regeneration, including the concept of Albergo Diffuso. This sustainable concept is created to revive the historic cores of small, shrinking cities and towns. Basically, it represents a hotel situated in several old buildings dispersed throughout a historic urban fabric, fitting perfectly into the regeneration of Venac. However, the current lack of precise spatial indicators and thresholds makes their incorporation into the planning process challenging. Considering this, this study focuses on the current spatial development of tourism in Venac, analysing the elements that would support and facilitate the application of this concept in the future. This article also proposes a set of new planning measures to support a strategically organised approach—from the emphasis on urban reuse and physical renewal to multileveled linking of basic concept conditions to the prioritization of pedestrian-friendly places and the application of innovative urban design in open public spaces. By connecting the selected Albergo Diffuso approach with spatial development and its analysis, this study also contributes to the spatial imprint of the concept’s implementation.

Analiza sadržaja komentara na usluge, zadovoljstvo i iskustva posetioca "Albergo Diffusoˮ - slučaj TripAdvisor

The Albergo Diffuso model is a new model of sustainable development, based in Italy, which aims to utilize both tangible and intangible local resources. Today, this model is becoming increasingly popular in the tourism sector, where it is used to support local communities, preserve cultural heritage, enhance the tourist experience and promote sustainable tourism. In this direction, the aim of this study is to determine the touristic experiences of tourists staying in Albergo Diffuso hotels through their reviews on TripAdvisor digital travel platform and the factors that may affect their experiences. The study will analyze 100 reviews for two Albergo Diffuso hotels in Italy. The findings of this research showed that these contents can be categorized under four factors. These factors are listed as "hotel overall", "staff", "hotel room" and "food and beverage" according to their importance in tourists' hotel stay experiences.

Analysis and evaluation of albergo diffuso as sustainable business model

Social entrepreneurship literature continuously emphasizes the need for innovations in business models as businesses gain more importance in achievement of sustainable development. However, there is a lack of practical examples of sustainable business models which prevents their faster adoption among entrepreneurs. This paper analyzes and evaluates alternative hospitality model - Albergo diffuso which is by many authors considered to be an example of sustainable business model. Albergo diffuso is used for tourism restart and revitalization of rural areas as it recovers old buildings, creates new jobs, involves local farmers and entrepreneurs in value creation network and preserves local traditions. This paper applied qualitative research approach to analyze the business model of Croatian Albergo diffuso ‘Ražnjevića dvori’ using the semi-structured interviews. Tourism is of huge importance for economies around the world but at the same time it produces a lot of negative environmental and social impacts on local communities. Therefore, sustainable innovation, especially in business models, is needed to achieve sustainable development of tourism. This research showed that Albergo diffuso can be regarded as a sustainable business model because it creates sustainable value, includes stakeholders in the value network and establishes mutual value flows and thirdly internalizes negative environmental and social externalities. Researchers conclude that with small adjustments, Albergo diffuso as sustainable business model could contribute to sustainable tourism development. However, conclusions cannot be generalized due to limitations of the study that include small research sample and application on single case and further research is required.

Sustainable Local Development Potential of the Elaphites, Croatia

The Elaphites comprise the archipelago of 13 islands, among them eight larger and five smaller stretching northwest of Dubrovnik in the Adriatic sea. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attract large numbers of tourists during the summer due to their beaches and pristine nature. Only the three main islands are permanently inhabited, supporting a modest tourist industry. The diffuse hotel model („Albergo Diffuso“) is defined as creating visitor accommodation by reusing and restructuring existing houses, which must be located within an inhabited town center and therefore has multifold economic, social and environmental benefits for local communities. The core of the scattered hotel concept envisages its interaction with small village communities. The paper analyzes the socio-economic and environmental characteristics of this innovative approach to enhancing tourism activities and restoring the valuable cultural, natural, and historical heritage of the Elaphites.

