For two days, the island of La Palma became the epicenter of national and international gastronomic tourism with the celebration of the 3rd Gastronomic Destinations Conference, organized by Saborea España with the support of the Spanish State Secretariat for Tourism. Under the motto Slow Taste, the event brought together institutional representatives, sector professionals, entrepreneurs and international experts to reflect on how gastronomy can be a driver of identity, sustainability and tourism development.
A first day of reflection and exchange
On 25 September, the Archaeological Museum Benahorita hosted the official opening with the participation of Spanish, Canary Islands and La Palma authorities, along with Saborea España.
The morning sessions focused on the benefits of the Slow Taste model, with representatives from Aragón, the Balearic Islands and Gran Canaria emphasizing how this approach adds value to local producers, strengthens gastronomic identity and responds to increasingly conscious travelers.
Assessment of the “Experiencias Turismo España” support program
The program also included a session on the assessment of the “Experiencias Turismo España” support scheme, which has promoted the development of the Slow Taste model in gastronomic tourism.
Ilona Shekyants, Deputy Director General for Tourism Development and Sustainability, together with Emma Pla (CETT), highlighted the positive impact of these grants on destinations and businesses that have integrated sustainability and innovation into their gastronomic offer. Both stressed the importance of European funds as a lever to boost projects that strengthen territorial identity and generate greater added value for travelers.
Innovation through Next Generation EU funds
Another highlight of the morning was the presentation of new gastronomic projects developed with Next Generation EU funds. Initiatives such as Spain in Bloom (Antonio Santos, Agromarketing), G-Astronomy (Antonia Varela, Fundación Starlight), Lanzarote’s economic promotion strategy (Orlando Umpiérrez) and the Rioja Oriental Wine Route (Esther Rubio) showcased the role of innovation and culture in enhancing the traveler’s experience.
Gastronomic marketing strategies
The morning continued with a panel on marketing strategies for gastronomic tourism, moderated by Lluís Pujol (Saborea España). Speakers included Bárbara Couto (Turespaña), Meritxell Caudet (Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy), Blanca Jiménez (Valladolid), Susi Díaz (Saborea España) and Mayre Modrego (Euro-Toques). They shared insights on how to build strong gastronomic brands to compete in a global and demanding market.
Successful business cases in the Slow Taste framework
In the afternoon, successful business cases identified by Saborea España and SETUR were presented. Entrepreneurs such as Paco Urzaiz (Artajo), José Basilio Otero (Spanish National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds) and José Quevedo (Ron Aldea) showed how gastronomic tourism can drive economic development in depopulated areas. The session was moderated by Emilio Gallego, Secretary General of Hostelería de España.
International perspectives on Slow Taste
The day ended with an international panel moderated by Ilona Shekyants (State Secretariat for Tourism). Speakers included Mario Sequerra (Atlas Gastronómico), Alessandra Priante (ENIT, Italy) and María de Lurdes Vale (Portugal Tourism in Spain), who underlined the need to place gastronomy at the center of international tourism policies.
The first day concluded with a dinner at La Cascada Restaurant, featuring typical dishes from La Palma.
A second day of experiences
On 26 September, participants immersed themselves in La Palma’s landscapes, flavors and culture with a day combining nature, science and gastronomy.
The program included a visit to the Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Center (2,426 m), with solar observation and breathtaking views of the peak, followed by a tasting of local products at Bodega Veganorte and a stop at Islaverde Brewery.
In the evening, the La Palma Gastronomic Fair brought together producers and visitors in a lively showcase of local flavors.
The conference closed with a festive cultural event: an Elvis Presley tribute concert, offering a memorable finale to two days of exchange and celebration of gastronomic identity.
A positive balance
With broad professional participation from Spain and abroad, the 3rd Gastronomic Destinations Conference reinforced La Palma as a reference point for reflection and action on sustainable gastronomic tourism.
The Slow Taste concept was consolidated as a shared strategy that links gastronomy, culture, landscape and people, placing gastronomic tourism at the heart of both tourism policies and authentic traveler experiences.
