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The interinstitutional collaboration in pilgrim support.
Published on 28 December 2018
Portugal
Alentejo
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The albergues of Saint James Way, are fundamental in supporting the pilgrim, providing economic accommodation options during the route. The supply of albergues, as an accommodation option, assumes a fundamental role in the quality of the services offered to the pilgrim, resulting from the lack of capacity to accommodate the great flow of pilgrims who travel the Portuguese Way annually.
In the Portuguese Central Way, along the route through the Alto Minho, there are 4 albergues, with a capacity of 51 people that offer service at a reduced cost or by a donation by the pilgrims.
There are three types of albergues: (1) municipal albergues, run by local authorities, (2) albergues run by religious institutions, associations and other non-profit organisations, and (3) private albergues run by private for-profit organisations. As for the albergues in the Central Way, in the Alto Minho, these depend fundamentally on the volunteerism and the support granted by the local authority. Most of them correspond to albergues under the responsibility of the Municipality, in collaboration with parish councils and voluntary and associative entities, such as religious associations and scouts.
The good practice it’s the interinstitutional collaboration and the management of the municipal albergues,, since it constitutes a fundamental aspect in the support and response to the increasing number of pilgrims of the Portuguese Saint James Way.
In the Portuguese Central Way, along the route through the Alto Minho, there are 4 albergues, with a capacity of 51 people that offer service at a reduced cost or by a donation by the pilgrims.
There are three types of albergues: (1) municipal albergues, run by local authorities, (2) albergues run by religious institutions, associations and other non-profit organisations, and (3) private albergues run by private for-profit organisations. As for the albergues in the Central Way, in the Alto Minho, these depend fundamentally on the volunteerism and the support granted by the local authority. Most of them correspond to albergues under the responsibility of the Municipality, in collaboration with parish councils and voluntary and associative entities, such as religious associations and scouts.
The good practice it’s the interinstitutional collaboration and the management of the municipal albergues,, since it constitutes a fundamental aspect in the support and response to the increasing number of pilgrims of the Portuguese Saint James Way.
Resources needed
Physical and human resources of the local authorities and associations and other non-profit organisations, as well as the support of volunteers and donations, both by volunteers and pilgrims.
Evidence of success
The increasing number of pilgrims and the growing demand for municipal albergues are the most evidence of the success of this practice. Besides, the increasing involvement of volunteers in the albergues and pilgrim support affirms the added value associated with them.
This route it's the most used by pilgrims, and the municipal albergues are the preferred accommodation.
This route it's the most used by pilgrims, and the municipal albergues are the preferred accommodation.
Potential for learning or transfer
Pilgrims' albergues are an reality in the SJW, being part of the spirit of sharing, welcoming and hospitality.They constitute fundamental support for the pilgrim, providing adequate overnight conditions at a symbolic cost or in the form of a donation, with no established fixed value.
For that the municipal albergues are a key factor in the valorisation and tourist affirmation of the Portuguese SJW and in the growing demand for pilgrims, with increasingly different motivations.
As albergues are a type of accommodation very closely associated with the SJW, with internationally recognised success, and not a common practice in many other pilgrimage routes and/or other regions/countries; it is understood that there are great transferability potential and replica of this practice in other territories. There is also a high potential for learning and transferability,in the interinstitutional collaboration between local authorities, religious associations and other non-profit organisations.
For that the municipal albergues are a key factor in the valorisation and tourist affirmation of the Portuguese SJW and in the growing demand for pilgrims, with increasingly different motivations.
As albergues are a type of accommodation very closely associated with the SJW, with internationally recognised success, and not a common practice in many other pilgrimage routes and/or other regions/countries; it is understood that there are great transferability potential and replica of this practice in other territories. There is also a high potential for learning and transferability,in the interinstitutional collaboration between local authorities, religious associations and other non-profit organisations.
Good practice owner
Organisation
Associated municipalities of CIM Alto Minho
Portugal
Alentejo