‘De vacances, parla valencià’ (On holiday, speak Valencian). With this premise, the Tourism Department of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell is distributing the “Manual turístic del valencià” (Valencian Tourist Guide) to visitors and tourists. This pocket-sized booklet is a compilation of words, expressions and customs of the municipality in Valencian, translated into Spanish and English. In addition, all expressions are accompanied by their phonemes so that visitors know how to pronounce them correctly.
Like the other tourism initiatives being carried out as part of the “Turismo para respirar” (Tourism to breathe) project and promoting the new tourism brand “Respira Mediterrani” (Breathe the Mediterranean), this campaign seeks to encourage tourism that respects the local population and values and preserves the municipality’s identity, language and culture.
The booklet divides its terminology into five sections: essential and general terminology, terminology for going to local shops, terminology for lunch or dinner, terminology for discovering El Poble Nou de Benitatxell, and terminology for accommodation. Essential everyday words and expressions such as bon dia, gràcies, adeu, and per favor, as well as more specific ones such as quant val?(how much does it cost?), quins són els productes típics? (what are the typical products?), una cervesa, per favor (a beer, please), figatell, cassalla, sopar de cabasset or a quina hora és el check-in? (what time is the check-in?) are part of this rich and varied dictionary.
The booklets are being distributed at the main tourist spots in the municipality, such as the Moraig cove, as well as in public buildings, the regional Tourist Info office, and local shops and restaurants. The collaboration of local businesses has been sought in order to encourage the use of Valencian in interactions with visitors.
«Respecting the language, customs and culture of the place you visit is a way of recognising its dignity. Respectful tourism not only helps to preserve traditions, fine arts, gastronomy and ways of life that could be threatened by touristification, but also enriches the visitor’s experience, facilitates genuine exchanges and avoids misunderstandings. Because with willingness on both sides, cultural exchange and learning are two-way, and coexistence is more harmonious and enriching,» said Víctor Bisquert, Councillor of Tourism and Patrimony.
