Ancient Wisdom in Modern Tourism: Sustainable Solutions from Greek and Roman Literature

Marianna Olivadese and Maria Luisa Dindo ()
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Marianna Olivadese: Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Maria Luisa Dindo: Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-29

Abstract: This review examines how ancient Greek and Roman literature can inform sustainable cultural tourism, offering valuable insights for managing cultural heritage and landscapes responsibly. By analyzing works such as Homer’s Odyssey , Virgil’s Georgics , and Pausanias’ Description of Greece , this study bridges classical wisdom with modern challenges such as climate change, over-tourism, and shifts in accessibility. Key findings and practical solutions include respect for sacred landscapes: for example, ancient reverence for sites such as Delphi demonstrates how cultural heritage can be protected by fostering ethical relationships with significant places. Tourism policies can draw on this perspective to integrate conservation efforts with the promotion of historical sites. Moreover, sustainable resource stewardship is highlighted: for example, Roman agricultural ethics, as seen in Virgil’s Georgics , emphasize harmony between human activity and nature. These principles can inform strategies for managing tourism’s environmental footprint, such as prioritizing local resource sustainability and preserving natural ecosystems. Models for slow tourism are also provided: for example, epic journeys such as Homer’s Odyssey highlight the value of slow, immersive travel. By promoting meaningful engagement with destinations, tourism can reduce environmental stress while enriching visitor experiences. In addition to these findings, the study underscores the communal responsibility inherent in ancient principles, advocating for tourism models that balance individual benefits with collective well-being. Practical applications include promoting community-based tourism models, fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, and incorporating ethical guidelines into tourism management to mitigate negative impacts on cultural sites and ecosystems. In conclusion, this review argues that revisiting classical texts through the lens of the environmental humanities offers actionable strategies for sustainable tourism. By adopting ancient values of stewardship, reverence for nature, and civic responsibility, stakeholders can create tourism models that preserve cultural and environmental heritage while ensuring long-term economic and social benefits.

Keywords: sustainable tourism; tourism development; ancient wisdom; land policy; cultural heritage; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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