2008-11-27

Preview: Texts and Tours. Developing the Potential of Literary Tourism

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds (UK), 5th December 2008

Given the privileged global role of the English language and the undoubted popularity of English literature throughout the world, it would seem that the United Kingdom has much to offer the world in terms of its literary heritage. However, despite some national, regional and local initiatives over the years, there is still substantial potential for the development of literary tourism.

Literary tourism can be focused on the locations featured in texts, upon the lives and homes of authors, or both. It can involve specific organised tours and trails, or form part of a wider cultural tour. It draws in many different stakeholders from museum curators, literary societies, the owners / managers of heritage sites and historic houses and, many involved in the development and promotion of tourism. Our literary heritage has an important role to play in place-making and is an important dimension in the marketing of the UK as an international destination.

This one day conference is organised between the Centre for Tourism and Cultural Change, a leading international centre for research and development in cultural tourism and, the LitHouses Group, which represents the UKs leading literary homes and museums. The event is also the 5th Annual Conference of the LitHouses Group, which was founded in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2003.

Details: http://www.tourism-culture.com and http://www.lithouses.org