The valorization of the territorial tourist resources of Molise (Italy) through the design of a regional itinerary

Abstract

In recent decades, tourism has been consolidated as an essential factor for territorial development, as it provides significant socio-economic benefits to the regions where it is promoted. In inland and rural areas, the use of territorial resources for tourism is one of the main strategies for sustainable local development. In Italy, rural areas possess significant resources that can attract visitors and tourists. However, these areas are often considered marginal and are affected by depopulation processes. The region of Molise is one of the least known in Italy and is home to numerous rural municipalities. The objective of this study is to analyze the territorial resources of this area in order to design a proposal that enhances their value and diversifies the existing tourist offerings. To this end, a review of bibliographic references and statistical sources was carried out, and the identified resources were visited on-site. Additionally, interviews were conducted with key local stakeholders to reach a consensus on the valorization proposal. The results show that Molise has numerous endogenous resources and great tourism potential. However, the promotion strategies in the region are limited and inefficient. The proposed valorization strategy consists of designing an itinerary aimed at promoting the territorial resources and integrating them into a coherent tourism offering. The route crosses the main river basins of the region and suggests visits to various towns and cities over the course of seven days. The itinerary emphasizes defensive architecture, given its historical and heritage relevance in the region. Work is currently underway to disseminate the itinerary through the design of a digital cartography and the publication of promotional works.