Almeria has launched a programme that will drive up beach tourism in the off-season.
Photo Credit: Devon Daniel via Unsplash
THE glittering coastline of Almeria is active year-round, and representatives of the region know it: Almeria has launched a special initiative, as part of their “Beaches Without Limits” project, which will reduce the seasonality of the beachgoing fun and make sure there are a variety of activities to do, 365 days a year, on the Costa.
On Wednesday, September 24, the latest initiatives were proposed by the Councillor for Tourism, Communications, and Promotion, Joaquín Pérez de la Blanca. First, Pérez de la Blanca explained a plan to boost hiking tourism in the off season, a series of actions that will promote Almeria’s many idyllic hiking trails. The programme of routes, in collaboration with Lidera Sport Consulting, will allow visitors to explore the inland hiking routes of the region, which have much to offer for a wide variety of skill levels. The Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is one of these incredible natural spots, a large nature reserve home to uncountable natural wonders and curious creatures. With open views of the blue Mediterranean sea, volcanic formations, and old salt flats imbued with mystery, this park is just one of Almeria’s wonders that officials have chosen to highlight for the project.
The map of routes, which are a treat for nature lovers and boost hiking tourism, also promote sustainability. As part of the initiative, Almeria’s beaches will be promoted, the public made aware of the more remote beaches and at the same time, how best to protect them and keep them thriving while visiting.
The programme has chosen routes that will highlight natural, scenic, and sporting landmarks along them as well, giving walkers a chance to get to know important areas around the province while on their hike.
Sports tourism, hand-in-hand with hiking tourism
Sports tourism is also being focused on in Almeria, as the region has many sports facilities and areas to offer. According to manager of Lidera Sport Consulting, Antonio Jesús González, Almeria is not as de-seasonalised, especially when it comes to sports, as regional representatives would like. People who come to Almeria to play sports could spend typically 4 or 5 hours playing or doing sports tourism, when there are more things to do that they might not be aware of. The initiative includes an itinerary of activities that active visitors can do in the province, so that they might get the best of their experience if they choose Almeria for their sports and leisure holidays.
With the collaboration of Lidera Sport Consulting, the province of Almeria has managed to launch a comprehensive programme that focuses not only on sun-and-sand and sports tourism, but that will help drive up visitors in the other important spheres as well, including culture, gastronomy, inland activities, shopping, popular festivals, wine tourism, and natural parks.
In addition to Almeria, the Beaches Without Limits project will reach the Costa del Sol, Lanzarote, Pontevedra, Rías Baixas, and Santander areas.