The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is the main tourist resource of Galicia, in Spain, and beyond, it is also a national and international icon. With adequate long-term planning and integrative and collaborative management, it would be positioned as a cultural and sustainable tourist destination, according to a demand in search of experiences, immersion in the local culture and observation of nature.
The Master Plan and Strategic Plan of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia 2015-2021 includes four strategic lines as main objectives of action, an example of the intentionality in positioning the destination as socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. The four lines are:
1. Coordination and administrative organization: highlighting the creation of bodies that facilitate coordination and participation among the different agents, such as the creation of the International Committee of Experts of the Camino de Santiago and the strengthening of relations with other international “caminos”
2. The preservation and enhancement of the heritage values of the Camino de Santiago: promoting tourism as a tool for the conservation of material heritage and the strengthening of rural Galician identity and the xacobea culture through the enhancement of their traditions.
3. The conservation and maintenance of the Camino de Santiago: It is worth mentioning the actions to improve accessibility, such as the “Guide of the Way of Saint James for people with disabilities”.
4. The environmentally sustainable Camino de Santiago: Waste management, efficient use of water and energy efficiency as priority actions, as well as awareness campaigns for pilgrims.
The universality of the “camino” and the increase in the number of people who visit it every year show the need to continue betting on actions focused on the sustainability of the destination, taking into account its particularities and the multitude of territory and agents involved.