Eco-Tourism Idea – “Scattered Hotels”

Your Next Vacation Could be So Rewarding!

Do you love old villages? Narrow, cobbled streets with warm stone buildings, shuttered windows brimming with fresh flowers, people walking everywhere……  I do – and if you do too, then here’s a great eco-tourism idea for your next holiday or vacation – scattered hotels.

The concept originated in Italy – and it’s a really, really good idea.

Italy, as you know, has loads of ancient villages – some up to 1,000 years old. But younger people often leave in search of jobs, and the remaining residents don’t always have the means to keep the beautiful buildings and surrounds in good condition. So many villages, sadly, are deteriorating.

But scattered hotels preserve not only the buildings but also a fast-disappearing way of life!

Called albergo diffuso in Italian, the concept has spread not only across Italy but also Europe – and even Japan.

So, What Are Scattered Hotels?

The “hotels” consist of various accommodations in different buildings all over a village. Depending on where you go, you might be able to choose between a renovated village home, a farmhouse, a school, a villa, a barn, a warehouse or even a jail!

And then there are central common areas that provide dining and other services.

The different accommodations are owned by different people, but promoted as one hotel, to keep bookings simple.

Do Scattered Hotels Have Standards?

To be officially classified as scattered hotels, a number of very strict rules must be adhered to. They must:-

• be in original buildings in an existing town or village (no new developments allowed)
• be owned and operated by individuals, not a group or chain
• provide full hotel services

What Are The Advantages of Staying in Scattered Hotels?

There are many cool things about albergo diffuso.

• Because the hotels are scattered around a village in original buildings, you automatically get immersed in traditional village life (rather than being isolated in a tourist-only place).
• Local culture is built right into to each hotel.
• You are pretty much guaranteed contact with locals.
• Some scattered hotels are located in areas of great natural beauty, and might be next to vineyards or a beach or a UNESCO site.
• They have a trickle-down effect on the local economy, providing jobs in hospitality, artisan works and retail. This encourages locals to remain, and adds money to the village. The buildings are repaired and will last, instead of dying.

Are Scattered Hotels Better Than Other Types of Accommodation?

It depends on what you want.

You could get the same degree of authenticity with AirBnB if you choose wisely – but that’s normally a room to sleep in, there aren’t usually hotel services.

Big brand hotels offer more services, but you rarely get the same level of interaction and authenticity.

If you want to stay in a real village or town, mix with locals and experience authentic village life, scattered hotels are a great way of experiencing this.

Are Scattered Hotels Eco-Friendly?

Absolutely! They use existing buildings (no new processing) and preserve a way of life. One of the tenets of eco-tourism is that locals benefit from your visit, and that certainly happens with scattered hotels. People are encouraged to remain in their towns and villages and there is a market for artisan skills and products.

Your visit, therefore, helps to preserve a way of life which our modern economy seems to want to destroy. And you experience a fantastically different type of vacation which greatly broadens your horizons – what’s not to love?

Please Share this post  –  it’s easy – sharing buttons below and right!

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

P.S.  Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.

Related:

• Eco tourism for your next vacation.  It’s not what you think!
• The Great Barrier Reef and Tourism
• “The Beach” and eco tourism (not)