Desarrollo sostenible, medio ambiente y turismo en las ciudades históricas: el caso de Toledo

Abstract

The revitalization of historic cities begun in the 1970’s with the Bologna Plan has undergone a substantial change in the first years of the 21st century. To whit, at the current juncture the variables driving tourism policy are management strategies, the implementation of Local Agenda 21, and sustainable development in environmental terms. The objective is a healthy interdependence between the physical city and the way people live that will ensure an enjoyable quality of life for its inhabitants and its visitors. This article focuses on urban development strategies and pays special attention to development indicators and the management of tourist flows, emphasizing appreciation of the worth of cultural tourism and congresses. Finally, it concentrates on historic places, with special reference to the case of Toledo, underscoring characteristics such as ecology, physical dimensions, economics, housing, politics, capacity to accommodate visitors and the extent of urban environmental impact.