How can abandoned rural villages be reanimated in a sustainable context, increase their population and attract visitors who would be attracted to stayover for a few days? The utmost objective of this project is to fill in the existing gap through the application of the Albergo Diffuso (AD) approach in a rural settlement in Cyprus. The following studies were conducted: a thorough study of the AD approach; a study of the sustainable development guidelines; a hands-on investigation into a handful of successfully engaged settlements; a study into the selection of an ideal location for implementation, and an immersed and blended design in a selected rural settlement in Cyprus. AD represents a unique development approach which is based on sustainability since nothing new needs to be created. It implies only the restoration and recuperation of existing buildings and networking them together in a “scattered hotel” whose units are spread within a historic, authentic environment. AD provides alternative destinations focusing on the individuality of each destination in regards to tangible and intangible heritage, offering additionally a solution to the phenomenon of overtourism. Successful examples of rural settlements where AD was deployed, are presented. It’s possible implementation in Cyprus is presented through a fully expanded case study of a rural village used for this reason. The AD approach paves the way for the introduction of this unique hospitality operation model that would help revitalize settlements in rural areas. The holistic design presented, is important to academics and practitioners alike.

Authors:
Alexis Saveriades, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
Elena Limbouri, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus

About the Presenter(s)
Alexis Saveriades
Professor
Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism,
Faculty of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship,
Cyprus University of Technology.
Interests: Tourism Planning, Policy and Governance; Sustainable Development in Tourism

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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