this year Fairway celebrates twice: ‘ is now in its 6th edition and at the same time celebrating its 10th anniversary. And he plans to celebrate in style in the Galician capital. The world’s only biennial fair dedicated to the Camino de Santiago … celebrates 10 years of serving and strengthening meetings between companies and institutions related to the Jacobean environment. The fair begins on Sunday with a leisure-focused public day and continues until Tuesday, the third and final day. As with this Monday, the main attraction will be the job fair and informative sessions, with the Cidade da Cultura, as always, serving as the focal point.
One of the co-directors, Tono Musica, stands out in conversation with ABC. Growing international forecasts Through editing, Fairway increased its Portuguese presence and attracted tour operators from more countries. Currently, the Camino is undergoing a clear internationalization process. The main country of origin for foreign pilgrims is the United States, and currently the distribution of foreign and domestic tourists is 60:40 or 70:30. This is why fairways are so important. The world’s only expert conference focused on the Camino de Santiago.
Such, Its main function is networking. We bring together companies, shelters, associations, municipalities, and institutions active around the Camino. But instead of wanting to structure it as a large event, we chose to become an open and professional forum. Aimed at a “niche” in the business structure The focus is on “Tourism and the Camino.” By downsizing, you can focus your efforts on other issues. For example, we have the advantage of being a strategic point of contact and customary for tour operators in Galicia to come as guests and resolve any questions or establish relationships with companies providing tourism services.
Therefore, the fairway has specialized elements such as workshops, working meetings and discussion tables attended by entrepreneurs and future businessmen interested in investing in accommodation, glamping or services for pilgrims. that’s the focus Tourism and Road Forum, it is celebrated Gaius Museum on Mondays and Tuesdays. But at the same time, it is open to the public. “We want to bring the Camino de Santiago closer to the cities of Santiago and Galicia,” explains the co-director. That is why this pilgrimage route was designed. Recreation programs for the public He served as host for the opening day on Sunday. This included gastronomy and children’s workshops, routes around the city, an “escape room” and a musical performance by Xavier Diaz in trio format.
The remaining themes are characterized by current events. This year’s axis is Camino sustainability, tourism impacts and management Growth and open discussion about it tourist tax — specifically about how the proceeds are invested in the cities that apply it —. In this regard, Mujika points to the ambiguity of official documents in this regard, which are “indigestible and not clear”, although it clearly states that the funds will be allocated to financing new strategies and tourism-derived services.
The co-directors recall that they continue to strive to address relevant topics, no matter how uncomfortable, both now and in the past. Bed bug infestation in shelters in 2023, real cases of accidents and rescues on the Camino, safety issues and detected dangers… This time it’s “Shadows over Santiago”. Popularization of tourism and its impact In daily life in the city, it will be the main character of multiple discussions. No matter the topic, Musica summarizes that it’s “important” to be able to talk about the issue “head on,” with “respect,” “rigor,” and conviction.
As I said earlier, the fairway It’s not meant to be large-scale, but it’s effective. “Its real value lies in the niche it addresses,” adds the manager. The trade fair generates economic dynamism during its duration. At the last workshop, the business was estimated to be over 2 million euros, and this year we hope to reach around 3 million euros, this time due to the increased number of tour operators from 18 countries.
forum starts
The formal inauguration of the Forum will take place this Monday, with a presentation on “The Pursuit of Excellence in Sustainability” by Tourism Secretary Chausse Mereres. There will also be a discussion table titled “Tourism: Visitor or Invader?” In the afternoon, a workshop will be held to address data management to “optimize resources and improve the visitor experience.” On Tuesday, there will be a table titled “La Compostela and the 21st Century Camino: A democratization of the Camino to suit everyone’s tastes?” “Tourism Tax: Where Does the Money Go?”, Workshop “Chat GPT Applied to Tourism Business Management”. Admission to the venue is free, but online registration is required for program activities and space is limited.
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