Visibility and promotion of mining heritage in some Spanish geoparks

Abstract

The material and immaterial remains of mining activities have undergone a growing process of heritage valorization that has allowed sustaining relevant cultural initiatives, among them mining museums and mining parks. This paper examines mining heritage in the context of the UNESCO Geoparks. The objective is to heighten the visibility of the mining heritage by taking advantage of the Geoparks “brand” when integrating mining tourism activities in geotourism. The methodology centers primarily on a review of the literature and the consultation of information provided by the geoparks on tourism promotion. A theoretical review of actions in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Sierra Norte de Sevilla, Villuercas-Ibores-Jara and Central Catalonia geoparks reveals the importance of mining heritage.