09 de April de 2019
The conference "Wine and Food Tourism in Territories with Distinct Quality Designations Registered in the EU," held on April 4 in Jabugo, was organized by the National Rural Network at the suggestion of the Jabugo Route Club. During the event, the potential for wine and food tourism in rural areas, particularly linked to products with the DOP (Digital Processing Organization) distinction, was discussed and reflected upon.
04/05/2019
At the opening of the event, the mayor of Jabugo, the sub-delegate of the Government in Huelva and the president of the Jabugo DOP, highlighted the importance of the Jabugo Route for the Huelva mountains, which brings visitors closer to learning about the history, culture and production of the product .
The day featured three interesting sessions. The first, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, delved into the concept of differentiated quality designations as tools for protecting and enhancing product value. The main objectives pursued through these designations are to regulate the ownership, use, and management of PDOs, establish their control regime, guarantee their protection as intellectual property rights, protect the rights of producers and consumers, and foster cooperation between public administrations.
Below, the director of Dinamiza Asesores , a consulting firm specializing in food and wine tourism, analyzed some key factors for the development of gastronomic tourism . The most significant factors include defining a medium- to long-term work plan or route, recognizing and promoting local products and traditional cuisine, uniting the interests of different stakeholders in a joint project to create the product and position the destination, strengthening the culinary identity of the destination, and organizing gastronomic events and activities, among others. Emphasis was placed on the importance of PDOs for the regions, as they are an instrument for economic growth.
The final session presented the Jabugo Route, highlighting its importance to the tourism sector in the 31 municipalities within the Jabugo PDO production area. Furthermore, the area boasts a unique landscape, nestled within the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, whose pastures have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This fosters the promotion of activities and experiences that boost the products and drive numerous activities that impact the region.
Finally, we explored three of Spain's most important wine routes: Jerez , Rioja Alta , and Condado de Huelva . They all agree on the importance of local tourism and increasing the added value of wine-related activities, demanding greater professionalism in the sector. Spain is the third-largest wine-producing country, and the influence of this product on the agricultural sector and the economy is significant. This helps to establish a population in rural areas, maintain and create jobs, and enhance the culture and customs of the municipalities surrounding the vineyards.
The event highlighted the positive territorial impact of food and wine tourism and the need to establish links between the various existing routes in the region to learn from the successes of their initiatives.