Enhancement of Local Cultural Heritage for Responsible Tourism in a Cross-Border Area: From the Maritime Alps to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Langhe–Roero and Monferrato
The “Université d’été” offers a one-week residential course in Sant’Anna di Valdieri (CN), from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 August 2026, as well as participation in a closing event to be held at the University of Turin in October 2026. The programme is organised by the Open Tourism Research Laboratory of the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Modern Cultures.
Participants will be awarded a certificate valid for the recognition of 3 ECTS credits (CFU).
TARGET PARTICIPANTS – Total places available: 15 UNITA STUDENTS
Applications are open to: Students regularly enrolled in degree programmes and in the MaPOT Master’s programme of the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Modern Cultures; PhD candidates of the University of Turin; students regularly enrolled in degree programmes of the Departments of Humanities, Historical Studies, and Culture, Politics and Society of the University of Turin; students from European Union countries, and in particular from the UNITA Alliance (a good command of Italian, the official language of the Summer School, is required).
OBJECTIVES
Starting from specific case studies, the “Université d’été” offers participants direct experience of current practices and strategies aimed at promoting knowledge and rediscovery of natural landscapes, human settlements, cultural expressions and productive traditions of the territory, as well as their transformations over time, with a view to the enhancement of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism, with particular attention to the Italo-French cross-border geo-cultural area.
The programme alternates seminar-based lectures at Casa Alpina with guided visits to other venues (museums, centres, etc.), excursions, workshops and outdoor classes.
CONTENTS
Meetings, lectures and laboratory activities with university lecturers and professionals from the economic and tourism sectors on the following topics:
- Local economy and territorial enhancement
- Cultural anthropology, traditions and the eco-museum system.
- History of the territory, settlements and communities from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Local architecture and its valorisation.
- Literary representations of the territory, literary tourism initiatives and performing arts.
- Tourism communication and territorial storytelling.
- Organisation and management of natural and cultural Parks.
ORGANISATION
Hospitality costs (board and lodging) will be covered by the Antonella Salvatico Cultural Association for 5 nights / 6 days (check-in: morning of 24/08/2026; check-out: morning of 29/08/2026).
Students will be accommodated at the Casa Alpina of Sant’Anna di Valdieri (CN), which will also host lectures and meetings.
COSTS BORNE BY PARTICIPANTS
Travel expenses: transfer to/from Casa Alpina in Sant’Anna di Valdieri (CN) and transfers to nearby locations for guided visits and activities (depending on the availability of vehicles, car sharing may be organised or, upon request, a shuttle service may be provided from/to Cuneo railway station on Monday 24 and Saturday 29 August).
Students from EU universities are required to take out the basic insurance policy for external participants of the University of Turin by 30/06/2026. Information and contacts are available on the relevant webpage. Insurance coverage is a mandatory condition for completing enrolment once the application has been accepted.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
To apply, candidates must complete the Google Form by 31/03/2026, accessible via the dedicated link or through the website: https://www.opentourism.unito.it/news-ed-eventi
For further information, please contact Prof. Cristina Trinchero by e-mail (cristina.trinchero@unito.it).
By the end of May 2026, applicants will receive by e-mail information regarding the evaluation of the motivation letter attached to the application, organisational details and the invitation to attend an online meeting with the organisers.
Applicants not selected will be given priority, in the event of withdrawals, for the 2026 edition and/or for possible initiatives planned for Summer 2027.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PRIORITIES
Consistency of the applicant’s academic background with the objectives and contents of the “Université d’été”.
Motivation and objectives expressed in the application letter attached to the Google Form.
Basic knowledge of Italian (required for international applicants).
Date of application submission.