The Extremadura Tourism Cluster welcomes Martural, a company dedicated to transforming rural areas into unique and sustainable tourist destinations. Their inclusion strengthens the Cluster’s mission to boost the region’s tourism development, promoting Extremadura’s cultural and natural wealth.

Innovation and Commitment to the Rural World

Martural specialises in showcasing the best of each rural area, from its landscapes and traditions to its untold stories. The company focuses on collaborating with local communities to create attractive destinations that reflect the essence of each place. Its work not only aims to attract those who love rural tourism but also to revitalise the local economy and preserve cultural heritage.

The services it offers include:

• Tourism Consultancy: Assists in transforming any territory into a competitive and desirable destination.
• Tourism Marketing: Designs strategies that connect the destination’s stories and essence with the hearts of travellers.
• Technical Assistance and Training: Supports communities in the sustainable growth of their projects and promotes continuous learning.

A Shared Vision

Martural’s inclusion in the Extremadura Tourism Cluster strengthens the commitment to sustainable development and respect for rural areas. Its collaboration-focused and impact-driven approach aligns perfectly with the Cluster’s objectives of positioning Extremadura as a leading tourist destination, highlighting its authenticity and connection to heritage. With this new partnership, Martural and the Cluster will work together to boost rural tourism in Extremadura, creating opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and building stronger communities.

Welcome to the Cluster, Martural. A new chapter begins for rural tourism in the region!

FESTIVALS

After the Italian preview in May, the Dancing Histor(y)ies Festivals of Ostia Antica, Viminacium, Mérida and Tharros have taken place in the last two months promoting the concepts behind the project and involving the public and the population of the fascinating locations that hosted them. Now, we just have to go through the news shared by our local partners of this exciting summer dedicated to Dance and European cultural heritage.

June 24/26 – Viminacium Arheološki park/Archaeological park

The Institute of Archaeology in Viminacium is the organizing partner of the first international contemporary dance festival for Dancing Histor(y)ies, which, under the title of ReMOVING Borders, was held from 24 to 26 June at the Archaeological Park in Viminacium. For the first time in this evocative setting, an event took place presenting a rich program of daytime and evening meetings dedicated to dance, curated by expert representatives of the world of contemporary dance, art and archaeology of Viminacium, involving the local communities of Kostolac and Požarevac. Three dance companies staged their productions: 420People, Derida Dance Center and ilDance.

All the details at the link: https://dancinghistoryies.org/viminacium/

July 05/07 – Festival de Teatro Clásico de Mérida

For this 70th edition, the Festival Internacional de Teatro Clasico de Mérida has staged a series of activities in line with the project values and concepts. At the same time, it has promoted several archaeological spaces in town that during the shows have involved the community and promoted the potential of using the city’s cultural heritage. “Diálogo” is the word that defines Dancing Histor(y)ies, the dialogue between the performing arts and cultural heritage, the dialogue between institutions and different countries. Proof is the fact that culture is a key to open doors to cross borders and establish collaborations. The artistic partners who presented their shows were ilDance, with a staging at the Roman Forum ‘Un día seremos estatuas’, and the group 420PEOPLE, with “Ícaro” at the Templo de Diana.

All the details at the link: https://www.festivaldemerida.es/en/the-festival/

July 12/14 – Tharros Archaeological Park

 The rhythm of international dance beats strongly in the ancient heart of Sardinia thanks to Dancing Histor(y)ies, which chose the wonderful archaeological area of Tharros. Six international dance groups took to the stage: ilDance, Polish Dance Theatre, Derida Dance Center, as well as Mvula Sungani Physical Dance and a co-production that saw the E-Motion Group, ASMED Balletto di Sardegna and Compagnia Danza Esttemporada together. The groups danced on History, recovering ancient and new narratives starting from the life of those communities that, precisely in territories so rich in memory, have chosen to reside, articulating their present.

The Off Festival calendar of events is also original, with a rich series of collateral activities aimed at actively promoting historical heritage: the Laboratory/scenic game/animation “Dance on your wave” dedicated in particular to children and young people and inspired by waves; the workshop entitled “The story in reverse” in which dancers, choreographers and musicians met local communities; the Talk “Sguardi su Tharros” (A glance on Tharros) with the artists who spoke about their encounter with the site of Tharros.

All the details at the link: https://dancinghistoryies.org/tharros/

Keep following us! See you in September for more news to come!

