Two Selling Travel Connect: Spain events were held towards the end of January. The first was on January 28 at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. That was followed a day later by an event at The Old Library in Birmingham.
Representatives of four of Spain’s inland regions were present. They outlined the unique selling points of Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon and Extremadura.
Spain
Travel agents heard that Spain has a total of 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities. That is reflected in the diversity of regional cuisines, festivals and architecture.
“These regions offer an authentic and enriching alternative to traditional beach holidays. From the historic charm of Toledo and Salamanca to the breathtaking landscapes of Aragón, and the incredibly well-preserved medieval quarters of Extremadura, there’s a wealth of culture, gastronomy and adventure to explore,” said Esther Rojo Barroso, Head of MICE, Luxury, Culture, City Breaks, Gastronomy and Wine and Wellness at the Spanish Tourist Office in London.
She continued: “Most importantly, these places boast fewer crowds, better value for money and a deeper connection to the country’s heritage. For holidaymakers seeking unique experiences beyond the coast, these regions provide unforgettable scenery, history and warm hospitality.”
Selling Spain
The August 12, 2026 solar eclipse represents a key opportunity to sell holidays in Spain. The eclipse will be total in parts of the country.
New for the summer of 2025, Vueling has introduced flights from London Heathrow to Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao. Meanwhile, easyJet is introducing flights to Reus from Belfast and Glasgow.
Jet2 has started flying from Bournemouth. Routes to Alicante and the Canary Islands are among the Spanish destinations served.
From Leeds-Bradford, flights become available this year to Jerez, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.
From Manchester, easyJet is introducing flights to Madrid in June. And in April, Jet2 will begin operating a route from Manchester to Jerez, which will also be connected from Birmingham in August.
Malaga will receive flights from Liverpool from August. From March, they will arrive twice a week from Newcastle.
Representatives of the four regions present shared the following key points with attendees:
Aragon
In the northwest of the Iberian peninsula, Aragon has 160 mountains whose peaks exceed 3,000 metres and offers holidaymakers a variety of winter sports. The landscape also means a diverse active tourism portfolio, including rafting, kayaking and cycle touring.
With 18 protected natural areas, including Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, ecotourism plays a significant role in Aragon’s offering to international visitors.
Aragon has three provinces – Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel – and is well connected by high-speed trains. Zaragoza has direct flights from London Stansted.
In the likes of Mirambel, Sos del Rey Católico and Aínsa, Aragon is dotted with 15 characterful settlements designated among the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Aragon has four wine routes and Cariñena has been named European Wine City 2025.
Castilla-La Mancha
Southeast of Madrid, and easily accessible from the Spanish capital, Castilla-La Mancha is the home of the renowned film director Pedro Almodóvar.
The cities of Toledo and Cuenca are UNESCO World Heritage Sites while the region’s dark skies mean that Cabañeros National Park, the Sierra de Segura mountain range, and Cielos de Guadalajara are among the region’s 290 starlight destinations.
Castilla-La Mancha has several high-quality golf courses that can be played before heading out to appreciate the region’s culinary offerings. Known as ‘the largest vineyard in the world’, the region has six notable routes along which travellers can experience its winemaking heritage.
Castilla y León
In the northwest of the Iberian peninsula, Castilla y León is more than double the size of the Netherlands and has nine provinces. High-speed trains connect Madrid with seven of its cities, including Salamanca, Zamora and Valladolid.
For travellers who enjoy a challenge, it’s possible to cycle to Castilla y León by following the EuroVelo1 long-distance cycling route that passes through the UK.
Dotted with more than 300 castles, 400 museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visiting brings opportunities to explore glass blowing in Segovia, the archaeological site of Atapuerca near Burgos that has evidence of the earliest human existence in Europe and the gold mining history of Las Médulas. Las Loras UNESCO Global Geopark has dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops.
The Way of El Cid, Route of the Spanish Language and Charles V Route are among the themed cultural routes offering travellers insights into the region and nation. The ‘French Way’ pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela traverses Castilla y León.
With more than 30 protected natural areas, including 10 UNESCO biosphere reserves, there’s lots to do for hikers and people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Nine wine routes explore the winemaking and culinary heritage of a region with more than 5,000 restaurants and 20 Michelin stars.
Extremadura
In the Iberian peninsula’s west, Extremadura borders Portugal and can be explored by driving from Lisbon or Madrid.
Urban highlights include the UNESCO-designated cities of Cáceres, Guadalupe and Mérida. Badajoz, Plasencia, Trujillo and Zafra are among others that warrant exploration.
Extremadura may appeal to fans of popular television shows. Cáceres, Trujillo and Los Barruecos were filming locations in the seventh series of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
The region’s Roman heritage can be explored along the Silver Route and includes a theatre in Mérida that’s still used for performances. It hosts a long-established international theatre festival that runs from June into August.
Home to the world’s largest colony of black vultures, Extremadura is a popular bird-watching destination. Monfragüe National Park, La Siberia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UNESCO Global Geopark provide beautiful backdrops for birding and also offer a range of outdoor activities.
The region is known for its freshwater activities, including river cruising and fishing.
The sustainability of Extremadura’s gastronomy, as well as its diverse flavours and heritage, plays a role in its appeal. With three Michelin stars, Atrio in Cáceres is one of the leading gastronomic destinations in Spain.
Prize-winning travel agents
Travel agents attending the Selling Travel Connect: Spain events could drop their cards into prize draws. They had opportunities to win goody bags that included wine from regions attending or a fam trip.
The cards selected in Bristol were those of Caroline North, Thea Gillingham, Suzie Bowling, Martin Flanagan and Charlotte Hingston.
The prize winners in Birmingham were Rohit Prabhakar, Sandra Mutter, Paul Bird, Donna Edwards and Dave Allen.
Future Selling Travel Connect events
See the Selling Travel Connect Calendar to find out about the events which are planned and to register. The next events will have Asia as their theme and will be held in London (February 24) and Chester (February 25).
We look forward to welcoming you to an event soon.
