Leaving Certificate Regional Geography

2008 Q4(b)

Q: Examine the factors that influence the development of one economic activity in a European region you have studied.

There are many factors that influence the development of tourism in the region I have studied which is the Mezzogiorno in Southern Italy.

The Mezzogiorno is the part of the Italian peninsula south of Rome and includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It is mainly a rural region with 65% of the population living in the countryside. It’s population density is low at under 40 people per square kilometer. As a result, there are few towns with more than 5,000 people. It is a peripheral region and so relies on the tourism sector to help it’s development.

The Mezzogiorno’s physical processes such as the weather and relief help it’s tourism. The weather has a Mediterranean climate or a warm temperate western margin climate. This means that summers are very warm at usually over 25°C with lots if sunshine. Tourists wanting a hot summer wedding or sunbathing holiday can come here for the warmth and sunshine. In winter, the weather is mild at about 17°C but higher regions have colder temperatures.

The Mezzogiorno’s relief is generally 85% upland or hilly if not mountainous. Italy is located on an active plate collision zone and so there are many mountains. These include the Apennine Mountains. These uplands include the volcano Mount Etna which may attract holiday-makers interested in geography and nature.

All in all, the Mezzogiorno has worked hard to improve it’s tourism sector. They have built the ‘Autostrada del Sole’ motorway which runs from near the Swiss border to Calabria and it also provides fast direct links between north and south Italy. This makes driving holidays easier and less stressful for tourists. Tourism facilities such as hotels, recreational areas and holiday apartments have all been improved over recent years. It has had a good result on its tourism as thousands venture there each year. However, the vast majority of holiday makers include native Italians who travel down from the north for their holidays to places in southern Italy, such as the fabulous turquoise-watered Elba Island. It also offers beautiful scenery of lakes, mountains, rivers and beaches. Historical cities are located nearby and are easy to reach via the Autostrada motorway. Holidaying in the south of Italy generally costs less than in the north and is less commercialized than northern Italy and France. However, the key to the Mezzogiorno’s success as a holiday destination may depend on it’s foreign investment from overseas to get it truly on the map for tourists.

In conclusion, the development of tourism in the Mezzogiorno depends on these factors and can either be hindering or encouraging tourism there for the Italian economy.