In the framework of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2024, the government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, has visited this important event of the sector with the aim of highlighting the initiatives and achievements in the region in the field of tourism. Since 2019, the Government of Spain has allocated a total of 116 million euros to Extremadura, an investment that reflects the commitment of the Executive to the tourism development of the region.
During this period, 20 Tourism Sustainability Plans have been promoted, which include Cohesion Actions in Destinations, with a total investment of 86.35 million euros. These plans not only position our peoples as referents in sustainable tourism, but also promote the creation of specialized tourism products, the digitalization of territories and the development of infrastructures and public facilities.
Direct aid to companies has been another fundamental pillar, with a total of 7.2 million euros aimed at promoting social sustainability, energy efficiency and digitalisation in the tourism sector. These measures are designed to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector, ensuring a prosperous future for the tourism industry in our region.
In the area of historical heritage, the Government has invested more than 22 million euros in the Extremadura community. In this sense, Quintana has highlighted actions such as the 2.5 million euros in the Monastery of Yuste; 4 million euros for the revitalization of Cáparra and the castle of Montemolín; 1.9 million in the Parador de Guadalupe, or the 8 million destined to the Museum of Cáceres through the Modernization and Tourism Competitiveness Plan financed with European funds. In addition, the Heritage Boost Plan in the region approved investments for projects such as the Calatrava Market in Mérida and the Almohade Wall in Cáceres. These investments in cultural heritage not only reinforce the tourist attraction of Extremadura, but also generates employment and local development.
As for the employment situation in the tourism sector, the data are encouraging. Employment in this sector in Extremadura increased by 2.7% in December, reaching a total of 20,983 employees affiliated to the Social Security, which represents an increase of 3.0%. Likewise, the number of self-employed persons in high employment stood at 7,904, with an increase of 1.7%.
The government delegate in Extremadura has pointed out that “investment in sustainable tourism and in the improvement of our heritage is a priority for the Government of Spain. At FITUR, we have the opportunity to show the world the potential of Extremadura as an attractive, sustainable and historic tourist destination.” With this visit to FITUR, Quintana reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Pedro Sánchez to the tourist development of the Extremadura community, betting on a model that respects and enhances our natural and cultural riches.