The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on the Development of Rural Tourism: Italian Case Based on a Regional Analysis

Italy’s rural areas provide significant tourism opportunities which support local economies and sustainable development. This study examines the impact of socio-economic, technological, natural–ecological, and political–legal factors on rural tourism across Italy’s 21 regions. Using statistical data and correlation analysis, five macro factors were evaluated to determine their influence on the prevalence of agritourism as a measure of rural tourism development. The methodology involved a correlation analysis, including the assessment of bivariate relationships between variables, supported by robust statistical tests to ensure reliability. Key findings indicate that technological advancements, particularly in farm digitalization and innovation, are closely associated with rural tourism growth, alongside factors like regional GDP and natural–ecological resources. The study reveals that higher levels of farmer education and rich ecological and cultural assets within regions also positively impact rural tourism. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in formulating strategies that promote rural tourism and regional development, emphasizing digitalization, ecological preservation, and education. This research extends our understanding of the factors driving rural tourism in Italy, offering a basis for targeted interventions that enhance economic resilience and support sustainable tourism in rural areas.