A Territorial cohesion through cultural tourism: the case of the Umayyad Route

Abstract

Cultural tourism has the potential to create multiple positive impacts from the socio-cultural point of view; if properly managed. The strengthening of cultural identity and the rescue of tangible and intangible cultural heritage are some examples. A study by the European Commission and the Council of Europe highlighted the potential of cultural routes for the generation of small businesses, intercultural dialogue and the promotion of the image of Europe in general. In the last decade, numerous projects and, in particular, European funds have been devoted to the creation of themed-tourism products and cultural routes. This is the case of the Umayyad Route, which has been rescued through a project funded by the European Union with the aim of improving Mediterranean territorial cohesion through the creation of the transnational cultural tourism itinerary. It is led by the Public Andalusian Foundation El legado andalusí and it has a network of partners in seven countries in the Mediterranean basin: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Through interviews with the coordinating entity and the managers of the national routes, this article analyses how the Umayyad Route is contributing to the enhancement of the rich legacy of the Umayyad dynasty in its expansion along the Mediterranean and to being a bridge of collaboration between the East and the West. It also describes the problems and challenges to overcome for the promotion of shared heritage and for the understanding between cultures and territories.