Realities and problems of a major cultural tourist destination in Spain, Toledo

Abstract

Cultural tourism is a modality that has been expanding over the recent years, attracting many theorists. It is worth analyzing certain consolidated cultural tourist destinations such as Toledo. This article analyses a case study of one of the most relevant Heritage Tourism sites in Spain. It updates and broadens the current articles existing in the cultural tourism of Toledo. From a methodological perspective, it provides a critical analysis of diverse sources and relies on participant observation in order to explain the example of Toledo in a holistic way, studying its principal features as a cultural touristic destination and addressing the main problems that the tourist activity in the city present. Finally, from a practical point of view, any planners or managers of historic cities that may consolidate tourist destinations are provided with an example of some of the problems, measures, solutions, errors and threats to cultural tourism in Toledo, in addition to providing reflections and proposals for the future.