Alberghi diffusi model revives rural Italian villages

A new model of "scattered hotels" calledalberghi diffusi is reviving ancient rural settlements in Italy.

Ancient settlements in Italy were left abandoned due to a lack of jobs, earthquakes and poverty.

The deserted communities are frozen in time, but a model of "scattered hotels" is bringing them back to life.

The village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio was featured by the BBC as one such alberghi diffusi.Italian entrepreneurDaniele Kihlgren invested $5 million into restoring the buildings to create hotels that recreate authentic historic experiences.

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In an interview with Global Citizeln, Kihlgren said:“The kind of clients who understand what I am trying to do here are deeply interested in history.

“They consider authenticity to be a real value in today’s world. Italy is becoming more fake. That is why when I started this project, I began as if I was setting up a museum. We want a kinder, gentler concept of tourism.”

Rural tourism is on the rise. A Chinese travel agency has said the number of Chinese tourists visiting rural locations in July and August jumped by 50 percent year on year.

Video courtesyAmelia Martyn-HemphillforBBC World Hacks

Image courtesySextantio

Reviving Italy's ghost towns with an unusual hotel - BBC News