Implementing the 'Barcelos Rooster' Tourist Route for Sustainable Tourism Development in Barcelos, a UNESCO Creative City

This study seeks to comprehend the significance of Barcelos Rooster and evaluate how the establishment of a tourist route, named 'Barcelos Rooster’ (integrating the Figurative route and Camino de Santiago route), can contribute to the sustainable development of Barcelos as a tourist destination. In this sense, a literature review was conducted on the topics under study, and primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with residents and foreign visitors. Barcelos Rooster represents the fusion of two ancient customs in this region: the art of artisanry and the Jacobean legend on the miracle of the roasted rooster, which have become intertwined traditions over time, thanks to tourism in Barcelos. The cultural heritage of this area is enriched by handicrafts, Camino de Santiago, gastronomy, local wine (vinho verde), and its traditional weekly market, all of which serve as key attractions for tourists visiting this destination. Therefore, the establishment of this cultural route would feature various tourism itineraries encompassing different forms of creative tourism such as exploring local handicrafts, savouring traditional gastronomy, and experiencing rural tourism by visiting farms engaged in rooster production. Barcelos Rooster cultural route could assume a central role in promoting the sustainable growth of Barcelos as a creative tourist destination.