Resumo: Public and private cooperation is commonly executed in the tourism industry and is constantly referred to as part of the strategies of both tourism policy and the private sector. It has acquired a relevant role and has given rise to interesting alliances. Based on this principle, the main purpose of this study is to analyse the evolution of public and private collaboration on a regional and local scale and its implications over the last few decades. The authors have made a theoretical reflection on the forms of cooperation, first from a general point of view, and, second, through an empirical analysis of Cartagena as a case study. The considerations of this study show that cooperation should be always understood and managed as an ideal framework for tourism development and as an indispensable instrument.
