Stakeholder participation, hospitality innovation and local sustainable development: a case study in tourism Sector.

The purpose of the paper is to explore relationships generating value among stakeholder participation in the decision-making process about local development policies planning, a new model of hospitality, the albergo diffuso and sustainable development of a small rural center. We used a qualitative research design with a holistic single-case study analysis, conducted collecting data from in-depth interview to the local key player and interviews with open-ended questions to local stakeholders. Network collaborations and partnership actively involving public and private firms, sharing goals and strategic plans with local stakeholders, and generated value for all the actors involved in the process. The case study points out the capacity of a local policy maker in being “local development manager” activating and managing collaborative relationship with local stakeholders based on trust and credibility. The work provides guidance to local public policy makers for the decision making process improving local development and territorial competitiveness and to decision makers to better manage new businesses to enhance the economic, social and environmental process with benefits for all the stakeholder involved. The paper used an explorative research, which represents a first stage study conducted over a single territory. Further analysis and empirical research will be carried out.