Lighthouses, Literature and Tourism. The Greek Case.

Abstract

Linking literature with tourism can play a key role for preserving and promoting cultural heritage associated with literary production. Many towns and cities around the globe have become literary landmarks because of their association with acclaimed writers and their work. Literary lovers are attracted to the actual sites depicted in literature or other locations related to literary production, e.g. authors’ residences or sepulchers.

The essay presents examples of literary heritage valorization by national and international organizations. It also explains the tourism potential of Greek traditional lighthouses through the findings of a quality research that focused on the cultural capital they represent. Literature and oral storytelling regarding Greek lighthouses, in combination with their magnificent history, architecture and landscape, have surrounded them with a spiritual aura that appeals to sophisticated tourists. The paper illustrates the reasons for a strategic incorporation of lighthouse literary tourism in the Greek tourism product.