The impact of mountain huts as hybrid organizations in the Italian alpine region towards a sustainable tourism development

OBJECTIVES. Due to the significant evolution over time of the mountain tourism and its recent increasing density of visitors, the aim of this work in progress study is to analyse how the growth and evolution of mountain tourism impacts the management of alpine huts by examining how tourists’ awareness and behaviours changes in these specific contexts. METHODOLOGY. In the initial phase of the research, a desk analysis will compile a comprehensive list of all mountain huts in the study area, followed by their geographical mapping for spatial identification. The characteristics of these huts will be examined and categorized according to Club Alpino Italiano (CAI)’s classification system and other additional indicators crucial for understanding sustainable practice management due to the complexity of the context management. In the second phase of the study, we plan to implement a fieldwork analysis where tourists’ behaviour and mountain huts management will be investigated with questionnaires and interviews in order to understand which actions move the strategic environmental behaviours in mountain huts. FINDINGS. The findings of this research, in its initial phase, contribute to the understanding of mountain huts as key infrastructure within the broader framework of sustainable mountain tourism. By classifying huts based on structural characteristics, geographical distribution, and management models, this research seeks to establish a solid foundation for future investigations. RESEARCH LIMITS. One of the greatest challenges of this study is navigating the vast and complex landscape of mountain huts. These structures vary significantly, distinguished by numerous criteria, making it extremely difficult to account for all their differences. Additionally, the Italian Alpine region spans a large and diverse geographical area, with varying environmental conditions that further complicate the analysis. Moreover, the absence of a unified national regulation for mountain hut management adds another layer of complexity. Instead, management is governed by individual regional legislations, making it difficult to establish consistent criteria for analysis. This regulatory fragmentation presents a significant challenge in determining the most relevant factors to consider in the study. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS. This research lays the groundwork for future studies by mapping and categorizing mountain huts. It offers both theoretical contributions and managerial implications, helping operators manage tourism’s environmental impact