The concept of heritage as “places of memory” encompasses a diverse array of spaces, typically material in nature, that serve as reminders of a past that refuses to fade into obscurity. Often linked to traumatic events, these sites engage with the present through various mechanisms activated by memory. The most significant of these mechanisms is perhaps the direct relationship between the place and its visitors. It is through this interaction that the past is brought into the consciousness of those who engage with the site, simultaneously activating its meaning.
Tourism in places of memory emerges as a dynamic force that enhances the impact of these sites. An increasing number of visitors, along with a broader spectrum of visitor profiles, adds layers of complexity to the management of these locations. This complexity requires addressing issues that extend beyond the unique symbolic nature of the sites. How should these places be presented? What mediation and interpretation strategies are necessary? Who is the intended audience? In what language should the messaging be conveyed? What are the ultimate objectives?
The seminar titled “Touristic Uses of the Past” marks the second International Seminar on Places of Memory and Tourism, a biennial event co-organized by the Gernika Peace Museum Foundation and the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM). Over two days, on October 9 and 10, 2024, participants will reflect on the intricate relationship between memory and tourism through a series of presentations, panels, and debates led by national and international experts as well as representatives from memory sites. The goal of the event is to share research and experiences that will enrich the discourse and contribute to deepening knowledge in a field that, while still emerging, is supported by a growing body of analytical work.
Programme
October 9 (Wednesday)
9.30–10.30 AM Guided tour to the Gernika Peace Museum.
Optional, it’s necessary to book in advance
10.45–11.30 AM Visit to the Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika
Optional, it’s necessary to book in advance
12.00–12.30 PM Opening Session
Presented by Begoña Arrieta Sagarna – Tourist Office Gernika
- Jose Mª Gorroño Etxebarrieta – Mayor of Gernika-Lumo
- Leire Saez Rios – General Director of Tourism, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia
- Ana Otaduy – President of Juntas Generales de Bizkaia
- Iratxe Momoitio Astorkia – Director of the Gernika Peace Museum
- Jordi Guixé – Director of the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM), University of Barcelona’s Solidarity Foundation
12.30–2.15 PM First panel: Research on Memory Tourism
Presented by: David Gonzalez – EUROM, Project manager
- Saida Palou – Lecturer in Social Anthropology, University of Girona
“Tourism, War, and Dictatorship: Historical Notes” - Laia Encinar-Prat – Lecturer, Researcher, and Project Coordinator at CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy
“The Impact on the Present of Places Linked to Memory Tourism: The Case of the MUME and the Ukrainian Refugee Community” - Gema Martínez Gayo – PhD in Social Problems Analysis, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Collaborating Researcher at Alba Sud
“Challenges, Responsibilities, and Opportunities of Memory Tourism”
2.15–3.15 PM Lunch Break
3.15–4.45 PM Memoritour Gernika (Spanish with English translation)
Optional, it’s necessary to book in advance
4:45–6:00 PM: Second Panel – Ethics and Memory Tourism
Presented by Angela Bermudez – Senior Researcher at the Centre for Applied Ethics, University of Deusto
- Aranzazu Echaniz – Professor of Ethics, Deusto University
“Ethical Keys in the Training of Tourism Professionals” - Oscar Navajas Corral – Associate Professor, University of Alcalá de Henares
“Tourism in Places of Traumatic Memory: Strategies for Moving from the Motivation of Morbidity to a Pedagogy of Values”
6:00–6:15 PM: Transfer to the Assembly House of Gernika
6:15–7:30 PM: Keynote
Presented by Jordi Guixé Coromines – Director of the EUROM
- Anne Hertzog – Assistant Professor in Geography, CY Cergy-Paris Université, France
“The Touristic Dimension of Places of Memory: A Social and Political Construction Between Mistrust and Legitimization. Elements of Reflection Based on French Cases”
October 10 (Thursday)
9:15–10:00 AM: Third Panel – Places of Democratic Memory
Presented by Iratxe Momoitio Astorkia – Director of Gernika Peace Museum
- Zoraida Hijosa Valdizán – General Director for Victims’ Services and Promotion of Democratic Memory
- Jordi Guixé Coromines – Director of the EUROM
10:00–11:30 AM: Fourth Panel – Memory and Territory: Deployment and Value of Memory Tourism
Presented by Leire Irazabal Basabe – Director of Euskal Herria Museum, Gernika
- Raül Valls Lucea – President of the Amical Antics Guerrillers de Catalunya
“Routes of the Maquis in Catalonia: Walking the Trails of a Forgotten History” - Josep Font – Memorial Democratic, Responsible for the Network of Spaces of Memory, Catalonia
“The Relevance of the Spaces of Memory in Catalonia: Opportunities and Challenges” - Maria José Andrés – Belchite Foundation
“Pueblo Viejo de Belchite: Memories That Open New Horizons”
12:00–1:30 PM: Practical Examples of Memorial/Historical Sites and Their Relation to Tourism (1)
Presented by Iratxe Momoitio – Director of Gernika Peace Museum
- Stephen Lodewyck – Director, In Flanders Fields Museum (Belgium)
“The In Flanders Fields Museum: A Key Player in Commemorative Tourism to World War I Sites in Belgium” - Ajnura Akbas – War Childhood Museum, Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
“Narratives Beyond Borders: Museums as Catalysts for Global Dialogue” - Mona Badamchizadeh – Designer and Workshop Facilitator in the Education Department, and Curator in the Temporary Exhibitions Department of the Peace Museum in Tehran, Iran
“Shaping Memory: The Role of Narrative at Tehran Peace Museum”
1:30–3:00 PM: Lunch Break
3:00–4:30 PM: Practical Examples of Memorial/Historical Sites and Their Relation to Tourism (2)
Presented by Josu Santamaria Otaola – Lecturer at UPNA Navarra, Researcher at the Documentary Fund of Historical Memory in Navarre
- Pamela Castillo – Educational Referent in International and National Projects at the Buchenwald Memorial (Germany)
“Weimar – Buchenwald: The Head of Janos. Educational Work at the Buchenwald Memorial” - Roberto Fuertes – Independent Curator and Museum Consultant
“Memorial Heritage of the Recent Past: Transmission of a Necessary Memory. The Case of Villa Grimaldi, Chile” - Paola Varesi – Director, Casa Cervi Museum (Italy)
“Tourism and Memory: A Possible Binomial? The Example of Casa Cervi”
4:30–5:00 PM: Keynote
Presented by: Josu Santamaria Otaola – Public University of Navarre
- Mayki Gorosito – Director of Museum Site of Memory ESMA (video recorded)
“Sites and Places of Memory and World Heritage: Dilemmas and Advances”
5:00–5:30 PM: Closing Remarks
David González (EUROM) and Iratxe Momoitio (Gernika Peace Museum)
Survey
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- Reference of the Project: 101140481
- Kind of activity: Mutual Learning
- Title: Networking
- Date of the activity: October 10, 2024
- Duration of the event in days: 2
- In Person
- Gernika