Transference of the “Albergo Diffuso” Model to Spain: Regeneration of Uninhabited Rural Areas

Transference of the “Albergo Diffuso” Model to Spain: Regeneration of Uninhabited Rural Areas

Could COVID-19 Boost Greece’s Village Revival?

Abstract: In the last decades, Greek villages, especially in mountainous and remote areas, are gradually depopulated and suffer from youth out-migration, school closures and unemployment. During this COVID-19 outbreak, there is an increasing trend of villages as destinations for domestic tourism for short holidays or longer stays. At the same time, this pandemic leads to a significant increase of remote working practices. This article explores the prospect for the revival of traditional villages via an Albergo Diffuso (AD) model with adjustments for both visitors and temporary distance-working residents. We analyze the AD concept as it has been employed in Italy, make minor adjustments to it, and investigate the applicability of such a model in order to overturn the current depopulation of rural and mountain villages in Greece and improve the wellbeing of the local communities. To this end, we present a comprehensive SWOT analysis and discuss the findings. Our approach lays the groundwork for further research that is required to successfully implement AD in mountainous villages.

Transformative Service Research in Hospitality

The goal of the paper is to investigate how sustainable hospitality companies accomplish the transformative potential of their business for improving the individual and collective well-being in the tourism and hospitality industry. Hence, we took into consideration the case of the Albergo Diffuso (AD), an innovative Italian model of hospitality. We adopted a case study approach based on 17 semi-structured interviews with key informants and a netnographic study analysing 1302 comments of previous guests - 286 in English and 1016 in Italian - on the popular booking website Tripadvisor. From the data analysis, five recurring themes emerged: Sustainability Concerns, Reciprocal Exchange, Mutual Network, Cultural Views, and Authentic Experience. These represent the Transformative Factors that impact on the individual and collective well-being from a hedonic and eudaimonic perspective in hospitality organisations.

From Conventional to Alternative Tourism: Rebalancing Tourism towards a Community-Based Tourism Approach in Hanoi, Vietnam

This article proposes an alternative tourism development approach that we have termed ‘rebalancing’, which is based on tourism development adopting Community-based Tourism (CBT) principles and characteristics whose hallmark is to give local control of the tourism sector to disadvantaged members of society. The article is based on extant literature and uses Hanoi as a case study to articulate the role of CBT against a backdrop of the growth and presence of large international hotel chains in Hanoi following the adoption of the Doi Moi policy. The increase in international hotel chains poses a high risk of an increase in leakages. The accommodation sub-sector and food sector are essential in tourism in Hanoi, as they are elsewhere. These provide small businesses the opportunity to participate in the name of inclusivity, empowerment, and poverty alleviation. For the authenticity of Hanoi and respecting its traditions and values, we propose a model of growth for Hanoi that includes food street vendors alongside large international hotel chains, large national (privately owned) hotels (nationally/locally owned), small independent national hotels (locally owned), bed and breakfast/guesthouse (locally owned), backpackers (locally owned), homestay (locally owned), ‘Albergo Diffuso’ (locally owned), LCBT accommodation (locally owned), CBT (Independently owned structures under an umbrella organization), and CBT (community-owned structures). It also suggests the retention of traditional architecture for the diversity and uniqueness of Hanoi. It recommends that the government should not promulgate legislation and policies that attempt to limit the scope of food street vending but rather empower food street vendors to grow and prosper. This should be done alongside specific legislation that sets minimum standards related to hygiene on the streets for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.

