Contested Heritage in the Spanish-speaking Countries of the Americas and its Impact on Tourism
Abstract
In recent years, numerous statues of Columbus and Spanish missionaries have been vandalised or removed across Latin America. This chapter traces the historical evolution of these figures’ public perception and investigates the sociopolitical forces driving these actions. It also explores the impact on heritage tourism, media narratives, and national identity. The study argues that tourism can serve as a platform to engage with these contested legacies, providing space for dialogue, critical reflection, and a re-evaluation of colonial history.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cultural Identity and Heritage
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Memory
Trauma
and Commemoration
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Amsterdam University Press eBooks
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter