Fuori Luogo Journal of Sociology of Territory, Tourism, Technology

Community Models of Local Tourism Development

Mario Coscarello, Antonella Perri — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:23:58 +0000

The overall aim of this paper is to contribute to the reflection on the sustainable and innovative development paths of local communities. In addition, the paper offers insights into the relationship that exists between these innovative paths and the emergence of alternative forms of tourism established to contrast organized and standardized mass tourism, namely ‘niche tourism’ conceived and implemented mainly at a local level.

Specifically, the research discussed in this paper aims at reflecting on the actors and strategies (and/or empowerment processes) required for the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. For the purposes of the field research, the case study methodology in a comparative perspective was chosen. In particular, four experiences were identified, two in Argentina, one of which in the province of Buenos Aires and the other in the province of Santa Fe, and two Italian case study experiences in small communities in Southern Italy. All case studies have specific characteristics, i.e., communities located in inland areas, with tourism experiences, and with significant projects in terms of values, motivations, and the capacity to involve both local actors as well as those outside the territorial context.

The findings show that promoting sustainable tourism development of inland communities requires consideration of several factors, including the stakeholders involved and the strategies to be adopted to promote sustainable tourism practices in order to increase the well-being and quality of life of local communities. The case studies presented highlight how the empowerment of local actors and the enhancement of territorial capital are closely linked. Indeed, processes involving the local community can have a significant impact on the economic and social growth of a territory, through the enhancement of territorial peculiarities, which are at the basis of the construction of tourist and experiential products.

The Adoption of Chatbot for Customer Service

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:39:25 +0000

Modeling, profiling, analysing and understanding of users are becoming increasingly important in many industries also thanks to the support of artificial intelligence, representing a key to success in today’s data-driven world. The aim of the paper is to examine the interactions that occurred between ANAS users and the company’s’ chatbot, in order to highlight the requests, preferences and needs of users and the automated response and support capabilities that are provided to them. To meet the objectives of the research, a qualitative-quantitative study was carried out, including hermeneutic analysis and an automated analysis of the conversations were realized, using a natural language analysis (NLP) tool.

The results show that the conversational material is characterized by being a precious source of information to better understand the needs of the audience and, at the same time, to be able to improve the service offered to the customer. Understanding users, their profile, key issues and requests can help companies personalize their services and adapt strategies from the bottom up.

This knowledge of users’ needs can be used to increase their satisfaction and help them find the right answer more quickly and easily, as well as - as has been done - identify aspects to integrate and/or modify for a more effective and efficient communication channel responsive to user needs. Beyond the content, the form of the conversations can represent a further area for improvement.

In this sense, important practical implications emerged from the data for artificial intelligence designers and corporate communication professionals working in ANAS.

Climate Justice and Biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin

Alessandra Terenzi, Nunzia Borrelli — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:02:30 +0000

The Mediterranean, with its coasts connecting three continents and its unique geographical position, represents an area characterized by rich cultural, economic, and environmental diversity, as well as a valuable biodiversity hotspot. However, the stark dichotomy between the Northern Shore, which includes Southern European countries, and the Southern Shore, encompassing the Maghreb and Mashreq regions, presents complex challenges in the context of climate justice. These challenges are highlighted by deep inequalities and environmental vulnerabilities manifesting both between the two shores and within them. This study explores the concept of climate justice and its intrinsic relationship with biodiversity in the urban Mediterranean context, highlighting the existing disparities between the countries on both shores in addressing the global climate challenge. In particular, it analyzes the environmental, social, economic, and trade policies promoted by the European Union and the countries on the Southern Shore, emphasizing the dynamics that contribute to perpetuating inequalities and the ongoing loss of biodiversity in local ecosystems.

Masculinities and Caring Professions. The Case Study of Students Enrolled in University Courses in Educational Disciplines

Giuseppe Masullo, Marianna Coppola — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:27:36 +0000

The article examines the reasons behind young men’s choice to enrol in career-qualifying programmes for care-related professions (such as BA in Primary Education, Early Years Practitioner, Social pedagogy Practitioner) – a traditionally feminised area. The research points to three main motivations: (1) a forced choice, to accrue training credits in these courses and then enrol in a Psychology programme; (2) looking forward to the socialisation processes of educators; (3) personal aptitudes and inclinations towards this profession – or because they felt unsuited for other options and found other programmes unappealing, making it a choice by exclusion. The research aimed at understanding how students relate to the widespread male gender models, given that care and education professions require characteristics not positively associated with hegemonic masculinity.

The research shows that the interviewees disapprove of certain traits associated with the hegemonic masculinity model, such as aggressiveness and inability to listen. However, they exhibit little reflexivity about the privileges linked to gender and fail to connect these with factors of oppression, especially when distancing themselves from subordinate or “homosexual” masculinities. This reflexivity, however, emerges among those who, due to their educational choices, have faced social stigmatisation, which compelled them to become more aware of the consequences of perpetuating gender roles and the resulting discrimination.