The San Venanzo Volcano park and museum in the frame of thevolcano tourism in Italy

Italy has about a million of people visiting its volcanoes due to their special concourse of Natural and archaeological resources. Notable examples are Pozzuoli Solfatara and Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli active volcanoes. The two latter pose questions about safety of tourists due to the casualties occurred in the past. Also the volcanic field of Northern Latium and Southern Tuscany, located in an area of large-calderas, are suitable for tourism purposes but present risks for large-volume releases of CO2 and H2S. Mefite vent in Irpinia (Campania) is the largest localised emission of CO2 and H2S worldwide. Others volcanoes, such as Vulture and Pantelleria deserve more attention to a sustainable touristic developments. In addition, there are several smaller indoor and outdoor museums scattered throughout Italy. In the Umbria Region there are the Polino and San Venanzo (SV) museums. SV volcano has been famous since the XIX century for its kamafugitic lavas and for rare minerals. At SV, scientific and environmental information is facilitated by a open-air path and a museum. They shows both volcanological and mineralogical aspects as well as the peculiar flora. Some archaeological spots are also depicted. To facilitate the understanding of the SV park complex aspects, a volcanological museum has been created with laboratories, local and general naturalistic collections and several models which illustrate the nature of volcanic phenomena and their importance for the environment, wildlife and people living on a volcano. Eventually, economic interests conflicting with the park have been reconverted to sustainable activities and an increasing numbers of visitors has been recorded. SV attracts investors by mean of fine arts exhibitions, library and conferences, as well. A main effort for the networking of Italian volcano-related touristic centres is now ongoing and led by SV museum.