The objective of this study is to analyze the potential territorial impact, in light of the attribution of UNESCO recognition, of major archaeological-cultural tourism sites, with particular reference to the Mezzogiorno.
It starts with the definitional framing of the concept of a Unesco site and the mapping of the same for Italy. This is followed by a general analysis of national and regional tourism flows.
It then discusses the overall impact of Unesco sites on the territory according to the prevailing literature, national and otherwise, and three case studies of Unesco sites for the Mezzogiorno are given: Pompei, Palermo-Cefalù and Matera.
Finally, the economic opportunities for the Mezzogiorno in enhancing UNESCO sites through an active integrated policy are estimated.