The Way of Saint James as an Example of Tourism Respectful with the Environment and Traditions

At the Iacobus Mundi International Congress: Jacobean Cities and Territories of the World, held in Compostela, the President of the Xunta of Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, noted that the Way of Saint James is a great example of tourism respectful with the environment, due to the tourist and traditional activities carried out along it.

The Way of Saint James — Spain's best example of respectful tourism

The Way of Saint James is one of the most famous routes in Spain, walked every year by thousands of tourists heading to the cathedral where the remains of Saint James the Apostle rest. This tradition has been kept alive for centuries in Galicia and is one of the main worldwide tourist attractions.

That's why the Iacobus Mundi International Congress is held periodically, attended by representatives from different countries where Jacobean routes exist. It's one of the most important congresses for tourism in Galicia. During the opening, the President of the Xunta unveiled the Camino as a perfect example of environmentally respectful tourism.

Why is it considered the best example of environmentally respectful tourism?

Once Covid-19 restrictions ended, the Camino was taken up again with greater momentum. In 2022 over 400,000 tourists walked the routes, with more than 2,000 reaching the central pilgrimage point each day.

Walking the Camino is a challenge that demands physical and spiritual capacity. Pilgrims can truly connect with natural spaces preserved for centuries.

The routes to Santiago have been the best example of environmentally respectful tourism because they've focused for centuries on preserving these paths symbolic of tradition and faith.

The President also highlighted that, beyond spiritual, sporting and tourist reasons, another reason thousands of tourists come every year is that this is the fruit of centuries working to turn Compostela into a true capital of faith.

Benefits of ecotourism

Ecotourism, or environmentally respectful tourism as experienced in Santiago, is a perfect example for all other tourist points in Spain. Ecotourism brings great benefits, including:

• Biodiversity in natural areas is maintained.
• Local culture and traditions are respected — customs, values and even architecture.
• It generates new employment opportunities while caring for native traditions.
• It enables local prosperity.
• It provides satisfaction to tourists, who want to return and encourage others.

Environmentally respectful tourism cares for natural spaces while enjoying them. Compostela has attracted tourists and pilgrims for centuries, and now that caring for the environment is more important than ever, it's necessary to move spaces towards sustainable tourism.

How to visit Santiago de Compostela?

If you want to know Compostela, no better way than on your next holidays — through all the possibilities offered to tourists and pilgrims. Hire a specialist tour agency for advice and company along the way.

In short, Santiago de Compostela is the best example of environmentally respectful tourism — worth experiencing in person.