Roots tourists of Italian origins. The qualitative survey

In this fase of the research, an exploratory qualitative survey was done, in order to, study the characteristics of the demand in the roots tourism sector. Considering the gaps in the knowledge available on this phenomenon and the necessity to acquire and deepen some of therse dynamics, the qualitative research intent is to explore this theme and to offer a cognitive approach of the characteristics, preferences and actions of the emigrants and their discendents. Moreover, a section of the research, which is described in the next paragraph, was dedicated to aspects concerning the sustainability of roots tourism in social-cultural terms and, namely, the phenomenon's impact on the social and cultural fabric of the host community. This concers a theme that appears to be new and of great interest and relevaance also in international literature. Lastly, the issue of the current Covid-19 pandemic and what could occur in reference to roots tourism has been addressed. This initial exploratory survey has made the information provided for possible future implementation of the esearch, particularly of the statistical survay that was subsequently conducted.