Territorial heritage as a touristic asset in the Raya of Castilla y Leon bordering Portugal

At the end of the past century the fringe of Castilla y Leon bordering the Portuguese North and Centre has emerged as a destination of national and regional inland tourism. This historical territory, though handicapped by its peripheral situation and its rural features, has preserved its rich and diverse human and natural heritage over generations. Resources consisting of physical environment, scenic landscapes and elements of the material and immaterial heritage are now touristically exploited due to public and private sector activities engaged in economic assistance through regional policies, rural and development programs and trans-border cooperation. However, there is yet a long way to go in order to consolidate the commitment to tourism in the Raya and to unite both sides of the border with common projects.