Senses and emotions across the Portuguese`s St. James Way

Abstract

Recent studies point out the role of senses in tourist destinations success. This research deals with the five senses in the context of landscape and pilgrimage on the Portuguese`s St. James Way context. Much was written from different perspectives about this route, but less about the potential of senses in promoting it. In this paper, the analysis focuses on the way the human being can perceive the landscape, through his/her senses. Based on the analysis of the specific landscape of the Portuguese Way of St. James, and seeking to understand the association between landscape and human senses and landscape and pilgrimage, it reveals and analysis the elements that stand out along this millenary route. It follows a qualitative approach, based on a grid of 22 variables, highlighting the main realities contained in the landscape. The main results achieved tell us that the Portuguese Way can be characterized as diverse. The landscape changes constantly between abundant green and urban/artificialized areas. The pilgrim/tourist begin with less appealing landscapes and watches it improving along the route. The more intense sense he/her can experience is the visual one, being the scents the less diversified. The gaps identified are relevant for local and regional actors contributing to a better planning and management of the Portuguese Way of St. James, aiming to make it more attractive to potential pilgrims/tourists.

Keywords: Senses, Landscape, Gaps, Portuguese`s St. James Way, Qualitative Approach.

REMOALDO, Paula; FERREIRA, Sandro; CADIMA RIBEIRO, José; DUQUE, Eduardo; FARIA, Cátia; RIBEIRO, Vítor 

(Resumo de comunicação apresentada no Congresso Internacional Comunidades Locais e Caminho de Santiago, realizado na Faculdade de Filologia da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, de 27 a 29 de outubro de 2021)