The Way of Sant James

• On the first day of the event, Galicia’s most universal symbol provided a letter of introduction for the autonomous community of Galicia and a distinctive feature setting it apart
• Nava Castro underscores the fact that in 2016, a total of 278,232 pilgrims obtained their ‘Compostela’, topping the figure for the previous Xacobeo (Holy Year), 2010
• She mentions various initiatives implemented with the aim of further promoting and stimulating the Jacobean phenomenon. Highlights among these include the new guide ‘Places Associated with St. James in Compostela and the Surrounding Area’
• She stresses the importance of ensuring that the Camino is a resource that is accessible to all, pointing to the actions involving the public network of hostels

Today, the Way of St. James was one of the key attractions in the space devoted to Galicia at Madrid’s International Tourism Fair, Fitur. On the first day of the event, our most universal symbol provided a letter of introduction for the autonomous community of Galicia and a distinctive feature setting it apart.

The director of Turismo de Galicia noted that the Way of St. James continues to act as a real bridge uniting peoples and inspiring joint projects, and a true driving force for the development and enhancement of different territories and their valuable material and immaterial heritage.

Nava Castro emphasized that the pilgrimage route is continuing to experience a boom. 2016 was a record-setting year, with a total of 278,232 pilgrims obtaining their ‘Compostela’. ‘A historic figure which exceeds the total for 2010, the most recent Xacobeo (Holy Year),’ she explained.

The head of the tourism arm of the Xunta stated that it is essential to be aware of the importance of the Camino for the future of the autonomous community of Galicia and pointed to the need to approach the Jacobean phenomenon from all possible perspectives. ‘This was one of the motivations behind the implementation of the Way of St. James Master Plan: to have a management tool in which to lay out the guidelines necessary to ensure the conservation and protection of the Camino in Galicia,’ she stated.

Within the framework of this plan, Nava Castro discussed several initiatives implemented with the aim of further promoting and stimulating the Jacobean phenomenon. Among these, she highlighted the new guide ‘Places Associated with St. James in Compostela and the Surrounding Area’ , a 40-page publication which provides an overview of the many locations linked to St. James found in the destination of the Way of St. James and neighbouring areas.

As she explained, the publication offers a total of sixteen itineraries, allowing visitors to learn more about the Jacobean phenomenon and the origins of the Way of St. James. ‘A well-researched publication which makes it possible to deepen our understanding of this global phenomenon by visiting the Galician capital and its surrounding area,’ she added.

In addition, the director of Turismo de Galicia stressed the importance of ensuring that the Camino is a resource which is accessible to all. In this regard, she pointed to the action taken in the area of accessibility on the Camino. As a result, today all hostels in the Public Hostel Network have a room set aside for people with disabilities and bathrooms equipped for these pilgrims.

‘An important initiative to improve accessibility and guarantee these citizens’ right to have access to tourism resources, supporting their social integration and in doing so, increasing the quality of the offerings at these establishments,’ she concluded.

French Route
Today, the Galician space also hosted a presentation on the municipalities in Galicia along the French Route to Santiago.

During the event, the Turismo de Galicia director highlighted the important honours the pilgrimage route has received: it was named the First European Cultural Route, has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and is included on the World Heritage List.

Additionally, Nava Castro explained that not only is this route the most recognized of those leading to Santiago, but it also the most travelled. Consequently, she emphasized, it requires greater protection as well as services for pilgrims on a permanent basis.

She noted that last year, it was the route chosen by over 63% of the pilgrims who obtained the ‘Compostela’, being taken by a total of 176,332 people.