CMAT’s presence at FITUR was led by its president, Manuel Muíño, also the mayor of the Zas municipality. Additionally, representatives from all the municipalities within the geodestination were present at the International Tourism Fair, along with members of the CMAT Board of Directors and representatives from the Costa da Morte Tourism Professionals Association (APTCM), Pepe Formoso and Damián Álvarez.
“Costa da Morte offers sustainable tourism with unique experiences,” emphasized Manuel Muíño, who believes that the geodestination manages to consolidate a diverse and attractive tourist offer in one territory. “We offer gastronomy linked to the sea and also to agriculture and the land; we have a rich heritage with dolmens, castros; our landscape offers both coastline and interior areas…”. Muíño, satisfied with Costa da Morte’s presence at FITUR and the interest of visitors in exploring the geodestination, considers that tourism in the area is at a “mature stage” where it is necessary to “grow in an orderly manner” while also advocating for “destigmatization.” He expressed gratitude to all the municipalities and the local tourism sector, especially APTCM, for their active participation and constant support.
Unique Opportunity
Last year, also at FITUR, Costa da Morte celebrated its certification as the fourth Starlight Tourist Destination in Galicia and the first in the province of A Coruña. Manuel Muíño emphasized that “astrotourism, a growing global trend, presents a unique opportunity for Costa da Morte.” He highlighted “the interest in leveraging this tourist resource by all stakeholders, both public and private.”
On the other hand, Pepe Formoso, CMAT secretary and APTCM president, spoke after the presentation of the video “Costa da Morte, Starlight Destination” about the “Months with R” campaign, a sure bet, and unveiled the book by Xan Fernández Carrera, “Tourist Routes through Costa da Morte.” “A geodestination needs literature so that visitors can delve into this space,” noted Pepe Formoso, who emphasized the value of the guide for those who want to explore the geodestination through car routes, on foot, etc. The APTCM president also recalled that “FITUR is an essential step in consolidating Costa da Morte as one of the most comprehensive tourist destinations; our rich cultural and natural heritage, our gastronomy and craftsmanship, offer a complete experience for visitors; continuing on this path validates our efforts and points to a promising future for our destination.”
On the other hand, CMAT member and APTCM secretary, Damián Álvarez Tajes, accompanied by a marketing professional representing CMAT, participated in working meetings with more than twenty agencies and tour operators from around the world, presenting the Costa da Morte destination and giving them a USB with the new promotional video and the recently published map and guide editions. “Interest in Costa da Morte from tourism professionals grows every year,” highlighted Damián Álvarez Tajes.
Meeting with the Paradores
Director CMAT secretary and APTCM president, Pepe Formoso, along with Damián Álvarez Tajes, held a meeting at FITUR last Thursday with the director of Paradores, Raquel Sánchez. They proposed that the Parador in Costa da Morte, located in Muxía, reduce the time it is closed during the low season, with the aim of promoting destigmatization and supporting destination creation. Raquel Sánchez was receptive, as she was also to the possibility that Paradores, a publicly-owned entity, supports “a change in paradigm,” as Pepe Formoso highlights. What would it consist of? CMAT and APTCM representatives suggested to the director that Paradores, just as they offer their guests the gastronomic offerings of geodestination restaurants and active tourism activities, could also offer quality alternative accommodations in Costa da Morte. Pepe Formoso gives an example: “When someone calls Paradores requesting a reservation at the Muxía Parador and the establishment is full or closed; Paradores offers an alternative at another Parador elsewhere; what we want is for them to be able to offer and suggest the option of a Costa da Morte hotel establishment.” Because, in his opinion, “that’s how a destination is created,” highlights the CMAT secretary, who emphasizes that this philosophy “is in Paradores’ DNA.” In his view, “collaboration, the union of all actors in the tourism sector is fundamental.”
Also last Thursday, Manuel Muíño, on behalf of CMAT, received the SICTED Award, a recognition for destinations certified this year with the distinction from the Secretary of State for Tourism, the Tourist Quality System at Destination.
info: Costa da Morte Tourist Association CMAT Press Office. 679.486.961
