Inland regions opt for tourism based on history, nature and food and wine

Inland tourism in Spain is gaining prominence as a strategy to diversify and deseasonalize the national tourist offers. Industry experts stress the importance of promoting experiences focused on culture, heritage, gastronomy and nature to attract a diverse public and reduce the concentration of tourism in coastal areas. Natalia Briales, head of Cultural Tourism and Content Marketing at Turespaña, stressed at the International Inland Tourism Fair (INTUR) the importance of "discovering Spain" through unknown destinations, such as Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Navarra and Aragón, which have a rich historical, natural and food and wine heritage that can be used to offer differentiated tourism products.

Windmills in the town of Consuegra, Toledo, Spain

These destinations also have a strong potential to develop high economic value segments, such as meeting tourism (MICE) and senior tourism, thus contributing to deseasonalization as they can be visited all year round. Promoting inland tourism not only diversifies supply, but also enhances the resources of local communities and favors a more equitable economic redistribution.

Ancient Roman theater in the city of Mérida, Spain © Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Promoting inland tourism not only diversifies supply, but also enhances the resources of local communities and favors a more equitable economic redistribution. The possibility of enjoying different experiences is another of the attributes of inland destinations. As explained by Olga Pérez, Segittur's project managerthe entity is carrying out an initiative at national level that consists of facilitating tourism promoters and companies to enhance the value of traditional activities, through the program followed in the Model of Sustainable Innovation of Agrotourism Experiences (MISEA). These proposals seek to integrate the visitor into traditional activities and promote the identity of the territory. This approach is intended to stimulate local economies and preserve traditions, offering tourists an authentic immersion in Spanish rural life. This year Segittur expects to work this initiative with 170 companies in 19 destinations, also collaborating with the smart destinations network (DTI).