Can Sustainable Tourism be more Sustainable? -Lessons Learned from Albergo Diffuso in Italy and East Asia

Can Sustainable Tourism be more Sustainable? -Lessons Learned from Albergo Diffuso in Italy and East Asia

The impact of living heritage approach for sustainable tourism & economics in mount lebanon

ABSTRACT This paper explores the impact of the living heritage approach for sustainable tourism & economics in Mount Lebanon. The proposed living heritage model is separated into three fundamental actions: firstly, the identification of important historical places and buildings that are reused to serve conservation and tourism development, as well as the participation of the core community in determining this. Secondly, the development of a tourism strategy and development plans, in which the local community must also participate. Thirdly, the development of maintenance and control programs, which must be supervised by the local community through its partnership with the Ministry and those responsible for conservation operations. Moreover, the hypothesis is to find a way to implement the living heritage in a local rural context. It also tackles different ways of implementing the living heritage approach based on international case studies (Albergo Diffuso, in Italy and the Meteora, in Greece), to inform sustainable economic and tourism development in the local rural context of Mount Lebanon. The methodological study will take into consideration two analyses: a theoretical (literature reviews and main definitions) and a practical (comparative analysis and case studies). In conclusion, several strategies can be taken into account in order to attain a successful living heritage of sustainable economics and tourism in Mount Lebanon. In fact, such a goal will be achieved through the partnership among private, public, and local sectors that can create a strong historical-touristic-economic bond.

The Potential Dynamics of “Albergo Diffuso” as Relaunch of Sustainable Tourism in the Post COVID-19 Era

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on tourism due to mobility restrictions in all world regions. During Summer 2020, full exploitation of sustainable and safe local tourism is expected. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the “albergo diffuso” (AD) (translation scattered hotel) contribute to the economic recovery, during the post COVID-19 To comply with the paper aim we use a qualitative research method based on a single case study. Primary data are collected by semi-structured interviews with apical figures of our case study. The findings show that the AD business model is suitable to meet the changing demands of the tourists at the post-pandemic era without having to substantially change strategies, activities and tourist offer. AD’s characteristics allow the full hospitality of tourists in compliance with the social distancing required by the safety regulations. Unique adjustments required are: i) the drawing up of agreements with local structures to decentralize the provision of any services; ii) the spread of activities that promote social distancing; iii) the introduction of greater flexibility in terms of booking and cancellations. This paper contributes to the existing literature because is the first study focus on the link between AD business model and comply with the measures to protect public health at the Covid-19 time. Thus the results offer suggestions both to tourist operators regarding the differentiation of their supply as well as policy makers to support the development of this kind of hospitality.

Toward a Theory Development on the Synergetic Entrepreneurship in the Hotel Industry

The study uses the innovative model of Albergo Diffuso, or 'Dispersed Hotel', to substantiate the theory development of the organic synergetic entrepreneurship in hospitality. In this context, it involves the interrelationship between hotel management; restoration of ancient, inhabitable, and abandoned architectures; upcycling sustainability; and the synergetic interplay of all stakeholders. Currently, the number of abandoned structural architectures in Italy is about seven million. This initiative is beneficial to entrepreneurs engaging in upcycling abandoned structures to revive them and create jobs while adding value to the local economy. Identifying the development of concept will serve as the building block to create a synergetic framework for future research and for practitioners in the field.

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

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.

“Albergo Diffuso” Model for the Analysis of Customer Satisfaction

This paper focuses on assessing the level of satisfaction of customers that had spent some part of their holidays in an eco-way style. This is an innovative form of hospitality that is represented by the “Albergo Diffuso”. The connection between this sustainable tourism model and the customers wellbeing is based on concepts which are directly connected with sustainability and environment in a rural destination. The data are related to 450 reviews which were selected randomly from two websites of reviews and are about 15 different Hotels (Albergo Diffuso model). The methodology of content analysis, with a successive application of regression model, has been used to understand the factors that influence the tourist’s opinion. It also identifies the role ofsustainability, innovation, and tradition for customers that spend their holiday in ADs. The hypotheses tested in the paper are associated with the features of the literature and the link with sustainability of this model. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the customers satisfaction factors of a new tourist model which is quite diffused in Italy and other parts of the world. This will help to understand if the elements highlighted in the literature are consistent with the reviews or if there are other factors. For example, the provision of physiological and safety needs are more important for tourists.

