{"id":3075,"date":"2025-08-19T22:17:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T15:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/sustainable-tourism-development-through-iconic-hiking-trails-case-studies-from-peru-and-spain\/"},"modified":"2025-08-19T22:17:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T15:17:05","slug":"sustainable-tourism-development-through-iconic-hiking-trails-case-studies-from-peru-and-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/sustainable-tourism-development-through-iconic-hiking-trails-case-studies-from-peru-and-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Tourism Development through Iconic Hiking Trails: Case Studies from Peru and Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"291\" data-end=\"1040\"><em><strong>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 \u201cPositioning Tourism Destinations through Iconic Hiking Trails \u2013 TWF 2021\u201d, organized as part of the Tenerife Walking Festival, the study focuses on three emblematic cases: the Inca Trail (Peru), the Matarra\u00f1a region (Spain), and the Zero40 Trail in Tenerife.  <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"291\" data-end=\"1040\"><em><strong>These cases illustrate how nature-based and adventure tourism can serve as catalysts for sustainable development\u2014preserving natural environments and cultural values, generating livelihood opportunities for local communities, and addressing emerging challenges.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1060\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1061\" data-end=\"1603\">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.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"2036\">The online seminar \u201c<em data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1693\">Positioning Tourism Destinations through Iconic Hiking Trails<\/em>\u201d 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. <\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"(LIVE) Webinar 2: Positioning Tourist Destinations Through Outstanding Walking Trails - TWF 2021\" width=\"1020\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I2hXB8BulF0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2070\">Case Studies<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2128\">The Inca Trail, Peru: Between Heritage and Sustainability<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2239\">The Inca Trail, a symbolic heritage route of Peru, is widely regarded as one of the most attractive hiking trails in the world.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"3141\">\n<li data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2589\">\n<p data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2589\">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. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2590\" data-end=\"2866\">\n<p data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2866\">Sustainable practices: Abumay, founded by Pepe Lopez, pioneered diversification beyond Machu Picchu and adopted eco-friendly principles such as reforestation and carbon-offset initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2867\" data-end=\"3141\">\n<p data-start=\"2869\" data-end=\"3141\">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. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3070\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/duongmon4-1627519559580637743043-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainable Tourism Development through Iconic Hiking Trails: Case Studies from Peru and Spain\" width=\"1020\" height=\"638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/duongmon4-1627519559580637743043-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/duongmon4-1627519559580637743043-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/duongmon4-1627519559580637743043-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/duongmon4-1627519559580637743043.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3213\">The Matarra\u00f1a Region, Spain: Identity and Balanced Development<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3329\">Located in Teruel, Spain, Matarra\u00f1a has positioned itself around the notion that \u201cpeople and their relationships shape destination identity.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"4111\">\n<li data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3492\">\n<p data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3492\">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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3660\">\n<p data-start=\"3495\" data-end=\"3660\">Development strategy: Since 2008, Matarra\u00f1a has pursued three guiding principles: social development, territorial respect, and the preservation of cultural and natural values.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3929\">\n<p data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3929\">Trail network: Highlights include the <em data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3707\">Via Verde<\/em>\u2014a greenway repurposed from an abandoned railway\u2014and the Matarra\u00f1a Algars Natural Trail connecting the GR7 and GR99 routes. These trails integrate complementary services such as accommodation, luggage transfer, canoeing, and cycling. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3930\" data-end=\"4111\">\n<p data-start=\"3932\" data-end=\"4111\">Impact: Matarra\u00f1a has become a model for balanced tourism development, reinforcing its image as a sustainable, safe, and distinctive destination.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4113\" data-end=\"4181\">The Zero40 Trail, Tenerife, Spain: From Sea to Summit<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4182\" data-end=\"4331\">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).<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"5047\">\n<li data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"4499\">\n<p data-start=\"4334\" data-end=\"4499\">Unique characteristics: Stretching 26.5 km, the trail typically requires 12\u201313 hours to complete, offering diverse landscapes from coastal terrain to volcanic highlands. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4500\" data-end=\"4678\">\n<p data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4678\">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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4679\" data-end=\"4854\">\n<p data-start=\"4681\" data-end=\"4854\">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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4855\" data-end=\"5047\">\n<p data-start=\"4857\" data-end=\"5047\">Product development: Local companies have commercialized the trail by offering two-day packages with accommodation and guides, thereby enhancing its economic value.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3072 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/tenerife-1-1742272048.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainable Tourism Development through Iconic Hiking Trails: Case Studies from Peru and Spain\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/tenerife-1-1742272048.jpg 800w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/tenerife-1-1742272048-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/tenerife-1-1742272048-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5049\" data-end=\"5078\">Discussion and Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5079\" data-end=\"5289\">The case studies from Peru and Spain demonstrate that iconic<strong data-start=\"5138\" data-end=\"5252\"> hiking trails are not merely tourism products but strategic tools for sustainable territorial development<\/strong>. Several key lessons emerge: <\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"5290\" data-end=\"6071\">\n<li data-start=\"5290\" data-end=\"5433\">\n<p data-start=\"5293\" data-end=\"5433\">Sustainability and governance \u2013 Strict regulation, carrying capacity limits, and safety protocols are vital to safeguard ecosystems and visitor experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5434\" data-end=\"5583\">\n<p data-start=\"5437\" data-end=\"5583\">Role of the pandemic \u2013 COVID-19, though disruptive, catalyzed a shift towards more responsible, health-conscious, and environmentally respectful tourism.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5584\" data-end=\"5778\">\n<p data-start=\"5587\" data-end=\"5778\">Community participation \u2013 Local communities, from Inca Trail porters to Matarra\u00f1a residents, are central to cultural preservation and economic resilience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5779\" data-end=\"5939\">\n<p data-start=\"5782\" data-end=\"5939\">Diversification and added value \u2013 Combining trails with complementary services (tours, accommodation, transport) enhances attractiveness and competitiveness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5940\" data-end=\"6071\">\n<p data-start=\"5943\" data-end=\"6071\">Multi-stakeholder collaboration \u2013 Effective cooperation among governments, businesses, and communities underpins long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"6073\" data-end=\"6305\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u201cPositioning Tourism Destinations through Iconic Hiking Trails \u2013 TWF 2021\u201d, organized as part of the Tenerife Walking Festival, the study&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3071,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[343,348,402],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-based-tourism-en","category-sustainable-tourism-en","category-tourism-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3075","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3075"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3075\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3075"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3075"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3075"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}