Sustainable tourism in Campania: SDG indicators for an integrated perspective on resilience, social cohesion, and local development

This work evaluates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on tourism sustainability in the context of the 2030 Agenda, using the Campania region as a case study. Among the 17 SDGs, sustainable tourism ̶ defined as tourism that is economically, socially, and culturally sustainable without causing irreversible harm ̶ has become increasingly central. This research explores how sustainable tourism can serve as a tool for peacebuilding, community resilience, and identity preservation, especially in the post-pandemic era marked by socio-cultural tensions. Focusing on Campania, known for its cultural and territorial diversity, the study uses data from 2015, 2020, and 2021 to assess sustainability in tourism. Drawing on previous statistical analyses of Italy’s tourism sector, it emphasizes sustainable development indicators. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied to synthesize data across environmental, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. Particular attention is given to indicators such as local participation, heritage enhancement, and social inclusion, viewed through the lens of peace-sensitive tourism. Preliminary results show that sustainability initiatives have fostered collaboration among diverse social and economic groups through community tourism and heritage projects. These efforts are seen as contributing to peacebuilding by mitigating resource tensions and encouraging positive interactions between residents and tourists. The study introduces a global sustainable tourism indicator to compare regional trends across the selected years. It also reflects on how post-COVID policies may support intercultural reconnection and socio-economic resilience. Ultimately, the research offers broader insights for regions aiming to embed sustainability in tourism development.