Landscape as Cultural Asset in Post-Pandemic Tourism

Massimiliano Zane argues that the pandemic offers a chance to rethink tourism by centering landscape as a cultural asset. He critiques the rush to restore pre-COVID mass tourism, warning it could deepen inequalities between large and small venues. Zane cites Italy's Constitution (Article 9, 1947) linking culture and landscape protection, and the European Landscape Convention (COE, 2000) defining landscape as key to well-being based on public perception. Italy's 2006 ratification added the right to a pleasant landscape. He notes ISTAT's BES 2017 data showing perceived quality of places worsening while concern for degradation declines. Zane calls for new landscape culture, community participation, and a 'temporary citizenship' model for visitors. The article was published on Artribune in April 2020.