Events based on military historical reenactments as a strategy to foster local tourism: the case of La Albuera Battle (Spain)

Abstract

Re-enactments based on historical battles may mean an important type of tourism development for places where these events occurred. Apart from attracting tourists, they can disseminate and value the cultural heritage linked to the military battle re-enactment. This paper aims to study military historical settings and re-enactments and their tourism potential. The case of La Albuera Battle (Badajoz, Spain), which happened within the Spanish Independence War against Napoleon’s army, is analysed. An open-ended questionnaire addressed to the organizers of the event was conducted. Also secondary data were used. The results point out that this kind of re-enactments is distinguished by its singularity and rooting, exerting influence on cultural tourism. These re-enactments are prompted mainly by the residents and they are celebrated normally in open public spaces, where the events took place highlighting their historical and cultural value. This type of events can be useful for tourism managers, because they can find an opportunity to foster the flow of tourists attracted by the possibility of being part of history in the battlefield.