This course focuses on aspects directly related to the evolution and present state of cultural representations of tourism landscapes and territory in the contemporary world. In this sense it has some connections with subjects such as of Territorial Heritage and Cultural Heritage, as well as with certain optional subjects, such as Travel Literature and History of Tourism. Having taken these kind of subjects previously would be helpful -although not mandatory or indispensable- to be more familiar with this subject,

-Ability to critically analyze different travel modalities linked to tourism and its cultural representations (such as travel literature, artistic iconography, photo and filmic images , advertising, etc.). -Ability to analyze the tourist image of countries and places, the processes of production and reception of those images and its economic, territorial and cultural impact. -Ability to identify, design and suggest itineraries and other forms of tourism based on the use of significant cultural representations (literary tours, film tourism, trips to nature, etc.). -ability to analyze the tourist information; ability to use communication techniques; creativity; sensitivity to the natural and cultural heritage, as well as to sustainable tourism development; appreciation and recognition of the geographical and cultural diversity of the world; critical reasoning, etc.

The course is conceived as an introduction to knowledge and analysis of the images of tourist destinations in the world today. The subject will focused on the four following aspects: 1) the importance, typology and mechanisms of formation of images of tourist destinations; 2) the diverse media which are involved in the formation of such images (with special attention to the role played by the travel books, tourist guides, photography and cinema); 3) the origins and evolution of the tourist image of contemporary Spain; and 4) the relevance and exploitation of cultural images of places and regions as a resource for designing tourist itineraries and products. According to these axes of interest the program is divided into the following topics: 1. THE IMAGE OF TOURIST SPACES: BASIC CONCEPTS, PROCESSES OF FORMATION AND METHODS OF STUDY 2. TRAVEL BOOKS, TRAVEL GUIDES AND OTHER RELEVANT MEDIA FOR THE FORMATION OF TOURIST IMAGES 3. CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS AND TOURIST IMAGE OF SPAIN 4. WHEN THE CULTURAL IMAGE BECOMES A TOURIST RESOURCE: FROM LITERARY ROUTES TO FILM TOURISM

The learning activities of the course include: - Virtual classroom theoretical lectures (3 ECTS credits, including the estimated time for preparing for the final exam). - Classroom practical sessions focused on the critical analysis and discussion of academic bibliography, as well as of texts and images related to various forms of travel and tourist iconography (such as travel guides and journals, travel literature, tourist brochures and posters, documentaries and films), with special attention to the study of tourist images of specific countries, regions, and places (1 ECTS credit). Tutorials will be carried out through the procedures established by the university.