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This paper examines the role of iconic hiking trails in the strategic positioning of tourism destinations, particularly in light of profound changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on insights from the online seminar “Positioning Tourism Destinations through Iconic Hiking Trails – TWF 2021”, organized as part of the Tenerife Walking Festival, the study focuses on three emblematic cases: the Inca Trail (Peru), the Matarraña region (Spain), and the Zero40 Trail in Tenerife.
These cases illustrate how nature-based and adventure tourism can serve as catalysts for sustainable development—preserving natural environments and cultural values, generating livelihood opportunities for local communities, and addressing emerging challenges.
Introduction
Global tourism is undergoing major transformations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reshaped travel trends and visitor expectations. Increasingly, tourists seek authentic, nature-based, and sustainable experiences. In this context, hiking and adventure tourism have emerged as prominent and highly demanded forms of travel. Iconic hiking trails not only provide rich exploratory experiences but also possess the potential to reposition destinations, foster socio-economic development, and strengthen territorial identity.
The online seminar “Positioning Tourism Destinations through Iconic Hiking Trails” highlighted experiences from diverse regions worldwide, reaffirming the importance of balancing development and conservation. This article analyzes three representative case studies to explore how hiking trails can function as instruments for destination positioning by engaging local communities, ensuring sustainability, and promoting public well-being.
Case Studies
The Inca Trail, Peru: Between Heritage and Sustainability
The Inca Trail, a symbolic heritage route of Peru, is widely regarded as one of the most attractive hiking trails in the world.
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Management challenges: The reopening of the trail after the pandemic required balancing the preservation of national park ecosystems with the livelihoods of surrounding agricultural communities. Since the 1960s, growing visitor flows have caused negative impacts (littering, vandalism, theft), prompting the government to implement stricter regulations in 2000 and, from 2018, to limit operations exclusively to authorized companies.
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Sustainable practices: Abumay, founded by Pepe Lopez, pioneered diversification beyond Machu Picchu and adopted eco-friendly principles such as reforestation and carbon-offset initiatives.
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Community role: Local porters, often second- or third-generation workers, remain essential to logistical services. The pandemic disrupted their livelihoods, raising challenges for reintegrating these communities into safer, more sustainable tourism models.
The Matarraña Region, Spain: Identity and Balanced Development
Located in Teruel, Spain, Matarraña has positioned itself around the notion that “people and their relationships shape destination identity.”
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Territorial identity: With 18 villages, a population of just 8,200, and over 6,000 km of trails, the region blends cultural heritage with natural landscapes.
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Development strategy: Since 2008, Matarraña has pursued three guiding principles: social development, territorial respect, and the preservation of cultural and natural values.
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Trail network: Highlights include the Via Verde—a greenway repurposed from an abandoned railway—and the Matarraña Algars Natural Trail connecting the GR7 and GR99 routes. These trails integrate complementary services such as accommodation, luggage transfer, canoeing, and cycling.
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Impact: Matarraña has become a model for balanced tourism development, reinforcing its image as a sustainable, safe, and distinctive destination.
The Zero40 Trail, Tenerife, Spain: From Sea to Summit
The Zero40 Trail in Tenerife is recognized as the steepest route in Spain, beginning at Socorro beach at sea level and culminating at Mount Teide (3,718 m).
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Unique characteristics: Stretching 26.5 km, the trail typically requires 12–13 hours to complete, offering diverse landscapes from coastal terrain to volcanic highlands.
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Target audiences: Initially designed for experienced hikers, it now attracts extreme athletes, with records of completing the round trip in under seven hours generating strong media attention.
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Governance and collaboration: The trail was formally recognized and regulated through cooperation among environmental, road, tourism authorities, local governments, and communities, ensuring infrastructure and safety standards.
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Product development: Local companies have commercialized the trail by offering two-day packages with accommodation and guides, thereby enhancing its economic value.
Discussion and Conclusion
The case studies from Peru and Spain demonstrate that iconic hiking trails are not merely tourism products but strategic tools for sustainable territorial development. Several key lessons emerge:
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Sustainability and governance – Strict regulation, carrying capacity limits, and safety protocols are vital to safeguard ecosystems and visitor experience.
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Role of the pandemic – COVID-19, though disruptive, catalyzed a shift towards more responsible, health-conscious, and environmentally respectful tourism.
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Community participation – Local communities, from Inca Trail porters to Matarraña residents, are central to cultural preservation and economic resilience.
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Diversification and added value – Combining trails with complementary services (tours, accommodation, transport) enhances attractiveness and competitiveness.
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Multi-stakeholder collaboration – Effective cooperation among governments, businesses, and communities underpins long-term sustainability.
In conclusion, positioning destinations through iconic hiking trails extends beyond scenic landscapes. It entails creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem rooted in conservation, social responsibility, and community development, delivering benefits for both visitors and host communities.
