María José PIÑEIRA MANTIÑÁN, University of Santiago de Compostels, Spain
Francisco R. DURÁN VILLA, University of Santiago de Compostels, Spain
Ramón LÓPEZ RODRÍGUEZ, University of Santiago de Compostels, Spain
Since the last quarter of the 20th century, administrations and private urban agents have been building a strong public image of their cities with the aim of positioning them on the map as tourist destinations. However, we are facing a reality that speaks of a tendency towards social duality because of the prolongation of unemployment, the precariousness of contracts, the difficulty of access to housing, etc. A reality that has also worsened because of the health crisis resulting from the COVID19.
Tourist cities, such as Santiago de Compostela (Spain), do not escape these problems. The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago and its recognition as a World Heritage City have, over the last few decades, generated a friendly image of this city. Its university tradition has also contributed to making it a dynamic city, in which its historic centre retains its centrality. However, behind this image lies another reality: the social vulnerability suffered by part of its population. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact that the economic and health crisis has had on Santiago and to make visible the hidden face of the city, i.e. impoverishment and vulnerability. Through interviews with governmental and non-governmental institutions, we will analyse the profiles of the defenceless population, the factors that have generated this situation and the alternatives that exist today in the city to alleviate this situation.
Mots clés : Tourism|Urban Vulnerability|dual image|Santiago de Compostela|Spain
A105476MP