February 27, 2018

The objective of the conference "Gastronomic Tourism Products Based on Differentiated Quality," held on February 22nd in Cáceres, was to analyze the possibilities of creating tourism products based on agri-food products with Differentiated Quality, such as Protected Designation of Origin , Protected Geographical Indication , and Guaranteed Traditional Specialties , which are currently considered a key resource for gastronomy and tourism. The aim is to promote them as attractions for the creation of tourist experiences, showing the current status of the tourist use of these products and the actors involved in their promotion.

The product club method for creating tourist routes based on Protected Designations of Origin was demonstrated, showcasing culinary experiences created using this method, such as the Wine Routes of Spain, the Iberian Ham Routes, and the Jabugo Route, with the aim of encouraging the creation of new experiences that diversify and offer more sustainable tourism in rural areas. Also present at the event was the Saborea España Association, which, like the previous ones, aims to promote the role of gastronomy as a tourist attraction.

Following the presentations, a roundtable discussion was held to promote cooperation in the creation of routes featuring agricultural and food products . This discussion enabled all attendees to make suggestions to the public administration and various associations dedicated to the gastronomic sector. Questions were clarified and interesting ideas were proposed that could provide new synergies and methods of cooperation .

This event sought to promote ideas that foster inter-regional cooperation between Local Action Groups and regional Rural Development Program managers, with a view to developing potential cooperation projects on this topic, while keeping in mind cross-cutting issues such as depopulation and the masculinization of rural areas.

The event was organized by the National Rural Network , at the proposal of the General Subdirectorate of Tourism Development and Sustainability of the State Secretariat for Tourism, MINETAD .