13 Dec 2024
News, Content, and Anniversaries from the Spanish Tourist Office
THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE ANNOUNCES SPAIN TALKS 2025
The Spanish Tourist Office (UK) has announced that it will be hosting Spain Talks 2025 (Third Edition of Spain Sustainability Day) on 30 April 2025 in London. Discussions will encompass social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability. The event consists of a sustainability conference in the afternoon and Spain Talks Awards in the evening. The event will be held at The Conduit (6 Langley St, London, WC2H 9JA) in Covent Garden and is aimed at the UK and Spanish travel industry representatives, as well as relevant media. Sustainability will be incorporated into the event as much as possible, from the venue to the catering.
Submissions for the Spain Talks Awards are now open. For more information and to submit work for consideration, visit here.
Please find more information here.
DESIGNATIONS
BENIDORM: AWARDED AS THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S “GREEN PIONEER OF SMART TOURISM 2025”
Benidorm has been awarded as the European Commission's "Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025" award, which recognises cities for their innovation in sustainable tourism. Benidorm was selected as the winning city after competing against six other European cities. This award confirms the commitment made in 2015 to promoting sustainability and smart tourism in Benidorm with key focal points being on water management, the creation and expansion of green areas, and new cycle lanes. In terms of the city's water management there are tangible successes. Water consumption is down by 18% in comparison to 25 years ago, despite the fact that the resident population is now 40% bigger and tourist overnight stays have grown by 26%. Meanwhile in terms of social sustainability, Benidorm approved its first Accessibility Plan in 2017 to make urban spaces more friendly to those with accessibility needs. Infrastructure changes enacted so far include the implementation of acoustic and vibrating traffic lights and installing flat platforms across over 40 streets and avenues.
Please find more information here.
CATALONIA DESIGNATED THE FIRST EVER WORLD REGION OF GASTRONOMY FOR 2025
Catalonia has been announced as the first ever European region to receive the designation of World Region of Gastronomy for 2025. The recognition is an initiative promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) that aims to highlight regions that actively contribute to improving residents' quality of life by valuing their health, providing education on sustainable agriculture practices, and recognising the cultural relevance of its food. The distinction is an extraordinary opportunity to promote Catalan agri-food and culinary heritage to promote its gastronomic delicacies internationally.
Catalonia will be introducing an International World Region of Gastronomy Week, which will take place in the main cities and countries with Catalan representation. The events will include markets, pop-up restaurants, wine tasting, cultural evenings, debates, food and wine experiences, and more. Another highlight of the year will be the celebration of Àpat Catalunya, a popular dinner party held in Barcelona, which will feature the most iconic dishes and recipes of Catalan gastronomy.
Learn more here.
ALICANTE NAMED AS THE SPANISH CAPITAL OF GASTRONOMY FOR 2025
Alicante, in the Valencian Autonomous Community, has been awarded the prestigious title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2025, taking the baton from Oviedo, the 2024 titleholder. Alicante showcases an unrivalled passion for Mediterranean cuisine, with rice at the heart of its culinary identity. Known as the 'city of one thousand and one rice dishes', these dishes come in different shapes and sizes such as arroz al horno (baked) to the iconic arroz a banda (cooked in fish stock). Meanwhile with 1,700 dining establishments, including Michelin-starred and Repsol Sol certified establishments, Alicante's culinary offerings are as diverse as they are distinguished. There's also Alicante Gastronómica, this dynamic culinary fair is an annual highlight of Alicante's gastronomy scene which invites visitors to taste, savour, and learn from top foodie experts.
Please find more information here.
MURA, CATALONIA NAMED AS ONE OF THE BEST TOURISM VILLAGES OF 2024
Mura, a picturesque medieval village in Catalonia, has been named by the UNWTO as one of the 55 Best Tourism Villages of 2024. This accolade recognises the village's contributions to sustainable tourism and community development and the initiative supports rural areas in leveraging tourism for economic growth, cultural preservation, and innovation. Mura has been included due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Nestled within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, Mura offers breathtaking landscapes characterized by rocky cliffs, forests, and serene water features, meanwhile the village's historical roots are evident in its architecture including the Romanesque church of Sant Martí. These along with Mura's sustainable tourism initiatives have earned it recognition as one of the "Best Tourism Villages".
Please find more information here.
