The museum-city as referent for tourism and culture: the case of the city of Salamanca.

The object of this article is to analyse the extent to which historic cities may be considered referents for tourism and culture, with particular attention to the city of Salamanca. We shall begin by considering the function performed by those cities inscribed as World Heritage Sites with a view to boosting tourism. We shall see that they are regarded as genuine museum-cities that have become a major attraction for cultural tourism. Museum-cities must therefore have a management plan that will provide the instruments necessary for improved conservation and valuation of the tangible and intangible heritage. At the same time, this plan has to be a reference point for any intervention that might change the physical face of the city. And finally, it has to ensure that every activity taking place inside it is aimed principally at providing the best possible service for its inhabitants and helping to enhance their quality of life.