Saborea España, in collaboration with CEAV (Confederación Española de Agencias de Viajes), hosted an exclusive workshop today at Kitchen Club Madrid, bringing together professionals from the travel agency sector. The event gathered representatives from Spain’s top gastronomic destinations, aiming to integrate culinary tourism into travel packages, offering authentic and exclusive experiences that capture the gastronomic essence of each region.
Destinations such as A Coruña, Cambrils, Ciudad Real, Dénia, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote, León, Talavera de la Reina, Segovia, Valladolid, and Zaragoza showcased their highlighted proposals. Each destination had its own exhibition space, where attendees not only received detailed information but also enjoyed tastings of tapas and local products, enhancing their understanding of regional flavors and culinary traditions.
A Program Designed to Boost Gastronomic Tourism
The event began with a welcome speech from Susi Díaz, President of Saborea España, who emphasized the importance of gastronomic experiences as a key element of Spain’s tourism offerings.
During the opening session, Carlos Garrido, President of CEAV, highlighted the role of travel agencies in promoting culinary tourism, stressing its significance in diversifying Spain’s tourism landscape. Emilio Gallego, Secretary General of Hostelería de España, further emphasized how gastronomy attracts tourists from around the world, enriching each destination’s identity.
Following the introduction, each participating destination presented its gastronomic highlights, providing brief and engaging insights into what makes their cuisine unique for travelers.
One of the most anticipated moments was the networking session, where travel agents directly engaged with destination representatives, sampling local specialties prepared for the occasion. This interactive space fostered valuable connections and future collaborations between destinations and travel agencies.
Gastronomy: A Key Driver of Spanish Tourism
Saborea España firmly believes that gastronomy is a premier tourist attraction. This workshop provided travel agencies with firsthand insights into Spain’s culinary offerings, making it easier to integrate these experiences into travel packages, thereby enhancing the traveler’s journey.
Beyond serving as a cultural reflection of each region, gastronomy continues to be a powerful tool for attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Susi Díaz, Carlos Garrido, and Emilio Gallego all agreed that events like this are crucial for strengthening relationships between travel agents and gastronomic destinations, reinforcing a tourism model that appreciates Spain’s culinary diversity and excellence.
Mayre Modrego, Managing Director of Eurotoques España, was also present, further solidifying Eurotoques’ support for this initiative.
