Applied research doctoral scholarships: 18 scholarships for innovative PhDs
Management, Accounting and Finance
The projects
• Research on the direct and indirect economic impacts of tourism and attractiveness factors of the Bergamo territorial system
Research on the direct and indirect economic impacts of tourism and attractiveness factors of the Bergamo territorial system
Affiliated company: INTWIG Srl
Supervisors: Prof. Daniela Andreini, Prof. Federica Burini, University of Bergamo
During a meeting on Monday, May 13th, organized by Visit Bergamo and the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce, with the participation of Christofe Sanchez and Dr. Petocchi from VisitBergamo; Luciano Patelli and Davide Lenarduzzi from Promoberg; Gloria Cornolti from the Province of Bergamo and Aldo Cristadoro from Intwig, Professor Daniela Andreini and Professor Federica Burini from the University of Bergamo, the desire emerged to develop a system for detecting the direct and indirect impacts of tourism in Bergamo. This system would aim to legitimize the tourism sector as a significant contributor to the local economy and raise awareness among all stakeholders in the Bergamo ecosystem.
The University is tasked with developing a methodology and creating a measurement and reporting model that certifies the impact of tourism on other local economic activities.
The medium-term goal is the creation of an annual research report that becomes a regular opportunity for reflection on the importance of tourism development in Bergamo, identifying trends and highlighting key attraction levers. This annual report could then be used in the development phase to create synergies and collaboration among various stakeholders in the territorial ecosystem, such as Confindustria, SACBO, and other trade associations.
The request
The main stakeholders at the meeting expressed the need for a document (i.e., a research report) that can capture and identify the impact of tourism on the local territory.
The research report will consist of qualitative and quantitative data, such as measuring the economic impact of different tourist targets, the employment impact (creation of temporary and permanent jobs), the promotional impact on non-tourism sectors (not just media visibility), the spread of tourism effects on neighboring areas, and the legacy of tourism
events (the identity legacy of events on local communities).
Research Methodology
This research aims to analyze the impact of tourism on the territory of Bergamo through a mixed methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. This approach will allow us to capture both the nuances and perceptions of the actors involved (qualitative) and to quantify the magnitude of the impacts (quantitative).
Furthermore, this research has the potential to generate a significant impact both theoretically and practically, providing an original contribution to scientific literature, supporting management decisions, and helping to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Bergamo.
Phase 1: Literature Review and Best Practices Analysis
Objective
To build a solid theoretical and practical framework for the research. We will analyze models for detecting tourism impacts, both nationally and internationally, with particular attention to those used in destinations similar to Bergamo in terms of geographical, cultural, or tourism type characteristics. We will evaluate best practices implemented in other locations, seeking to identify strengths and weaknesses from which to learn.
Method
• Systematic Literature Review: We will review scientific articles, research reports, institutional documents,and tourism sector publications, using specific keywords (e.g., “economic impact of tourism,” “tourism impact assessment models,” “sustainable tourism Bergamo,” etc.).
• Benchmarking: We will identify destinations comparable to Bergamo and analyze their tourism impact assessment models, seeking to understand which indicators were used and what results were obtained.
Phase 2: Development of the Data Collection Tool
Objective
To create an ad hoc survey tool for Bergamo, capable of capturing the specific characteristics of the territory and the different dimensions of
tourism impact. The tool will consist of several components, each aimed at collecting specific information.
Method:
• Semi-structured Interviews: Individual interviews will be conducted with representatives of institutions (Municipality, Province, Chamber of Commerce), trade associations (hoteliers, restaurateurs, merchants),cultural operators (museums, theaters), managers of tourist attractions, industry experts, and representatives of the local community. The interviews will explore perceptions of the impact of tourism, challenges and opportunities, and expectations for the future.
• Focus Groups: Homogeneous focus groups (residents, tourists, operators) will be organized to encourage discussion and the emergence of shared or divergent opinions. The topics covered will concern quality of life,the environment, the local economy, and cultural identity.
• Secondary Data Analysis: Data from official sources (ISTAT, Regione Lombardia, Bergamo Tourism Observatory, etc.) will be collected and analyzed to obtain a basic quantitative picture of tourism trends in Bergamo (arrivals, overnight stays, tourist spending, etc.).
• Structured Questionnaire: A questionnaire will be developed to be administered to a representative sample of tourists (Italian and foreign) and residents. The questionnaire will consist of closed (multiple choice, Likert scales) and open questions to investigate travel motivations, satisfaction, perception of tourism impact,spending habits, etc.
Phase 3: Creation of Implementation Case Studies
Objective
To apply the developed measurement tool to concrete cases to test its effectiveness and collect specific data on events or tourist attractions. This will allow us to assess the impact of different types of tourism (e.g.,cultural, food and wine, sports, religious) and identify any differences.
Method
• Selection of Case Studies: Events or attractions of different nature and scope will be chosen (e.g., festivals,exhibitions, fairs, concerts, sporting events, extraordinary openings of monuments, etc.).
• Data Collection: During the selected events/attractions, questionnaires will be administered to tourists, and data on economic aspects (revenues, expenses, employment generated) and environmental aspects (waste production, resource consumption) will be collected.
Phase 4: Data Analysis
Objective
To extract meaningful information from the collected data, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The analysis will be conducted with scientific rigor, using appropriate techniques for each type of data.
Method
• Statistical Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) to calculate indicators of economic impact (e.g., contribution to GDP, added value, employment), social impact (e.g.,resident satisfaction, changes in quality of life), and environmental impact (e.g., ecological footprint, water and energy consumption).
• Content Analysis: Responses to open-ended questionnaire questions and transcripts of interviews and focus groups will be analyzed using content analysis techniques to identify recurring themes, prevailing opinions,critical issues, and strengths.
Phase 5: Development of a Theoretical and Practical Model
• Development of a Tourism Impact Assessment Model Specific to Bergamo: The research aims to develop a customized assessment model that takes into account the specific characteristics of the Bergamo territory. This model could be adapted and replicated in other destinations with similar characteristics, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of tourism impact assessment.
• Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches: The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will allow for a more complete and multifaceted view of the impact of tourism, overcoming the limitations of a purely economic or purely social approach. This can stimulate theoretical debate on the importance of adopting mixed methodologies to study complex phenomena such as tourism.
• Analysis of the Impact of Different Types of Tourism: The study of specific cases (events, attractions) will allow us to assess the impact of different forms of tourism (cultural, food and wine, sports, etc.), contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics and specificities of each segment.
Contribution to the field of tourism management
• Support for Strategic Decisions: The research results will provide valuable data and information for public and private decision-makers, helping them make informed decisions about tourism planning and
management in Bergamo. For example, data on economic impact can be used to justify investments in the tourism sector, while information on environmental impact can guide towards more sustainable choices.
• Improvement of Tourism Destination Management: Understanding the positive and negative impacts of tourism will allow us to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of tourism. For example, if the research highlights a negative impact on the quality of life of residents, actions could be taken to mitigate this effect (e.g., regulation of shortterm rentals, promotion of more responsible tourism).
• Development of More Sustainable Tourism: The assessment of the environmental impact of tourism will help raise awareness among operators and tourists about the importance of adopting more responsible and environmentally friendly behaviors. This can lead to a cultural change and an evolution towards a more sustainable tourism model.