The VI Fairway, a prominent event in the field of tourism related to the Camino de Santiago, took place from November 9 to 11 at the Cidade da Cultura de Galicia in Santiago de Compostela. The organization, made up of Trevisani, Viajes Viloria, and Mr Turismo Marketing en Acción, reported a record attendance, surpassing 5,000 people. This increase in participation is attributed to a strengthening of recreational and gastronomic activities.
During the three days, attendees enjoyed a varied program that included the famous Gastroway Vermú & Tapas, promoted by the Provincial Council of A Coruña, which attracted numerous participants. The high demand for this event was evidenced by the rapid sale of available spaces, along with workshops and showcookings that enriched the visitors’ experience.
The tourism and Camino fair was also a highlighted point, with over 70 exhibitors, both national and international. The area dedicated to Visit Portugal caught special attention, offering various initiatives that facilitated the generation of significant business contacts.
In addition to recreational activities, the VI Fairway focused on academic exchange. The Tourism and Camino Forum was a success, with over 600 participants in various sessions. The debates focused on touristification and the implementation of a tourist tax, topics that sparked great interest. Tono Mugico, event co-director, emphasized the need for coordination between administrations to properly manage tourist flows, especially in saturated areas of the Camino.
The issue of the tourist tax raised questions about its use and impact on the sector, as well as the poor air connections in the Galician capital, which negatively affect the arrival of tourists. The opening conference and discussions on the democratization of the Camino de Santiago attracted attention, although some aspects, such as changes in the requirements to obtain the Compostela, remained unanswered.
The commercial component of the event was also prosperous. The Workshop brought together 43 Hosted Buyers from 18 different nationalities and achieved a record of 140 Sellers, generating approximately 3,200 meetings, representing a significant increase in business figures compared to previous editions.
As part of the Fairway experience, pre-tours were offered to around thirty Hosted Buyers, who had the opportunity to discover the English, Portuguese, and Vía de la Plata routes, thanks to the support of local administrations.
To commemorate its tenth anniversary, the VI Fairway organized special raffles, further incentivizing public participation. Attendees were able to enter by completing the My Camino credential, resulting in the issuance of over 300 credentials along with the chance to win trips and stays in various destinations.
Since its establishment in 2015, Fairway has established itself as a crucial forum for the tourist sector of the Camino de Santiago, and this sixth edition, with the support of the Xunta de Galicia and the Provincial Council of A Coruña, reaffirms its role as a key event in promoting the xacobeo routes.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
