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CNN World Report

Galician Port Provides Cultural Tourism

Aired May 06, 2001 - 14:48   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: Spain's Acorunhia (ph) Province is sometimes called "the balcony of the Atlantic." The Gaician port has been a gateway to the Iberian Peninsula for some 2,000 years.

ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: But Acorunhia's (ph) heritage, rich in art and tradition is what makes it the cosmopolitan gem it is today. Spain's TV Galicia explains how the city is now trying to use its historical sights to attract more tourists.

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LUIS RAMEZ, TV GALICIA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The origins of Acorunhia (ph) lie in this Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules. It is believed to have been built during the first century AD. The local government wants to reveal the city's history with a 12- kilometer long walk, with the aim of putting Acorunhia (ph) at the forefront of the avant garde movement in tourism. This will be the first urban walking tour in Galicia.

Throughout the walk, visitors will find drawings, photos and other information which will explain the most important aspect of each place. Much of the information will be unknown to the visitor and even to some residents of Acorunhia (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I think it is especially important for tourists like us to learn about what we are seeing. It is a great idea.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Everything that means restoring old places is good; cultural tourism is an interesting type of tourism.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I think that anything that brings us closer to our past is extraordinary.

RAMEZ: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), situated at opposite sides of the peninsula of Acorunhia (ph), will mark the beginning and end of this special historical tour, along what is called "the balcony of the Atlantic."

The mayor of Acorunhia (ph), Paco Vasquez, wants the city to develop high-quality tourism in hopes of bringing more people and business into the area. The route will be open this summer and the local government is already planning a second tour, which will focus on the city's ecology.

This report was prepared by TV Galicia for the CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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