On 6 November, the World Congress of Inland Tourism was presented in Cáceres, an event aimed at positioning the Iberian Peninsula as a unified destination for inland tourism, highlighting its cultural, historical, and natural richness. The congress, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI), will be held from 26 to 28 November at the San Francisco Cultural Complex and will bring together representatives from over 12 countries and the business sector, all interested in exploring a territory that, as AITI president Miguel Martins noted, “belongs to two countries but is one destination.”

During the presentation in Cáceres, Martins emphasised the importance of joining forces to “market two countries as one destination.” He asserted that the future of inland tourism on the Iberian Peninsula relies on effective collaboration, where communication and shared projects help reinforce this unified vision.

The event is supported by the Provincial Council of Cáceres, whose president, Miguel Ángel Morales, expressed the institution’s commitment to promoting Cáceres and its province. According to Morales, hosting this congress in the city is a unique opportunity to further Cáceres’s bid for the European Capital of Culture 2031.

An International Programme to Boost Inland Tourism

The congress will feature experts and academics from 42 universities worldwide, as well as economic and business representatives from multiple countries, who will explore the tourism potential of Extremadura and Beira Baixa. The lack of overcrowding in these destinations is one of their main attractions, a quality the organisers aim to highlight to attract tourists interested in authentic and sustainable experiences.

Among the scheduled activities is a fam trip (familiarisation trip) for tour operators, following a route based on the settings of the series House of the Dragon, passing through Monsanto, Malpartida de Cáceres, Cáceres and Trujillo.

Registrations Open

Those interested in attending the World Congress of Inland Tourism can register until 22 November via the official website: https://aitiweb.org/es/cmti2024/

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster has initiated a new tender process, guided by the principles of publicity, competition, transparency, confidentiality, equality, and non-discrimination. This procedure will be conducted under a competitive bidding framework.

The purpose of the tender is the acquisition and installation of cameras with artificial intelligence technology, as well as the implementation of a data management platform. These actions are aimed at incorporating advanced technology for the monitoring and conservation of cultural heritage, in line with the protection objectives of the ILUMINA Project.

Key Dates for the Tender Process:

1. Tender Advertisement: From 24 October to 7 November 2024.
2. Tender Deadline: 7 November 2024, at 12:00 PM.
3. Offer Evaluation and Service Company Selection: 7 and 8 November 2024.
4. Announcement of Selected Company: 12 November 2024.

Delivery Deadlines:

1. Camera Installation: By 31 December 2024.
2. First Simplified Version of the Platform: By 31 December 2024.

Project ILUMINA Description

The ILUMINA Project, focused on the cross-border regions of Extremadura and Alentejo, aims to promote sustainable tourism through the ornamental illumination of heritage sites. The initiative seeks to transform cultural and historical resources into night-time tourist attractions, encouraging local development. Its main objectives include promoting night-time tourism, creating new economic opportunities in the tourism industry, and ensuring sustainability. The project also involves implementing pilot projects at a hermitage and two castles.

The Technical Specification is attached, detailing all requirements and the scope of the requested services. If you are interested, we invite you to submit your proposal within the established deadline. We remain available for any queries or clarifications.

Grupo Colabora has opened registrations for the Business Digitalisation with Impact Programme, part of the EFES Impact project, promoted by the Directorate-General of Business of the Regional Government of Extremadura. This programme is designed to support companies in their digital transformation process, enhancing their competitiveness and fostering a positive social and environmental impact.

The programme offers the following actions:

• 10 Synchronous Online Masterclasses: Delivered by industry experts, with practical sessions aimed at applying the knowledge gained in each company.
• Personalised Business Consultancy: Specialised consultants will provide strategic guidance for effective and sustainable digitalisation.

The main objective is to boost business competitiveness, address challenges responsibly, and promote a positive social and environmental impact through technology.

Both actions are free of charge, but prior registration is required. For more details and information on the registration process, the corresponding link is attached.

As part of the Heprestone project, a pilot visit to the Alcazaba of Mérida was conducted alongside project partners with the aim of studying the monument and advancing the development of innovative tools for its conservation. The project is co-financed by the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 programme, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration between Extremadura and Alentejo in the protection of the cultural heritage of the EUROACE region.