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

DATA MANAGEMENT
In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 we hereby inform you that your personal data are part of a specific database for the collection and management of personal data within the project Dancing Histor(y)ies (from here onwards referred to as the “Project”) whose Joint Data Controller is Associazione Enti locali per le attività culturali e di spettacolo, with headquarters in Via Pasquale Paoli n.25 – 09128 Cagliari, VAT number: 01859050922 together with the other Joint Data Controllers defined by the GDPR agreement signed within the Dancing Histor(y)ies consortium.
The Joint Data Controllers may process the personal data collected for the period necessary to fulfil the obligations established in the Partnership agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and/or in the Grant agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and the European Commission.
Interested parties can contact the Data Protection Officer (DPO) by sending an email to: dancinghistoriesdpo@gmail.com to have a complete view of the GDPR or to exercise each of the following rights: access to their personal data; obtain a copy of the personal data; correct personal data; delete your data; limit processing; request data portability; exercise the right of objection; file a complaint.

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster is pleased to express our satisfaction with the selection of Cáceres as the host city for the 5th TURESPAÑA Convention in 2025. This event, presented by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports of the Government of Extremadura, will not only benefit the city but also bring greater visibility to the entire region.

Cáceres joins the select group of previous host cities such as Seville, Barcelona, Donostia-San Sebastián, and Tenerife, being the first time it is held in an inland destination, in line with TURESPAÑA’s Strategic Marketing Plan. This selection once again highlights that Cáceres is on par with these important destinations, standing out for its rich heritage and culture. The hosting of the convention is further proof of Cáceres’ appeal and its capacity to host events of such magnitude.

The TURESPAÑA Convention, organised in collaboration with the Government of Extremadura and the City Council of Cáceres, will bring together industry professionals for three days of presentations, debates, and workshops focused on innovation, sustainability, and tourism promotion.

This event will not only boost tourism in the city and the region, but it will also have a significant economic impact by attracting numerous visitors and professionals who will have the opportunity to discover the wonders of Extremadura.

Our partner Atakama, represented by its CEO, Rocío Montero, has emphasised the importance of the Alcántara Classical Theatre Festival, which begins this Monday. Montero highlighted the event not only as a top-tier cultural reference but also as a significant driver of the local economy. According to her, the festival attracts thousands of visitors, leading to a notable increase in economic activity in the region.

Boost to the Local Economy

During the festival, sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tourism experience remarkable growth. Local hotels, restaurants, and shops see an increase in revenue thanks to the influx of tourists and event attendees. This economic impact translates into more job opportunities and development for the residents of Alcántara.

Promotion of Tourism and Culture

The Classical Theatre Festival not only offers a high-quality artistic programme but also highlights the historical and cultural heritage of Alcántara. The combination of art and economy demonstrates how events like this can revitalise and positively transform local communities.

Statements by Rocío Montero

Montero emphasised that the success of the festival lies in the community’s ability to organise an event that attracts both theatre enthusiasts and tourists interested in the region’s cultural richness. “The Alcántara Classical Theatre Festival is not only a cultural benchmark but also an essential driver of the local economy,” she stated.

For more information, read the full article on COPE Extremadura.

On July 22, 2024, the El Rayo Verde building in Málaga hosted the technical launch meeting of the Interreg Spain-Portugal VI A pluriregional project of the Cross-Border Iberian Fluvial Cruise Network (Red CIFT). Led by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia (CMMA), this project aims to create a network of sustainable nautical-cultural destinations along the five major rivers of the cross-border area: Miño, Limia, Duero, Tajo, and Guadiana.

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster will play a crucial role in the Red CIFT project, participating in training for the creation of nautical-cultural itineraries and in the project’s promotional campaigns. This joint effort aims to boost responsible tourism and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage in the cross-border region of Spain and Portugal.

Project Objectives

The Red CIFT project aims to achieve a significant impact in the participating regions by:

• Increase in River Tourism: Creating innovative nautical-cultural itineraries.
• Economic Development: Generating employment and economic opportunities.
• Heritage Preservation: Valuing cultural and natural heritage.
• Improvement of Accessibility: Promoting cross-border cooperation and sustainable mobility.

Structure and Activities

The program is structured around several key activities:

• Strategic Planning: Assessing economic viability and promoting nautical-cultural destinations.
• Certification: Establishing standards for accessible tourism and best practices.
• Training: Developing content and courses to foster innovation and creativity in itinerary creation.
• Communication: Creating a digital catalogue, the project’s corporate identity, and strategic visibility actions..

The Extremadura Tourism Cluster will lead group and individualised training for the creation of tourist products in workshops and will be responsible for designing promotional materials and communication campaigns for the Red CIFT.

With a budget of 816,646.61 euros co-financed by the European Union, the Red CIFT project aims to promote sustainable and responsible river tourism, improving accessibility and connectivity in cross-border river basins, and strengthening cooperation between Spain and Portugal.

Project Challenges

The Red CIFT project faces key challenges:

• Insufficient Promotion: The river landscapes of the border basins are little known and promoted.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Shortage of docks, moorings, and adequate services for river tourism.
• Limited Accessibility: Difficulties in connectivity and access to the river basins.
• Sustainable Management: Need to balance environmental conservation with tourism promotion.

