The Necessary Digital Update of the Camino de Santiago

Abstract

The Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) was considered in 1987 by the Council of Europe as the first European cultural route. Since then, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world have walked through the traditional cultural landscapes of this corner of Europe seeking their own personal journey, an experience of introspection that, at least in theory, demands disconnecting from the world. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has meant the greatest crisis in tourism in contemporary times, especially in mass destinations, revitalizing by contrast other forms and tourist places, such as cultural routes. From the political objective of economic and social recovery, public administrations are promoting the digitalization and use of new technologies in the dissemination and management of the Camino de Santiago as a cultural and tourist product. According to all the plans and projects planned, in the next years not only the mobile device will be a tool to help carry out the Way, it will become essential to achieve a completely satisfactory experience.