The South Tyrolean Model: When Tourism Grows from the Community
As soon as you cross the border and follow the Adige Valley northward, it’s impossible not to notice the change in the landscape: slender, pointed bell towers, well-kept houses with steep roofs, scattered farmsteads on the slopes, fields cultivated with geometric precision, and small churches perched on panoramic plateaus. Everything in South Tyrol tells of a deep bond between people, nature, and culture. But what lies behind this harmony?
A Distributed Culture: Farmsteads, Forests, and Cooperation
Unlike the Mediterranean urban model, centered around compact villages and towns, South Tyrol developed a scattered settlement pattern. Families have lived for centuries in isolated farmsteads (masi), spread between valley floors and mountain slopes. This lifestyle fostered strong community values based on mutual support, respect for nature, and a shared sense of responsibility.
To survive in a harsh environment, Alpine communities developed a model based on spontaneous cooperation, which has become part of the cultural DNA of the local population. From this mindset arose the many associations and voluntary unions that still today make sustainable and authentic tourism possible.
Ehrenamt: Volunteering as an Honorary Duty
In German, it’s called “Ehrenamt” — literally “honorary office.” It’s not merely “volunteering” as understood elsewhere, but a mission recognized by the community: a commitment that ennobles those who take it on. In South Tyrol, in fact, the community is the driving force behind tourism organization. Here are some concrete examples of how the social fabric sustains the region:
- Verschönerungsverein: the village beautification association (flowerbeds, benches, lighting).
- Tourismusverein (Info Point): local information center run by residents, providing details about events, hikes, festivals, and more.
- Schützen: traditional marksmen’s companies, now symbols of identity and guardians of heritage.
- AVS – Alpenverein Südtirol: the Tyrolean equivalent of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), responsible for trails, signage, and mountain huts.
- Music bands, volunteer firefighters, choirs, and folk groups: living expressions of tradition, central to festivals and cultural events.
Folklore Is a Serious Matter
In South Tyrol, folklore is not a prepackaged tourist attraction but an integral part of community life. Traditional costumes, parades, Christmas markets, and concerts by local brass bands are genuine expressions of a lived identity. The very etymology of the word — from Volk, meaning “people” — reveals how deep the link is between culture and community.
Grassroots Tourism: Nature and Society in Symbiosis
The South Tyrolean tourism model is a shining example of bottom-up organization, where initiatives start at the grassroots — from farmsteads, associations, and families — and grow organically. Nature is not just protected; it is cultivated, lived, and shared.
Like a forest growing from its roots, the region’s tourism system is born from neighborly relationships, a strong work ethic, and awareness of the common good. This explains not only the beauty of the landscapes but also the quality of hospitality, the order of the villages, and the care for every detail.
The Secret of South Tyrol? Its People
Visitors come to South Tyrol for its spectacular landscapes, majestic Dolomites, and authentic flavors. But what truly makes this region unique is the strength of its community, which has turned a once-challenging land into one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. A model that unites tradition and modernity, nature and culture, serenity and hospitality — and perhaps still has much to teach the world.