Project Partners

The project includes eight partners, four from Spain and four from Portugal:

The POCTEP HEPRESTONE project has officially commenced with an initial in-person meeting in Mérida, marking the start of a significant collaboration for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. This meeting, aimed at establishing contact and taking the first steps of the project, was attended by the Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, Mrs. Victoria Bazaga, and Mrs. Adela Montaña Rueda Márquez de la Plata, Director General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage. Members of the consortium, including the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, also participated, advancing the sustainable management of monumental heritage in the cross-border area.

Project Summary

The HEPRESTONE project, spanning three years, aims to protect the cultural heritage of the EUROACE area against factors such as climate change and mass tourism. It identifies and applies best practices and innovative measures for the monitoring and conservation of heritage sites.

Key components include the development of critical alert indicators and the creation of digital twins for pilot monuments such as the Alcazaba of Mérida, the wall of Évora, and the castle of Portezuelo. These digital twins will facilitate corrective maintenance, predictive conservation, and tourism management, employing an algorithm to monitor the alert indicators.

The project promotes sustainable tourism and preventive heritage management through the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) methodology, capturing and managing detailed information about the evolution of historic buildings. This intervention will help preserve heritage while boosting economic development and population retention in the cross-border areas of Extremadura and Alentejo.

Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 program, HEPRESTONE underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Partners

• INTROMAC (Technological Institute of Ornamental Rocks and Building Materials Consortium) – Coordinator
• Directorate General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage of the Government of Extremadura
• Polytechnic School of Cáceres, University of Extremadura
• Institute of Archaeology of Mérida
• Extremadura Tourism Cluster
• University of Évora
• ARROW 4D
• Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo

On June 17th in Badajoz, the first in-person meeting of the ILUMINA Project took place, with the attendance of the Extremadura Tourism Cluster. This meeting marked the official start of the project and allowed participants to connect and take the first steps towards its development. The meeting concluded with a visit to the Castle of Ouguela in Portugal, one of the sites to be involved in the project.

Project ILUMINA Description

The ILUMINA project, focused on the cross-border regions of Extremadura and Alentejo, aims to promote sustainable tourism through the ornamental lighting of heritage elements. This initiative seeks to transform cultural, historical, and landscape resources into attractive tourist products, enhancing the nighttime tourism offering.

Main Objectives:

• Promotion of Night Tourism: Increase the nighttime tourist appeal in Extremadura and Alentejo.
• Local Economic Development: Generate new business and employment opportunities in the tourism industry.
• Innovation and Sustainability: Foster innovative and sustainable cultural tourism.
• Pilot Projects: Implementation of six pilot projects of ornamental lighting in churches, hermitages, and castles.

The ILUMINA project is presented as a key initiative to boost cultural night tourism and improve the management of cultural heritage through cross-border cooperation and the use of advanced technologies.

In November 2024, Cáceres will host the World Congress on Inland Tourism, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI). This event, taking place from 26th to 28th November, will address topics such as new mobility, sustainability, and present success stories from countries like Spain, Portugal, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, and Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the congress is to analyse inland tourism, its prospects and functioning, as well as future challenges. It will also focus on the cultural and social impacts of tourism in inland areas and the planning of actions for their socio-economic development. Topics to be discussed include religious and spiritual tourism and the sustainability of tourism with a view towards 2030.

Experts from various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Poland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Iran, and the Philippines, will participate in the event through individual communications and round tables. Additionally, there will be an exhibition of inland destinations aimed at public administrations and companies, facilitating contact and collaboration between national and international tour operators.

The programme will also include a Fam Trip through Extremadura and Beira Baixa in Portugal, aimed at travel agencies and tour operators, to promote the marketing of these destinations. The congress will be supported by a scientific committee composed of over one hundred academics from 40 universities across 12 countries, who will contribute their academic work to the debate.

Thus, Cáceres is preparing to become the epicentre of inland tourism, promoting the development and sustainability of less-explored territories.

More information at:

The International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida has taken a significant step towards internationalisation by participating in the innovative European programme Dancing Histor(y)ies, a project funded by Creative Europe. This programme, which brings together 13 entities from 11 countries, aims to strengthen the ties between local communities and cultural heritage through dance and the performing arts.

Objectives and Participation

Dancing Histor(y)ies, whose motto is “binding communities and heritage through dance,” aims to strengthen the connection between local communities and cultural heritage.

The Mérida Festival, now in its 70th edition, has scheduled a series of activities including three workshops and three dance performances. These activities will take place until Sunday in various archaeological sites across the city, aiming to combine the best of theatre and performing arts with the enhancement of archaeological heritage.

