Specialist operators seek early action to manage growth in Asturias and Galicia

The Spanish Tourist Office UK and tour operators have agreed early action is needed to shape the future of tourism in the fast-growing regions of Asturias and Galicia.

Specialist tour operators joined the tourist office, Travel Forward and Abta this week to discuss how growing demand can be managed in a way that benefits communities, visitors and businesses.

“Tourism works best when its direction is shaped early,” said Rebecca Armstrong, head of impact at Travel Forward and moderator of the workshop.

“Asturias and Galicia have an opportunity to plan proactively, bringing destinations and businesses together to focus not just on visitor growth, but on the type of tourism that delivers lasting value for communities, businesses and the environment.”

She added: “One of the clearest messages from the discussion was that destinations do have limits, though these are not always best expressed in visitor numbers.

“More often, they relate to community engagement, environmental protection, infrastructure, quality of experience and preserving what makes a place distinctive.”

The workshop, held on Monday, built on discussions from April’s Spain Talks conference, focusing on how destinations can proactively manage tourism growth before challenges emerge. 

Participating organisations included Intrepid Travel, Exodus Adventure Travels, HF Holidays, Inntravel, Brittany Ferries, Much Better Adventures and Pura Aventura.

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK, highlighted the growth of UK tourism to northern Spain and the opportunity to shape the growth sustainably.

He said: “Last year, the most significant growth in UK visitors to Spain was to our northern regions.

“As demand continues to grow, we have an opportunity to work with industry partners to ensure tourism creates value for destinations and local communities while supporting year-round travel.”

Tourism representatives from Galicia and Asturias confirmed their commitment to a responsible approach.

José Manuel Merelles, director of Turismo de Galicia, said: “The Camino de Santiago remains our most important attraction and a leading example of sustainable tourism.

“We see a clear opportunity to welcome more international visitors interested in active travel, nature, culture, history and gastronomy.”

Tatiana González Sales, head of Turismo de Asturias, added: “More than a third of Asturias is protected territory and tourism development must remain in balance with environmental protection.

“Our tourism model has consistently been built on respect for the natural environment, and we remain committed to working with partners who share those values.”