ANNIVERSARIES
VALENCIA TO CELEBRATE THE THIRD JUBILEE YEAR OF THE HOLY CHALICE
Valencia will celebrate the third Jubilee Year of the Holy Chalice from October 2025, a relic recognised by the Vatican as the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper in Jerusalem. The anniversary will make the city the epicentre of religious tourism and The Cathedral of Valencia, home to the artefact, will be an unmissable place of pilgrimage. A guided tour departing every Friday from the tourist office of the Visit Valencia Foundation in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, traces the route of the Holy Chalice through the city, with fascinating stories of those who sought after it, the many others who coveted it, and the works of local artists who were inspired by it. Beyond the spiritual meaning of the celebration, it is a unique opportunity to understand the context of cultural splendour that the city was experiencing when the most venerated cup in the world arrived in Valencia.
For more information, visit here.
MURCIA CITY TO CELEBRATE 1200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Murcia City, located in the region of Murcia in the southeastern corner of sunny Spain, will be celebrating its 1200-year anniversary in 2025. To celebrate the anniversary, Murcia has planned a series of events under the Murcia 1200 campaign. As part of the campaign, the city will become a “living museum” with a series of exhibitions and performances for Murcian people to share their heritage. Murcia City is rich in culture, with an abundance of grand, historical attractions as well as great cuisine and a more than favourable climate. It is known for its Baroque architecture and agricultural heritage.
More information on the exhibitions to be provided as they are announced, more information on the Region of Murcia as a visitor destination here.
ELCHE JUBILEE YEAR
The Mediterranean oasis of Elche in Alicante will celebrate the 75th jubilee year until 1 November 2025. Elche will become transformed into a tourist hub celebrating its rich heritage and culture and commemorating the 75th anniversary of the definition of the dogma of the Assumption by Pope Pius XII in 1950. This is reflected in the slogan for the celebrations, “Elche, el Cielo en la tierra.” The jubilee program includes cultural events, national and international congresses and the reopening of the Festa Museum.
Link to more information here,
TRANSPORT
RENFE INTRODUCES ITS SPAIN RAIL PASS
Renfe has introduced its Spain Rail Pass which will allow international travellers to explore Spain comfortably, flexibly, and economically by train. The exclusive pass offers a tailored experience to visitors looking to optimise their time and budget. The Spain Rail Pass is personal and non-transferable, requiring proof of identity with a passport and will be valid for six months from the date of purchase, and will allow travel within one month after the first booking. The pass will provide access to all High-Speed services including the use of commuter trains with a choice of seating options between Standard and Comfort. A Standard Seat pass is priced from €215 for four journeys to €450 for 10 journeys meanwhile a Comfort Seat pass is priced from €295 to €615 for four and 10 journeys, respectively. Children aged between 4-13 years benefit from reduced fares starting at €145 for four journeys, while children under four travel free if they do not occupy a seat. The Spain Rail Pass is available at train stations and www.renfe.com
ACTIVE TOURISM
MALLORCA: SET TO LAUNCH NEW EAST MALLORCA GR-226 HIKING ROUTE
The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido del Llevant (Great Tour), is expected to open in 2025. The route will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres and the main itinerary will be divided into four different stages: Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km), Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km), Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km), and Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km). Hikers will discover new paths through the East of the island through various points of interest along the way. These include the Eglesia de Nostra Senyora dels Dolors, Manacor, an impressive neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady of Sorrows that stands out over Manacor's skyline and was constructed over the course of five centuries as well as the Punta de n'Amer Nature Reserve that was declared a Natural Area of Special Interest (ANEI) in 1985. Punta de n'Amer spans 200 hectares and is home to endemic species of Balearic flora and fauna, with a museum and restaurant open for hikers year-round.
IBIZA: SET TO UNVEIL SEVEN NEW HIKING ROUTES
Ibiza is set to unveil seven new hiking routes, opening up more of the island's diverse landscapes and heritage to visitors. All seven hiking routes will be classified as Pequeños Recorridos (small tours), ranging between 10 and 50 km in length. It is expected that they will be open for hikers from late 2024. Designed to showcase the untamed beauty of Ibiza's countryside, each route offers a unique hiking experience, from ancient paths to panoramic coastal vistas. These hikes include the Ruta de Cala Xarraca, a 14.2km route that first passes through woods and mountains, before passing through the 'Font des Avencs' where historically each summer they would perform typical dances as well as the Ruta des Camí Vell de Portinatx a circular route of 17.94km passing through valleys and small mountains via old walkways to the town of Portinatx.
More information on the Ibiza routes can be found here.
NEW OPENINGS
IBIZA: PARADORES ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW PARADOR DE IBIZA
The Parador de Ibiza is nearing the completion of renovations and is expected to open in 2025 after an investment of over €27 million. Located in Dalt Vila, it will feature 66 rooms, generating year-round employment and boosting the local economy.
