The ecclesial cultural parks in Italy as places of inner peace: an investigation of the perceptions of stakeholders

This chapter analyzes the relationship between ecclesial cultural parks and peace tourism, here understood as inner peace or peace of mind. The ecclesial cultural park is a recent tool created by the Italian Church which aims to enhance the religious and historical heritage connected to the tourism systems. This organizational model generates an important “internal” effect in the territory, both for the employment and support activities for a pastoral activity, with results in terms of sustainable tourism development. The characteristics of this territorial promotion tool favor tourist experiences targeting contemplation and spirituality. Peace of mind should, therefore, be a natural effect. In order to assess how the relationship between ecclesial cultural parks and peace tourism, a qualitative study was carried out with semi-structured interviews aiming to examine stakeholders’ perceptions. Findings allow us not only to deepen understanding on the characteristics of ecclesial cultural parks and their relationship with peace tourism but also carry implications for the peace tourism research agenda in general by highlighting the importance of inner peace to peacebuilding.