Barcelona Capital Program to Spread Tourism Benefits Across Catalonia
BARCELONA, February 19 – The ‘Barcelona Capital’ program, a strategic initiative designed to enhance the connection between tourists visiting Barcelona and the broader region of Catalonia, has secured a significant municipal injection of one million euros. This program, championed by the ERC municipal group, encompasses various projects and will be expertly managed by the Barcelona Tourism Consortium.
Incentivizing Exploration Beyond the City Limits
The primary objective of ‘Barcelona Capital’ is to encourage visitors to extend their stays beyond the bustling city of Barcelona, fostering a deeper appreciation for Catalonia’s diverse offerings. This includes showcasing the rich culture, exquisite gastronomy, and unique local products found throughout the region. By doing so, the program aims to redistribute the economic benefits of tourism to other territories and economic sectors, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable growth model.
Three Key Projects to Drive Regional Tourism
The initiative will be implemented through three distinct projects, all of which will run concurrently:
- Curated Excursion Catalog: A comprehensive catalog of excursions from Barcelona to various points across Catalonia will be developed. These proposals will be meticulously crafted based on criteria of quality, territorial dispersion, and thematic diversity. Close collaboration with various tourism boards throughout the region will ensure authentic and appealing experiences. This catalog will be accessible on the new ‘This is Barcelona’ web platform, managed by the consortium.
- Gastronomic Campaigns: Specific gastronomic campaigns will be launched to highlight seasonal products from the region. These campaigns will actively involve hotels and restaurants, providing visitors with opportunities to savor local flavors and culinary traditions.
- Wine and Oil Promotion Strategy: A dedicated strategy for the promotion of Catalan wine and olive oil will be implemented. This initiative will primarily target professional tourism and the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) that frequents the city. In partnership with the Catalan Institute of Vine and Wine (INCAVI) and with the support of the Hotel Guild, the goal is to raise awareness about the rich diversity of Catalan wines.
The ‘Barcelona Capital’ program represents a concerted effort to broaden the tourist experience in Catalonia, promoting sustainable growth and ensuring that the economic advantages of tourism are shared across the entire region. This investment underscores Barcelona’s commitment to being a gateway to a wider, richer Catalan experience for international visitors.
