A region with great diversity of landscapes, excellent gastronomy and infinite possibilities for events.
Last month, our Events Manager Rebecca had the opportunity to join the Catalunya Convention Bureau to visit Costa Daurada, the birthplace of Gaudi and home to the PortAventura World amusement park.
We’ve caught up with Rebecca to hear all the details of her experience and to learn more about this fantastic travel and events destination:
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Catalunya in Spain with #MeetCatalunya and was fortunate to meet with venue region representatives from the entire "Golden Coast" and over 70 international industry experts,
We jumped at the chance to explore Catalunya and all it has to offer and safe to say I was not disappointed. From sampling the wine and excellent gastronomy of Tarragona at El Pòsit del Serrallo to experiencing extraordinary exhibition spaces such as FiraReus Convention centre - it is clear that there is so much more Catalunya has to offer for the MICE industry than just the notable Barcelona.
1. Unique venues
Across the four provinces of Catalunya, there are a variety of great 4 and 5 star hotels with meeting spaces filled with character and charm such as Hotel Termes Montbrio and La Boella in Tarragona or amaze your delegates in a venue that brings together the best of history and technology at the Palau Tarragona. In the few days I spent in the area, I experienced a plethora of places which would be perfect for conferences, conventions, meetings and reward trips - from board meetings of 6 people to filling an auditorium with 1,500 Catalunya has an abundance of dynamic spaces that will amaze and inspire delegates.
2. Excellent Transport Links
Catalunya is very well connected and accessible. Utilise one of the 6 airports in the region with Barcelona, a top MICE destination, directly connecting 187 international airports around 174 cities in 58 countries. In just less than an hours high-speed train ride from the airport you can reach other cities such as Girona, Lloret de Mar and Stiges which are excellent cultural hubs, perfect to host an event.
3. Gastronomic Excellence
The most memorable part of any event is the food, it brings people together, educates and inspires - what better companion than delicious food when networking or closing a deal. Catalunya is recognised globally for it's fine dining so it should come as no surprise that 55 restaurants hold one or more Michelin stars. The region has excellent local meat, fish and vegetables which encourages less waste and a lower carbon footprint and therefore a more sustainable event.
4. Geographic Diversity
Catalunya is incredibly special due to its different terrains and Mediterranean climate. In a short time, you can travel from the Pre-Pyrenees in Lleida with high mountains, offering great trails for incentive days and adventure weekends, to the costal plains of Girona where you can enjoy very mild summers and the option to host a conference with a fantastic view.
5. Organising made SIMPLE
I had the pleasure of meeting representatives from not just excellent venues but also people from the various Convention Bureaus. Everyone was so helpful and accommodating providing an excellent forum for networking. The principle philosophy of the Catalan tourist board is based around the comradery of the regions in order to attract more tourists and make the customer journey easier. This is because they recognise that the MICE industry brings an enormous strength to the local economy and inhabitants and, therefore, don't allow the situation to become competitive - it is all about collaborating on projects as one city's success is beneficial to everyone. This means as an events organiser you know no matter who you contact, your best interests will always be put at the forefront and if a different city can meet your event criteria better - you will be pointed in the right direction.
I have discovered the region as an international events professional and I'm amazed by the extensive offering of the region geographically, gastronomically, the fantastic transport links and the incredible venues. I would like to extend a massive thank you to the Catalan Tourist Board, Catalunya Convention Bureau, the Sponsors and my industry peers for providing an enriching experience.
I left brimming with inspiration so if you are planning to take your delegates to the unique, exciting region of Catalunya - please get in touch and I would be happy to share my insights.
Get in touch at rebeccadb@reevention.co.uk or go to our website www.reevention.co.uk