Sardinia is investing in its ancient villages and sustainable tourism. With a €7.5 million investment, the Region is officially launching a call for proposals that could truly transform the face of many of the island's historic centers: the project for the creation and development of alberghi diffusi (scattered hotels), a hospitality model that combines tradition, authenticity, and urban regeneration.
Presented today in Cagliari by the regional councilor for tourism, Franco Cuccureddu, the call for proposals involves local authorities and small businesses in the tourism sector. This initiative aims to extend the tourist season, deseasonalize tourist flows, and bring life and work back to small towns.
"We want to build a more authentic, distributed, and sustainable offering," Cuccureddu explained during the press conference. He was joined by a special guest: Giancarlo Dall'Ara, the professor of Tourism Economics who, over twenty years ago, conceived the Albergo Diffuso model. Today, his idea has been adopted in several countries as an alternative to mass tourism .
But what is an albergo diffuso? It's a network of accommodations located within the same historic center, often in renovated buildings, that share common services such as reception and catering. The rooms are located in neighboring houses, all within a few minutes' walk of each other, creating an immersive experience within the urban fabric of the town.
It's an idea that puts the local community at the center, giving new life to abandoned buildings and transforming them into economic and cultural resources.
The call for proposals approved by the Regional Council with Resolution No. 51/28 provides two lines of funding: €2.5 million for local authorities and €5 million for micro and small tourism businesses.
Each project can receive funding of up to €300,000, covering up to 100% of eligible expenses. Exemptions include property purchase or renovation costs, which are covered at 25%. The minimum investment required to qualify for funding is €100,000. Furthermore, facilities must achieve at least a three-star rating.
Projects must be located exclusively in historic centers (zone A and matrix centers) and guarantee a maximum distance of 300 meters between reception and rooms.
The call for proposals for businesses will be open from today until October 17, 2025, through the Sipes platform. The call for proposals for public entities will be published later, pending co-financing from the Ministry of Tourism.
(Unionesarda/Fr.Me.)
