Copyright euroweeklynews
The Focus Pyme and Entrepreneurship Vega Baja event this year is set to shine a spotlight on gastronomic tourism. The event will emphasize Spanish gastronomy as well as product clubs, which, in simpler terms, is an initiative bringing together local chefs, producers, and tourism operators to showcase regional culinary products, with the goal of highlighting their value for local economies and cultural identity. Gastronomic Tourism Takes Centre Stage at Focus Pyme Vega Baja 2025 Organised by the European Centre for Business and Innovation of Elche (CEEI Elche) in collaboration with Convega and the Rojales Town Council, the event will take place on November 5, from 9:30am to 1pm, at the Ciudad Quesada Cultural Centre in Rojales. The one-day programme, titled ““Turismo gastronómico y Club de Producto” (Gastronomic Tourism and Product Clubs), is aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses who are looking to display culinary products and gastronomy to differentiate their business, increase competitiveness, and promote socio-economic development in the Vega Baja zone. National Experts and Renowned Chefs The event will feature a series of talks and panels with leading figures in Spanish gastronomy, tourism, and academia. Opening the session, Joxe Mari Aizega, CEO of the Basque Culinary Centre, will present on the latest trends and opportunities in gastronomic tourism. A panel will explore gastronomic tourism as a crucial tool for destination promotion. Speakers include Andoitz Delgado, chef at Asador Erri Berri, and Beatriz Huarte, Secretary General of the Navarra Association of Small Hospitality Businesses (ANAPEH). Both are involved in the initiative “From the Land to the Plate”, which connects local producers with young chefs to promote sustainable, healthy, and innovative culinary experiences. Cristina Díaz, head of front-of-house at Maralba Restaurant (which has 2 Michelin Stars), will also share insights on creating exceptional dining experiences that reinforce regional identity. Product Clubs and Territorial Valorisation Another highlight will be the presentation by Irantzu Hijazo, manager of the Euskadi Gastronomika Product Club, focusing on how product clubs enhance territorial value, promote local products, and create competitive advantages for municipalities. The programme will close with a roundtable discussion titled “Co-Designing Tourist Experiences: The Value of Public-Private Cooperation”. The session will explore collaborative approaches between public institutions and private businesses to design integrated tourist experiences, fostering economic growth and cultural promotion. Institutional Support Opening remarks will be delivered by José Javier García, President of CEEI Elche, Antonio Pérez, Mayor of Rojales, and Carlos Pastor, President of Convega. The session will be closed by Miriam Trives, Rojales Tourism Councillor, emphasising the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development through gastronomy. Why This Event Matters Carlos Pastor, President of Convega, highlighted the programme’s relevance: “This event showcases the capacity of our region to build a sustainable tourism model based on authentic local products, public-private cooperation, and gastronomic innovation. Speakers will share experiences that demonstrate how culinary tourism can drive economic growth, strengthen cultural identity, and strategically position Vega Baja in the tourism market.” With free registration available online, Focus Pyme Vega Baja 2025 promises to be an essential meeting point for entrepreneurs, enterprises, and gastronomy professionals, combining practical insights, expert knowledge, and networking opportunities to gage the potential of gastronomic tourism and product clubs.
