The heritage category , understood as " places of memory ," refers to a diverse set of spaces , usually physical , that evoke a past which resists remaining solely in history . Often associated with traumatic events , these sites engage with the present through various mechanisms of memory , the most significant being the direct relationship between place and visitor . It is through this interaction that the past becomes present in the consciousness of those who engage with the site , simultaneously activating the meaning embedded within the space .
Tourism in places of memory emerges as a dynamic that amplifies the impact of these sites . An increase in visitors , along with a broader diversity of visitor types , adds layers of complexity to the site and poses challenges for management in addressing issues beyond its singular symbolic significance . How are these places presented ? What forms of mediation and interpretation are necessary ? Who is the intended audience ? In what language ? And with what objectives ?
The International Seminar on Places of Memory and Tourism , co-organised by the Gernika Peace Museum Foundation and the European Observatory on Memories ( EUROM ), returns every two years , with this second edition titled " Touristic Uses of Memory ."
On October 9 and 10 , the conference will explore the relationship between memory and tourism through a series of presentations , round tables , and debates . National and international representatives will share research and experiences to enrich the discussion and deepen our understanding of this field , which , though still emerging , boasts an increasingly well-established analytical framework .