Developing Literary Tourism to Support Local Culture and Tourism

Abstract

Literature can provide tourism with new destinations, which can in turn foster cultural and economic development. This chapter contends that Shkodra has potential for the development of literary tourism, and that making better use of literature as part of the cultural heritage and tourism offer in this city would have multiple benefits. Not only would this increase interest in literature as well as create stronger connections with the literary tradition, but it would also offer unique experiences, help connect with local communities, and even support local economy. By using autoethnography as a starting point, this chapter will provide a model on how to use literature as part of cultural tourism by highlighting significant literary locations in Shkodra, Albania, which has been chosen as a case study. That will then be followed by an analytical discussion of the strategies to be used so as to bring literature to the attention of people.