The Brand Value in a New Concept of Hotel: The Albergo Diffuso Sextantio Case

The phenomenon of Albergo Diffuso (AD) represents an important development in the competitiveness between destinations and concerns the way in which historical and cultural heritage is used. The concept of AD is a new and innovative meaning of tourism which promotes the sustainable future through the recovery of ancient towns and, in the same time, developes further ways to create entrepreneurship.
 
 The goal of this work consists of the economic valuation model and conceptual defining of brand value referred to one case study of AD, Sextantio. It is made up of two parts: the first consists of a contextualization of one of the traditional formulas of Financial-Standard Method of Brand Value, because of the features of brand value in an economic content; the second part consists of a first classification of elements which are tangible and intangible to a brand of AD, related to the specific elements and based on different key performance indicators (KPI), deriving from elements generally relevant in hospitality tourism, and far more in this new concept than against the traditional concept of tourism.

Building a business model for a new form of hospitality: the albergo diffuso

PurposeIn recent years, tourists have become more interested in discovery the authenticity of a destination. The albergo diffuso (AD) is a response to this new requirement of tourist experience. The AD indeed is based on an accommodation solution with rooms distributed in various buildings across a village. The purpose of this study is to analyze the AD business model supporting the development of this emerging business opportunity in the accommodation industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted with a multiple case study approach, collecting data from different sources such as semi-structured interviews and archival research. The cases are all located in Italy where the AD was applied for the first time.FindingsThe AD business model is based on business idea, value creation and innovation. The business idea is based on the aim to contribute to the renaissance of a village with an emotional link between the entrepreneur and the village. Regarding the value creation, the AD is a form of accommodation that offers more than a hotel experience. The tourist can live like a resident and experiencing local traditions and culture. The innovation is indeed related to the services that are totally different from a traditional hotel.Originality/valueConsidering the previous studies, this research tries to fill the gap concerning the necessity to define the characteristics of the AD business model and to understand the key elements at the base of this hospitality approach.

Customer Perceptions of the Albergo Diffuso Concept: What Makes the Difference in Terms of Service Excellence?

This research introduces an innovative model of sustainable tourism called "Albergo Diffuso," a "made in Italy" concept of hospitality that exploits tangible and intangible local resources and is oriented toward the revitalization and recovery of the country's existing heritage. In the study, 130 customer reviews were analyzed to understand the sentiments and perceptions of customers regarding the Albergo Diffuso principle and its services in practice. Specific attention was paid to evaluating services that had garnered negative customer reviews to identify potential new strengths and aspects of the approach that could be implemented in the future. The main findings confirm that, overall, customers who particularly appreciate this alternative model of hospitality value authenticity over comfort. Additionally, the fact that the Albergo Diffuso scheme is introducing new business models that are completely different from the traditional ones is very much appreciated from a managerial perspective.

イタリアのアルベルゴ・ディフーゾの現状と課題:日本の空き家、古民家の宿泊施設への活用に向けて

イタリアのアルベルゴ・ディフーゾの現状と課題:日本の空き家、古民家の宿泊施設への活用に向けて

관광주도 도시재생사업을 위한 분산형 숙박시설 모델 적용에 관한 연구

관광주도 도시재생사업을 위한 분산형 숙박시설 모델 적용에 관한 연구

Innovation through tradition in hospitality. The Italian case of Albergo Diffuso

The role of tradition in developing innovations in the hospitality industry is examined within the context of a new and emerging form of accommodation called Albergo Diffuso. We describe and discuss the different impacts of tangible and intangible sources of tradition on the development and unique positioning of this emerging form of accommodation. The data used are based on a qualitative analysis of 100 Albergo Diffuso websites and in-depth interviews with eleven owner/operators. The findings indicate that identifying and combining tangible and intangible attributes of tradition from various time periods may improve the value of an innovation, especially when it is perceived to enhance the authenticity of the experience for guests. Tradition-based strategies are shown to have multiple possible paths leading to innovation and development - a result that is relevant both for scholars and practitioners.