Programme Presentation

The programme was presented by Pedro Blanco, Managing Director of the Festival’s Patronage Consortium, who explained that the Dancing Histor(y)ies schedule includes three workshops and three dance performances, all free of charge and requiring prior registration via online forms.

Performances and Workshops

The performances scheduled as part of Dancing Histor(y)ies include:

• ‘One Day We Will Be Statues‘ by ILDance (Sweden), which will be presented on Friday at 9:00 PM in the Roman Forum. This production, designed by Israel Aloni, is inspired by the three visits made to Mérida by the Swedish company to immerse themselves in the local culture, blending contemporary dance and sound in a historical setting.
• ‘Ícaro‘ by 420People (Czech Republic), which will take place on Saturday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. Marta Lajnerová, head of the company, highlights the collaboration of six dance students from Mérida in this production, underscoring the value of shared creative experiences.
• ‘Electra‘ by the Theatre and Dance Workshop of IES Santa Eulalia in Mérida, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This local production, directed by Juan Carlos Tirado with choreography by Alba Gog, integrates elements of Greek mythology in a heritage context.

Additionally, several workshops will be conducted to explore the intersection between performing arts and cultural heritage:

• ‘La caja de Pandora‘, directed by the flamenco dance company and school of Fuensanta Blanco, involves young people aged 10 to 30 in a creative process that will culminate in the performance ‘The Thread of Hope‘, on Thursday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This workshop is inspired by the myth of Pandora, exploring themes of hope and resilience through flamenco.
• ‘Didactics of Dramatic Expression‘, a training course led by Javier Llanos and produced by TAPTC? Teatro, has been conducted from 1st to 4th July. This workshop covers techniques for group facilitation, creativity enhancement, theatre direction, stage production, and citizen engagement, offering comprehensive training for artists and educators.
• ‘Utilisation of Heritage Sites as Venues for Performances‘, a seminar that will take place on Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Festival’s headquarters. Managed by the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, this workshop will analyse the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, with lectures on the Temple of Diana, the Forum Portico, and the Parador of Mérida, followed by a round table discussion on how to use these spaces without compromising their identity.

Reflections and Future

Jesús Cimarro, Director of the Mérida Festival, highlighted how the project focuses on promoting archaeological sites through the performing arts, defining an innovative, effective, and replicable model for the enhancement of cultural sites. This model aims to actively involve local communities in artistic production and conscious enjoyment of heritage, while also promoting the international participation and circulation of European artists.

Antonio Marín, Director of the Centre for Performing Arts and Music of Extremadura (CEMART), emphasised that “dialogue” is the word that defines Dancing Histor(y)ies, highlighting the importance of communication between performing arts and heritage, among different institutions, and across various countries. This approach demonstrates that “culture is a key that opens doors to cross borders and establish collaborations.” Marín also noted that the Mérida Festival is the only event held in four archaeological sites, reinforcing its uniqueness and commitment to heritage conservation while crossing borders throughout Europe.

Israel Aloni, from ILDance, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this event, highlighting that Mérida offers an inspiring environment that combines history and contemporary art. Marta Lajnerová, from 420People, also appreciated this European initiative, thanking the Mérida Festival team for their collaboration in bringing her performance to such an iconic setting.

Pedro Mateos, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, advocated for the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, emphasising the need to preserve their essence while exploring new ways to utilise them. The seminar’s round table will provide a platform to discuss these issues in depth, involving both archaeologists and performing arts professionals.

Images by Jero Morales / Mérida Festival

DigitalPress Group celebrated an unforgettable evening this Wednesday with the presentation of the 4th @ Awards of their newspaper Regiondigital.com. The event took place in the charming Gardens of the Hotel Ilunion Las Lomas in Mérida and was hosted by Diego Casillas, director of Miextremadura.com, alongside Elena Cárdenas, an actress from ESAD Extremadura.

More than 200 attendees enjoyed an evening full of good vibes and memorable moments. They were all honoured with the iconic @ symbol designed by the renowned Extremaduran sculptor Miguel Sansón.

These awards stand out for recognising innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact in the region, thus celebrating the talent and dedication of the awardees. This year’s gala has once again solidified Regiondigital.com’s commitment to excellence and the development of Extremadura.

Julio González Morales, CEO of DigitalPress Group, congratulated the awardees and highlighted the crucial role of RegionDigital.com throughout its 24-year history, praising the commitment and loyalty of the team. Looking to the future, he expressed optimism about continuing to innovate and lead projects both in Spain and internationally. He also advocated for simplifying administration for freelancers and businesses. Additionally, he announced plans to strengthen their role as providers of software and digital content, integrating artificial intelligence with specialised journalistic work.

You can visit the full news story on the official Regiondigital.com website.