Valorizzazione culturale e turismo esperienziale: Il caso del “Museo Diffuso dei 5 Sensi” a Sciacca

Tourism, while having great potential for sustainable development, can also have negative impacts on the territory and the community itself. Mass tourism, amplified by globalisation, has often led to the standardisation of tourist offerings, sacrificing the unique characteristics of destinations to attract a broader audience. This phenomenon undermines environmental sustainability through the overexploitation of resources and socio-cultural sustainability by threatening local traditions and creating social imbalances. The United Nations’ Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the importance of preserving cultural heritage and call on the private and public sector to play an active role in achieving these objectives. In this context, the case study of Sciacca provides a virtuous example. Through the Museo Diffuso dei 5 Sensi project, local traditions, such as typical gastronomy and cultural heritage, are celebrated while actively involving the community in the tourism development process. This approach, based on the values of community, identity, and beauty, demonstrates how entrepreneurial initiatives can contribute to socio-cultural sustainability. By promoting tourism that goes beyond experiences, this model strengthens the connection between the territory, its culture, and inclusive economic development.