Mountain Villages and Resources for Sustainable Development: The Role of Traditional Water Systems in the Tourism-Cultural Ecosystem in Oman. – Prior to the advent of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Hajar Mountains, which are renowned for their distinctive peaked hills (Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams), were primarily frequented by the local community. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in international visitors, particularly to the mountain villages of northern Oman, known for their unique natural and cultural heritage. Key elements include the wadis, seasonal riverbeds, and the aflaj, ancient irrigation channels crucial for agriculture and daily life. Among the most significant aflaj are Falaj al-Khatmeen (Birkat Al Mouz) and Falaj Daris (Nizwa), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite their cultural value, these sites experience short tourist stays, usually not exceeding two days. This study explores tourist flows, visitor motivations, and local tour guides’ perspectives, using archival research, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews. The findings highlight the need for a new tourism strategy, shifting from a transit-based model to a sustainable tourism approach. Proposed itineraries integrating Birkat Al Mouz and Nizwa aim to extend tourist stays, enhance engagement with the region’s cultural and natural assets, and generate lasting economic benefits for local communities. By promoting responsible tourism, this study advocates for the protection of UNESCO sites, cultural heritage preservation, and the active involvement of local populations in tourism development.

Home tourism for a destination proposal: the Prenestini Mountains. – The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a significant shift in tourism patterns, particularly favoring domestic and proximity-based travel. This study investigates the impact of these changes on the Prenestini Mountains, a mountainous area near Rome. By analyzing data on tourism infrastructure, local initiatives, and community engagement, it is explored how the region has adapted to the new tourism landscape. Findings reveal that while the pandemic initially disrupted the tourism industry, it also presented opportunities for local development. The Prenestini Mountains has seen an increase in near-home tourism, particularly among hikers. The study highlights the importance of local products, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism practices in attracting visitors. Furthermore, it is discussed the role of local communities, institutions, and networks in shaping the region’s tourism future. By leveraging its natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and proximity to Rome, the Prenestini Mountains has the potential to become a destination for sustainable and experiential tourism.

Literaly journey in the Tuscia of Divine Comedy. – In the field of Odeporic geography, many scholars have commented on the theme of the journey linked to the name of Dante Alighieri (Cavalieri, 2015; Ferroni, 2015) and as Ferroni (2015) claims we might consider conferring on Dante the competence of geographer. In fact, it is sufficient to read the descriptions of the various Italian places (which he directly or indirectly knows) and their physical-geographical aspects to understand, through a real journey in the Dantesque era, the characteristics of the landscape within which the Comedy is narrated. Through an in-depth reading of the cantos, the goal of this paper is to propose a Dantean itinerary in Tuscia, tracing places, symbols and images. The methodological analysis also included an online survey to verify the existence of similar proposals and a search to examine the feasibility of the itinerary. To achieve this result, ISTAT data (2019-2021) on the tourist movement in the area were also collected. The stages of the proposed itinerary, therefore, concern the historic center of Viterbo and the Urban Park of Bullicame, Bolsena and Bagnoregio.