Heprestone aims to implement the Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) methodology, a system that enables the capture and management of detailed information on the construction, use, and evolution of historic buildings over time. This approach will allow for the systematisation of management plans, preventive and predictive conservation of monuments, addressing challenges such as climate change and mass tourism.

Among the monuments included in this project are the Alcazaba of Mérida, the Évora wall, and the Portezuelo castle. Through the HBIM methodology, critical indicators and digital twins of these monuments will be developed, promoting predictive conservation, sustainable tourism, and more efficient and preventive heritage management.

The Heprestone project not only aims to protect cultural heritage but also to promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and inclusive tourism, adapted to the challenges posed by climate change. These actions seek to support both the economic development of the region and the preservation of its cultural wealth.

By implementing best practices and innovative measures, the project underscores the need to safeguard cultural assets against growing threats, ensuring that monuments like the Alcazaba of Mérida continue to stand as living witnesses to the region’s history and culture for future generations.

The Ilumina Project, officially presented at the Campo Maior Bulwarked Fortification Interpretative Centre on 9 October 2024, aims to revitalise night-time cultural tourism in the EUROACE Euroregion, which includes Extremadura and Alentejo. With a focus on sustainability and local development, the initiative will illuminate three iconic monuments: the Castle of Ouguela in Portugal, the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Carrión, and the Castle of Valencia de Alcántara in Spain, creating a Night-time Cultural Tourism Destination that will attract visitors year-round.

The launch event was attended by prominent representatives, including the Campo Maior City Council, the Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora de Carrión, the Iberdrola España Foundation, and the Directorate-General of Tourism of Extremadura, who emphasised the importance of this initiative for both regions. In his speech, Ramón Castresana, director of the Iberdrola España Foundation, highlighted the significance of this project in promoting heritage and culture, while José Santos, president of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity, underlined Ilumina’s potential to position the Euroregion as an attractive and innovative destination for night-time cultural tourism.

Jesús Viñuales, Director-General of Tourism for Extremadura, highlighted the value this initiative brings to the Spanish side of the border, emphasising the importance of protecting and enhancing the region’s vast historical heritage. Vítor Silva, President of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Promotion Agency, stressed the international significance of the Ilumina Project, noting that the illumination of the monuments will position Alentejo and Extremadura as top-tier tourist destinations, attracting international visitors with a sustainable and authentic cultural offering. Additionally, María José García Curto, President of the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, emphasised cross-border cooperation as one of the project’s fundamental pillars, with the creation of a new joint brand to strengthen the international promotion of these destinations.

The Ilumina Project, co-financed by the European Union’s Interreg POCTEP 2021-2027 programme, aims not only to beautify and preserve the region’s cultural heritage but also to stimulate the economic and social development of rural areas, helping to combat depopulation. The total budget for the project is €1.74 million, and it is expected to be completed by June 2026, following the illumination of the monuments and the promotion of new tourist experiences focused on the shared history and heritage between Spain and Portugal.

The event concluded with a visit to the Governor’s House in Ouguela Castle, where a collaboration agreement was signed with Campo Maior City Council to formalise the commitment to illuminate this important monument and strengthen the region’s tourism development.

At the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, we are launching a new tender process that will adhere to the principles of publicity, competition, transparency, confidentiality, equality, and non-discrimination. This process is conducted under the competitive bidding regime as a minor contract.

The purpose of this tender is to design the project’s image, as well as to describe the communication and dissemination activities necessary to justify the associated expenses.

The creation of a global image and a communication plan is expected for use by all project beneficiaries. Below are the project details and approximate dates for the submission of work:

1. Tender advertising: 10th October to 24th October 2024
2. Tender deadline: 12:00 p.m. on 24th October 2024
3. Review of offers and selection of the service company: 24th to 28th October 2024
4. Announcement of the winning company: 30th October 2024
5. Work delivery: Between 18th and 22nd November 2024

HEPRESTONE Project

The HEPRESTONE project, lasting three years, aims to protect the cultural heritage of the EUROACE area against threats such as climate change and mass tourism. Through the creation of digital twins of pilot monuments and the development of alert indicators, the project seeks to facilitate predictive conservation and sustainable tourism. Co-financed by the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) programme, the project highlights cross-border collaboration to preserve and enhance heritage in Extremadura and Alentejo.

