Ricerc@Sapienza

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on tourism due to mobility restrictions in all world regions. During Summer 2020, full exploitation of sustainable and safe local tourism is expected. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the “albergo diffuso” (AD) (translation scattered hotel) contribute to the economic recovery, during the "post COVID-19 time". To comply with the paper aim we use a qualitative research method based on a single case study. Primary data are collected by semi-structured interviews with apical figures of our case study.

Purpose – This study aims to identify the legitimacy issues raised during a sustainable business model innovation, deployed by an Italian company, which was analyzed through the lens of the legitimation theory and the business model innovation theory.
Design/methodology/approach – A single case study methodology is employed for empirical research.
Semistructured interviews, with top and middle management, were conducted together with the analysis of several internal and external documents, to corroborate the case analysis.