The project, part of Spain's Paradores network, also aims to preserve Ibiza's heritage, with archaeological findings integrated into the design. This establishment will be the first Parador in the Balearic Islands, marking The Parador de Ibiza is nearing the completion of renovations and is expected to open in 2025 after an investment of over €27 million. Located in Dalt Vila, it will feature 66 rooms, generating year-round employment and boosting the local economy.
The project, part of Spain's Paradores network, also aims to preserve Ibiza's heritage, with archaeological findings integrated into the design. This establishment will be the first Parador in the Balearic Islands, marking a significant milestone in the network's expansion.
For more information on Paradores, visit here.
CASTILE LA MANCHA: PARADORES ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW PARADOR DE MOLINA DE ARAGÓN
Spain's state-run network of historic and cultural hotels is set to open its 98th establishment, Parador de Molina de Aragón, in Guadalajara, Castile La Mancha in 2025. The new addition will mark the 10th Parador in the region, reinforcing the network's commitment to helping travellers explore Spain while supporting its lesser-known, rural areas. Situated on a 26,000 square metre site in the upper area of the city, the all-new and contemporary-style Parador offers panoramic views of its emblematic Molina de los Caballeros walled fortress. Designed in keeping with its historic surroundings, it incorporates stone as a principal material, connecting with the castle's walls and the traditional style of local architecture. Spread across two floors, the Parador comprises 22 rooms, two suites, wellness facilities including a small spa, a reception and terrace area, café, and event venue space. In keeping with Paradores' gastronomic tradition, there will also be a restaurant that celebrates the region's culinary diversity serving local specialties such as roasted lamb and river trout.
Parador Molina de Aragón's strategic location offers British travellers a seamless journey from Madrid. For more information, visit here.
ROIG ARENA OPENING
The Roig Arena is set to open in Valencia in 2025, which will be a cultural hub for visitors to experience music, sports and cultural events. The venue will have capacity for 20,000 for concerts and shows and a capacity of 15,000 for fans wanting to support the Valencia Basketball Club. The venue will also be a space for conventions, meetings and corporate events.
For more information, visit here.
UNESCO DESIGNATIONS
In 2024, UNESCO declared two new biospheres and one new geopark in Spain with Val d'Aran and Irati declared as biosphere reserves and Costa Quebrada as a Geopark.
VAL D'ARAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve is located in the North of Catalonia, bordering France, and is the western frontier of the Catalan Pyrenees. Spanning 632 km², the valley's northern orientation, mountainous terrain, and Atlantic climate result in high rainfall. This then creates an ecosystem that supports species such as the Brown bear, a diverse array of micro-mammals, the threatened freshwater Sculpin, and even the Bearded vulture.
Please find more information here.
IRATI BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Irati Biosphere Reserve is located within the mid-mountain expanse of the western Pyrenees. The reserve spans 537 km², is filled with beech fir trees and is home to over 2400 inhabitants. The Irati Forest is a Special Protection Area for birds and one of the last strongholds for woodpeckers. The local community played a large role in the nomination process for the reserve and also continues to be highly involved in the conservation efforts.
Please find more information here.
COSTA QUEBRADA GEOPARK
Costa Quebrada, located on the northern coast of Cantabria, Spain, has been officially recognised as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. With gorgeous coastal landscapes spanning 10 miles of dramatic cliffs, and ancient rock formations between the Bay of Santander and Puerto Calderón, visitors are able to discover millions of years of Earth's history. The Costa Quebrada is also a prime spot for outdoor activities, with its coastal towns providing a perfect mix of nature and culture. The area being declared a geopark will help promote sustainable tourism to the region and helps preserve the local environment.
Please find more information here.
CULTURE AND ARTS
SOROLLA EXHIBITION 'A HUNDRED YEARS OF MODERNITY' IN MADRID
The Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid has unveiled the Hundred Years of Modernity exhibition and will host it until 16 February 2025. The exhibition brings together 77 paintings celebrating the work of Joaquín Sorolla on the centenary of his passing. It aims to represent his main themes and brings together many previously never before seen pieces, having been curated from the Museo Sorolla and the Fundación Museo Sorolla, the Hispanic Society of America, the Museo del Prado, the Musée d'Orsay, as well as private national and international collections, including some from the United States and Mexico. The exhibition aims to highlight the continued significance of the Valencian painter even 100 years on.
Please find more information here.
For more information on Spain as a travel destination, please visit www.spain.info or for the latest travel news, see here.
The Spanish Tourist Office is represented by LOTUS in the United Kingdom. Any editorial requests can be sent to Spain@wearelotus.co.uk.
