Residents’ perceptions of “sustainable hospitality” in rural destinations: Insights from Irpinia, Southern Italy

This study investigates whether and how sustainable forms of hospitality could affect the local community by generating socioeconomic benefits in rural and distressed areas. Focusing on the ' Albergo Diffuso ' , a unique form of sustainable accommodation that transforms rural villages into tourist destinations, this research analyzes its impact through semi-structured interviews in two communities in Irpinia, Southern Italy. Findings show that the Albergo Diffuso could be a territorial development tool; however, several factors contributed to its failure, resulting in a lack of social impact on the local community. Specifically, findings suggest that this sustainable hospitality model could positively influence destination promotion, community participation, place attachment, and even the future orientation of residents. Nonetheless, each of these outcomes faces specific barriers that hinder their achievement. This study offers valuable implications for practitioners and policymakers, emphasizing the need to foster relationships built on listening to and engaging local stakeholders, especially residents. Lastly, the study offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers in developing tourism in rural destinations. • Understanding the social impacts of sustainable hospitality in rural destinations. • The Albergo Diffuso —a form of sustainable hospitality—examined from residents' perspectives. • Interviews were conducted across two rural communities in Irpinia, Southern Italy. • The Albergo Diffuso may boost local development, but only by addressing its critical failure factors. • Practitioners should build strong networks with local stakeholders, or, community social impacts will remain unattainable.