Literary tourism: A cultural trip?

Abstract

In this article, we intend to present literary tourism as a growing trend of cultural tourism. In fact, tourism and literature have a common element, the trip. Travelling, as an activity of making journeys, is an element of connection between different places and peoples and, therefore, it plays a crucial role in the tourism activity. Literature may be of great importance as it can make a place immortal, strengthening the growth of literary pilgrims, and satisfy the demands of cultural tourism. Literary tourism has several dimensions, being motivated by the interest concerning an author, in a literary creation or setting, or in the cultural heritage of a destination. This research concludes that it is important to understand visitor’s needs, and places linked to authors or literary creations must be used to promote destinations more proactively, having the support of local communities.