We are attaching the Technical Specification with all the details, requirements, and scope of the requested services. If you are interested, we invite you to submit your proposal within the stipulated timeframe. We remain at your disposal for any questions or clarifications.

From November 26 to 28, 2024, Cáceres will host the 1st World Congress on Inland Tourism, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI), at the San Francisco Cultural Complex. This congress will bring together more than 400 professionals from 15 countries, including tourism experts, tour operators, and academics. Over the course of three days, there will be round tables, workshops, and academic presentations, featuring the participation of 42 international universities.

The event will be key in positioning Extremadura as an alternative inland destination and will offer an opportunity for tour operators to showcase their businesses, promoting knowledge exchange and the creation of new business opportunities. Additionally, the congress will include a familiarisation trip to iconic destinations such as Cáceres, Trujillo, Malpartida, and Monsanto, under the appealing name “War of Thrones”, a new binational tourism product.

The Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports of the Government of Extremadura, Victoria Bazaga, highlighted the event as an essential platform for assessing the challenges of the tourism sector and generating conclusions that can benefit the region. Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Provincial Council of Cáceres, Esther Gutiérrez, emphasised the congress’s importance for promoting Extremadura internationally, contributing to sustainable development, job creation, and population retention.

The president of AITI, Miguel Martins, pointed out that the main goal of the congress is to put inland territories on the global tourism map, noting that Cáceres has the capacity to host an event of this scale, on par with cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Madrid.

This congress is supported by the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, CETEX, FEXTUR, Turismo Centro Portugal, and Turexpo Galicia, reinforcing cross-border cooperation in tourism and underscoring the importance of working together to create a unified destination that transcends borders.

Yesterday in Badajoz, the Annual Meeting of Members of the Extremadura Tourism Cluster took place, along with the 9th CDT Innova Tourism Space, a key event for the region’s tourism sector. The event brought together business owners, professionals, and institutions to reflect on innovation and the development of new projects in the tourism field.

The day began with a presentation of completed European projects, such as CulTourData and Tourism 4.0, where several companies shared their experiences and best practices. Participating companies included Gran Hotel Don Manuel, Montijo Tour, Naturalmente, Inzulae, and Cata con Cati, who explained how these projects benefited them, the tools they used, and the results achieved.

Funding Opportunities and New Projects

Councillor Rubén Galea, in his speech during the event to tourism professionals and experts in innovation and smart tourism, encouraged the exchange of ideas for the development of the sector.

In turn, Jesús Viñuales, General Director of Tourism for the Government of Extremadura, highlighted the region’s progress as an alternative inland destination, a result of collaboration between institutions and business owners.

Ignacio Sáez de Santamaría, representing Caja Rural Extremadura, gave a talk on the financing options that his institution offers to promote tourism projects in the region.

New Projects

During the morning, new projects in which the cluster is involved were also presented, including the innovative Dancing Histor(y)ies and three new POCTEP projects: Red Cift, Ilumina, and Heprestone. Their objectives and the challenges they pose were outlined, inviting attendees to learn more about these initiatives.

Innovation, Technology, and Tourism: Presentations and Panels

The meeting continued with three presentations focused on innovation, technology, and tourism. Among the speakers were Antonio Blanco, Director of Silice, and Juanjo Rodríguez from Futura Vive, who addressed key topics for the future of the sector. Additionally, a panel discussion was held with Sonia González from Martural and Juanjo Cerezo from Extremadura Curiosa, who discussed the benefits of working with influencers and marketing agencies, highlighting their value for tourism promotion.

2024 Tourism Innovation Award

One of the most notable moments of the event was the presentation of the 2024 Tourism Innovation Award. This year, the award was given to Marta Bastos for her initiatives: Ad Astra Hervás, related to astrotourism, and “e-bikes Hervás”, offering bike rentals and routes. The award recognised her contribution to tourism in Extremadura and her innovative approach.

On 20th September 2024, the Technical Workshop on the Transfer of Results from the TUR-RETOS2022-028 Project will take place at the San Francisco Cultural Complex in Cáceres. The event aims to share the progress and conclusions of this important project related to tourism and innovation.

Event Programme: