Since the pandemic, we’ve been more and more into slow-vacations, or those vacations where relaxation, tranquillity and “living like a local” take centre stage: it’s in this context — and in that, equally important, of sustainability in tourism — that the idea of albergo diffuso (literally, “diffused hotel”) became popular.
Alberghi diffusi: what are they?
An albergo diffuso is a unique form of hospitality that spreads its accommodation across various buildings within a historic village or town and, while we may have heard about it only in recent years, the idea has been around since the 1980s. Marketing and tourism expert Giancarlo Dall’Ara developed the concept to revitalize and repurpose abandoned buildings in historic Italian villages. By spreading accommodations across multiple buildings in a village, Dall’Ara aimed to create an immersive and authentic travel experience that benefits both visitors and local communities.
What makes alberghi diffusi special is that they do not concentrate their operations in a single building, instead, they decentralize their accommodations and services, such as reception, dining, and common areas, across multiple historic buildings within a village. By their very nature, these structures are deeply integrated with the local community, which means guests can interact with residents and immerse themselves in local traditions and lifestyles with ease. Key is also the idea of sustainability, emphasized through the repurposing of existing buildings, and the subsequent minimization of the structure’s environmental impact.
Because alberghi diffusi are made up of different locations, they also contribute to cultural and architectural preservation, especially through the restoration and and maintenance of historic buildings which would lay unused and neglected otherwise. This is significant, especially in small towns and villages, where funding may be insufficient to protect and valorize the patrimony adequately. But, crucially, alberghi diffusi also promote economic development by generating income and employment for local communities, involving local artisans, producers, and merchants in the process.
For tourists, spending time in an albergo diffuso is a unique and authentic experience, which allows them to live like locals and enjoy the traditional charm of the area.
Notable Examples
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo, is a prime example of this type of hospitality: this medieval village, located in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, has been revitalized through the efforts of Daniele Kihlgren. By preserving the original architecture and using traditional materials and techniques, Sextantio offers luxury accommodations that retain historical authenticity. Guests can participate in cultural activities such as artisan workshops and local product tastings, enhancing their stay with an authentic cultural experience.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Albergo Diffuso Sauris is another successful initiative: located in the characteristic Alpine village of Sauris, within the Dolomiti Friulane, it combines traditional housing with modern amenities, and emphasizes the integration of accommodations into the natural landscape, providing access to hiking trails, lakes, and mountains. Guests can immerse themselves in local traditions and culinary experiences, including tasting the renowned Sauris ham.
Moving on to beautiful Sardinia, we find the Albergo Diffuso Mannois in Orosei, which offers a different yet equally charming experience. Located on the eastern coast of the island, Orosei is known for its beautiful beaches and historic center. Mannois has transformed traditional Sardinian stone houses into modern, comfortable accommodations while preserving their original character.
The Role of ADI (Associazione Nazionale Alberghi Diffusi)
The Associazione Nazionale Alberghi Diffusi (ADI), founded by Giancarlo Dall’Ara, plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting this model across Italy; its aim is to spread awareness and highlight its benefits, offering technical assistance, feasibility studies, and regulatory guidance to new initiatives. They also organize training programs, workshops, and courses on tourism management and sustainability.
ADI engages in extensive marketing campaigns to promote alberghi diffusi both nationally and internationally, by participating in tourism fairs and collaborating with international tourism boards. Networking events organized by ADI facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among members, promoting best practices and innovative ideas.
Impact and Future Prospects
The albergo diffuso model has significantly contributed to preserving cultural heritage and boosting local economies through sustainable tourism. With growing interest in authentic travel experiences, this concept is poised for further growth, potentially expanding beyond Italy. ADI’s continuous efforts in promoting sustainability and cultural preservation ensure that this model will remain a cornerstone of Italy’s hospitality sector.
For more information, visit the Alberghi Diffusi website.
