Far away from sun and beach: opportunities and challenges for cultural tourism in Córdoba, Spain

Abstract

This study examines the case of the city of Córdoba in regard to its cultural tourism (CT) industry. The perceptions of three of the city's tourism and cultural stakeholders were gathered. Overall, the respondents identified several opportunities to maintain a sustainable CT concept, for instance, by combining existing cultural attractions with other forms of local art and events, or with an emergent gastronomic model based on local food and wine. Respondents also recognise several challenges, including (a) tourists' decreasing expenditures in Córdoba, (b) the emergence of more demanding visitor groups, and (c) the challenge of managing the physical impact of visitors, especially on Córdoba's Cathedral-Mosque. The study's findings have important implications, particularly for other historical towns or cities, where CT is developed or in development, as well as for their stakeholders. Additionally, potential areas for future research are proposed.

Keywords:

• cultural tourism
• stakeholder theory
• Córdoba
• emerging trends
• commercial potential
• carrying capacity

Notes on contributor

Abel Duarte Alonso, Ph.D., is Honorary Senior Fellow at the School of Marketing, Tourism, and Leisure, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. His research interests include small and medium enterprises, both urban and rural, in the hospitality and tourism fields.