Between heritage and tourism discourses. Comparative analysis of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” and “Authentic Towns” programs in Argentina
Between heritage and tourism discourses. Comparative analysis of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” and “Authentic Towns” programs in Argentina
Entre discursos patrimoniales y turísticos. Análisis comparado de los programas “Los pueblos más bonitos de España” y “Pueblos Auténticos” de Argentina
Resumo: The general objective of this paper is to comparatively analyze two state-scale tourism development programs in Argentina, namely “The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” and “Authentic Towns”, emphasizing the heritage and tourist discourses. In order to do this, we investigate the structure of the two initiatives, their accounts and participating actors, identifying similarities and differences. A descriptive methodology with explanatory elements and a qualitative approach is defined for this purpose. Data collection techniques such as discursive analysis in official documents and dissemination instruments, together with semi-structured interviews with key informants are used.As a result, based on a comparative matrix prepared for this purpose, a series of convergences and discrepancies related to the selection and participation requirements of the assigned places and the intervening agents are identified. In general terms, it is concluded that these programs are based on a heritage discourse associated with the dominant vision of the term, indicated clearly in the political circles. Meanwhile, the tourist discourse corresponds to the idea of development as a practice that promotes multiple positive impacts, mainly of an economic nature. The discourse also contributes to the reduction of territorial mismatches.
