Contributo dos Caminhos de Santiago para o desenvolvimento sustentável do Turismo, em Barcelos

Abstract

This article aims at analyzing the contribution of the Camino de Santiago to the sustainable development of creative tourism in Barcelos, a territory that assumes itself as the capital of national handicraft and belongs to UNESCO World Network of Creative Cities, in the category of Crafts and Popular art. It is argued that the Camino de Santiago contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry, namely the hotel supply growth and other tourist activities in the Galo de Barcelos territory. The methodology of scientic research uses qualitative and quantitative methods, namely surveys by questionnaire to visitors and local entrepreneurs of the tourism industry, as well as a literature review and an analysis of relevant documents for this study. Accordingly, to the results of this study, it might be concluded that the Camino de Santiago emerges as the main motivation for visiting Barcelos, followed by the historical and cultural heritage and the Galo de Barcelos. It is argued that Barcelos City Council (CMB) should reconsider its tourism marketing plan and its cultural activities agenda in order to benefit from having been included in UNESCO's worldwide network of Creative Cities.