Report on the "Japan-Italy Symposium on Albergo Diffuso"

On September 26, the Japan-Italy Symposium on Local Tourism and Albergo Diffuso was held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Tokyo, co-hosted by the Japan Farm Stay Association and the Institute. About 350 people from the fields of tourism and regional revitalization attended, showing strong interest in sustainable local tourism.

Daniele Kilgren, a leading Italian expert on Albergo Diffuso, spoke about the value of revitalizing accommodations using historic buildings. He emphasized that “the coexistence of local residents and travelers is what sustains tourism,” highlighting the need to preserve cultural identity amid modernization.

A talk session moderated by Yoshitsugu Minagawa, Chairman of the Japan Farm Stay Association, featured Jiro Iwasa of Satoyama Jujo, Shunpei Shimada of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu no Mura, and Mayor Shigehiko Kuroda of Hirado City. They discussed efforts to restore vacant houses, involve local residents, and balance community pride with economic growth.