The international fair Fitur began this Wednesday by announcing the news about Galician tourism products for 2024. Once again, Mar de Santiago is in Madrid with the aim of continuing the promotion of this geo-destination and presenting its Tourism Sustainability Plan in detail.
This morning, at the Galicia stand, the presentation of the territory was held, where the main lines of the Tourism Sustainability Plan for the year 2024 were explained. The main objective is to continue attracting visitors to “Traslatio” sea-river route, promoting the territory by diversifying the range of products. The event was attended by Antonio Casas, manager of the Galician Tourism Agency; Santiago Paz, responsible for the technical assistance of the geo-destination, and Gonzalo Durán, mayor of Vilanova de Arousa.
This year, the presentation highlights water as a fundamental characteristic of Mar de Santiago, being the only sea route of the Camino de Santiago. The main objective of this project is to promote the growth of destinations in a sustainable way, respecting and restoring the environment, taking advantage of the contribution of tourism, a resource that we must consider as an asset capable of helping in the recovery of the environment in the four municipalities. The presentation also highlights the fact of overcoming the seasonal nature of tourism, arguing that Mar de Santiago offers tourist activities and resources during the twelve months of the year, also for local tourism.
Water, as a central element in Mar de Santiago, acquires a significant importance, and during the presentation of the territory, specific examples of recovery of the environment and the impact of water on the territory were addressed. In Valga, the old Porto Piñeiro mine was transformed into the Mercedes Mine Lagoon, a new recreational and tourist resource. In Catoira, a spring of mineral-medicinal waters was discovered with enough flow to build a spa. Similarly, in Vilanova de Arousa they treat seawater as a central element for health, while in Pontecesures it is used in industrial processes, such as in the manufacture of ceramics.
The Tourism Sustainability Plan presented by Mar de Santiago at FITUR 2024 is based on four pillars: green transition, energy efficiency, digital transition, and competitiveness. This territory, which seeks to turn its sea into a real luxury, offers the unique experience of reliving the route undertaken by the remains of the Apostle James, while discovering the landscapes and heritage of the municipalities of Catoira, Vilanova, Valga, and Pontecesures.