GALICIA, Spain — The wonderful gastronomy, coastal beauty and slower pace of travel in Galicia and Northern Portugal were in full force on Deztination’s recent FAM to the region.
The Quebec-based travel company hosted a select group of Canadian and American travel advisors on the immersive journey, showcasing Galicia and Northern Portugal’s cultural, gastronomic and experiential tourism offerings. The trip also created opportunities for tourism professionals and local suppliers to strengthen commercial relationships with the North American market.
The initiative was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Pontevedra, Vigo and Vilagarcía de Arousa and co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal Programme (POCTEP) 2021–2027.
The program began in Vigo with a series of networking meetings connecting North American advisors with local tourism suppliers, hotels and destination reps. Participants then explored a range of destinations across Galicia and Northern Portugal, experiencing firsthand the region’s unique blend of coastal culture, gastronomy, wellness and heritage tourism.
Throughout the week, advisors explored Santiago de Compostela, Illa da Toxa, Combarro, Baiona, Caminha, Valença and Melgaço while experiencing the diversity of accommodations, tourism infrastructure and curated experiences.
Highlights included a guided visit to the historic centre and cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a boat excursion on the Ría de Vigo, culinary experiences featuring regional cuisine, and a vineyard and winery tour at Quinta do Soalheiro in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region.
Additional experiences included wellness programming and thermal spa visits in Melgaço, reflecting the growing demand for experiential and slow-travel itineraries among North American travellers.
Lead image caption: Bruno Muno — Key Account Manager, Bedsonline; Rosita Leiro — Official Galicia Tourist Guide; Alba Piñeiro Crespo — International Trade Technician, Chamber of Commerce of Pontevedra, Vigo and Vilagarcía de Arousa; Holly Johnston— FIT and planning coordinator, Exotik Journeys by TravelBrands; Ana Fernandez — Documents and International coordinator reservations, Exotik Journeys by TravelBrands; Maria Cook — Travel Portfolio Senior Associate, Context Travel; Marjolaine Tremblay — President, Deztination; Emad Elturaby — VP/Co-Founder, Tours Découvertes Récréatives; Jorge Salas-Guevara Succar — President, New Paths Expeditions; and Jacquelyn Garcia Vadnais — CEO/Founder – Global Wine Pursuit (photo credit Bruno Muno)
