Battlefield Tourism as a Catalyst for Rural Development: A Scientific Analysis of Cultural Heritage in Extremadura

In the 20th century, the legacy of two devastating world wars generated an enormous historical heritage linked to conflict, giving rise to the global phenomenon of war tourism. This prominence stems from the presence of countless vestiges such as streets razed by gunfire, landing beaches, trench lines, and bunkers. Battlefield Tourism (BT) has experienced remarkable growth in Europe, establishing itself as a specialized segment with increasing levels of institutionalization, professionalization, and academic interest. Traditionally, some literature has associated these visits with dark tourism (DT) due to the presence of death, suffering, or historical violence at the sites (Stone, 2006). However, more recent and comprehensive analyses demonstrate that this classification is often insufficient or incorrect. This study argues that BT is closer to cultural tourism (CT) than to dark tourism, aligning with heritage and educational studies that emphasize memory, identity, and the cultural landscape rather than the commercialization of morbid fascination (Foley & Lennon, 2000). The research evaluates the viability of BT as a catalyst for rural development in Extremadura (Spain), a region characterized by its pursuit of socioeconomic sustainability through tourism innovation (Cánoves, 2017). The methodology utilizes a prospective exploratory analysis with an integrated qualitative and quantitative paradigm. Primary data were gathered using a structured instrument deployed via Google Forms to municipal leadership across 388 municipalities in 15 tourist areas. A representative sample of 149 valid responses was secured, yielding a statistical margin of error of ±5% at a 95% confidence interval. Advanced statistical techniques, including Pearson’s Chi-square tests and Cronbach’s Alpha, were applied to test research hypotheses concerning the conceptual differentiation between war tourism and dark tourism. The findings indicate that 61.7% of local stakeholders were unfamiliar with the term DT , whereas 70.9% were familiar with WT, largely due to awareness of regional initiatives like battle reenactments. Statistical contrast reveals a significant relationship between prior knowledge of DT and the willingness to exploit sensitive heritage, such as "Slavery Museums" (p<0.001) or "Disaster Museums" (p<0.001). Regarding terminology, 42.6% of respondents prefer "military cultural tourism" and 48.3% favor "historical-cultural tourism," reflecting a clear rejection of the word "war" in Spanish society. The main conclusion is that local councils support the exploitation of war heritage within a cultural framework, viewing it as a strategic opportunity for socioeconomic development in inland rural areas. This approach generates a multiplier effect, diversifying local economies and offering new jobs (Cánoves et al., 2014). By revaluing historical memory (Smith, 2015) and integrating military heritage into sustainable territorial planning, rural regions like Extremadura can enhance their competitive advantages and mitigate depopulation. Ultimately, Military Cultural Tourism (MCT) provides a path to transform historical trauma into a tool for regional advancement and educational enrichment.