The contribution of territorial certifications to sustainable tourism development of small towns

The aim of this paper is to investigate the possible contribution that territorial certifications may have on the touristic development of small towns, becoming a stimulus for the definition of policies oriented to the valorization of tangible/intangible resources of territory, landscape and local community. Also, they may encourage local actors to assume participative governance models and to state of touristic development priorities concerning a specific area.From a methodological point of view, the first part of paper is dedicated to the main contributions in literature in reference to the theme here investigated. The second part presents the results of an explorative qualitative analysis focused through case study method, represented by Gangi, a small town located in Sicily. It obtained the title of “Borgo dei Borghi 2014”. Results. The work has allowed, as main result, to understand how the territorial certifications represents an impetus to the valorization of origin and identity of Sicilian small town, fostering to the adoption of policies and practices directed to the conservation of intrinsic historical-artistic-cultural heritage, to the improvement of life quality to the local community and to the definition of innovative ways to improve its attractiveness and competitiveness. The territorial certifications may become a tool of management through which stimulate effective initiatives aimed at promoting the development of tourism of the small towns, supporting the hospitality culture and tourism of quality. Limitation comes mostly from the qualitative single case study method used in the paper, which has an explorative nature. Conclusions. From a managerial point of view, the paper gives some insights on the definition and the adoption of policies oriented to the generation of new trajectories of touristic development aimed at the promotion of the territorial distinctive features, of the tangible and intangible resources, of the social and cultural heritage and traditions that influence the identity of small town, considering the needs of the local community and of the public/private actors that they are focused on the new forms of participation and collaboration. From a theoretical point of view, the paper examines a field scarcely explored by national literature, even if it is possible to underline the proliferation of territorial certification and an improved impetus of the small towns to exhibit different certifications.