Paper short abstract:

This work aims about the relation between tourism, patrimonialization process and the representation of National Identity. The case of study is the Atacama deseart, as one of the most important touristic destination in the north of Chile.

Paper long abstract:

This work is part of an ongoing doctoral research, which deals with the relationship between heritage, tourism and ethnogenesis processes in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. In this context, this paper raises questions about the mechanisms used by the Chilean State to patrimonialize indigenous culture and to use it as a symbol of national identity and as a touristic resource. It is on this last point that this reflection will center its attention.

Tourism is essentially an economic activity which constructs images and representations- allegedly authentic-on cultural identities. In this context, "nationalized" indigenous heritage becomes an essential resource for promoting tourism of the country. However it is essential to analyze who are the state agents who are producing these images and discourses, what is the role of indigenous communities involved, how to negotiate the selection of cultural elements that are patrimonialized as well as the exclusion of other cultural elements.

To perform this project, ethnographic fieldwork has been done during the years 2010 to 2012. The objective was to study different Atacama communities who are currently developing projects to patrimonialize indigenous culture for tourism as a strategy of ethnic development stimulated by government agencies and NGO's. Parallel to this, an ethnography of the agencies involved in these processes has been done, as well as of their management mechanisms and uses of indigenous heritage as part of the multicultural identity that is promoted for tourism.