The boom of tourist apartments (2019 ‑2024) as a strategy for World Heritage preservation and economic growth in Cáceres (Spain)

In Cáceres, there is a synergy between heritage preservation and economic growth. At the forefront of this phenomena stand tourist apartments (TA), serving not merely as non‐hotel accommodation but as custodians of cultural heritage. This paper explores the role played by the growth of this type of accommodation, examining how these establishments function as ambassadors of the city’s heritage and as catalysts for economic prosperity by the granting of local business licenses. Through the revision of regulations, the gathering of TA pictures and an extensive literature review, we show how Cáceres is an exemplary case study. Findings reveal: (1) the heritage of Cáceres enhances the global reputation of the region’s tourism; (2) the strategic location of the historical town coincides with the new economic viability for TA; and (3) the architectural features of TA draw tourists, thereby catalysing economic activity and Offering a showcase for the heritage of the city.