Cultural Heritage and Proximity Tourism. A Quantitative Proposal for Salinas de Añana (Álava, Spain)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.056Keywords:
cultural heritage, tourism segmentation, proximity tourism, Salt Valley of Añana, economic impact, sustainable development, heritage economicsAbstract
The Salt Valley of Añana (Álava, Spain) is a unique enclave that combines cultural, natural and historical values centred around traditional salt production. This study employs an interdisciplinary approach integrating heritage economics, land-use planning and tourism analysis to examine how the recovery of ancestral techniques and the promotion of cultural and tourist activities have facilitated the territory's transition towards a service-based economic model, compensating for the decline of the agricultural and industrial sectors. The econometric analysis evaluates the impact of tourism on local economic activity, providing valuable information for improving tourism planning and promotion. The results demonstrate an increase in interest in heritage and highlight the relevance of nearby cities in attracting visitors. Overall, the study underscores the potential of local heritage tourism as a driver of sustainable development for rural areas with limited resources.
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- PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural
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- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo. Universidad de La Laguna (España) - Instituto Universitario da Maia ISMAI (Portugal)
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