Le case per ferie nel paradigma del turismo sostenibile: peculiarità del modello di accoglienza e sfide organizzative.

This article aims to examine a particular structure of Italian hospitality business, the holiday homes (“case per ferie”), and to show how they can now play a leading role in sustainable tourism. For this purpose, after an overview on the concept of sustainable tourism and on measurement models proposed by academic literature and international institutions, we examine the hospitality model of “case per ferie”, highlighting the functions they perform for the guests and for the territory. The methodology includes the study of sources in the literature and the results of a direct survey. The functions identified are framed in the dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, social). Finally, with reference to the European model of NECSTouR-Region of Tuscany, we check if the work of the “case per ferie” complies with the 10 pillars of sustainability considered by the model. The analysis shows that the “case per ferie” have in itself all the characters of sustainability applied to tourism. They are not always well aware of their role in this regard. They must also affirm their identity better, which is not always clear, and take up the challenge of innovation in management and organizational processes. It is very important that the “case per ferie” are working toward the development of skills through training and collaboration with other organizations. They must also meet the challenge of transparency and quality. There are many areas for improvement, but there is no doubt that the “case per ferie” can contribute to the development of a more mature tourism, solidarity, social, responsible, in a word,