TravTalk India Online Magazine
Andalucía today is a modern region of Spain and while it is conscious of the need to move forward with times, it is also careful to maintain its cultural heritage and monuments, legacy of the region’s ancestors.
The diversity of landscapes and geographical terrain of Andalucía gives rise to an array of environments that go from the heat of the Guadalquivir River valley through to luxuriant mid-mountain areas, volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert, and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada.
In barely 40 km you can go from Alpine mountain landscapes to tropical areas on the shores of the Mediterranean. The coast of Andalucía stretches for almost 900 km and is home to a large number of cities, towns and beaches. The ensemble represents a range of attractions for tourists that goes from impressive monuments in large towns to small villages, which are a constant source of inspiration for all kinds of artists.
Live virtual session for Thomas Cook India
Turespaña Office in India, together in collaboration with the Andalucía Tourist Board and their participating tourism boards of Córdoba, Granada, Costa del Sol-Málaga and Sevilla, recently organised a two-hour live virtual training session for Thomas Cook India (TCIL). It was attended by more than 130 employees of TCIL from across India.
Besides in-depth destination presentations by the official tourism boards, the interactive session had some light moments of 15 minutes live tutorial on flamenco dancing by an artist from Málaga, Maria Victoria Blanco Granado. The knowledge quiz captured much attention with winners taking away Amazon E-Gift Vouchers worth Rs 1,000 each for every correct answer.
Córdoba
Cordoba today is a city of immense monumental wealth, having been declared a part of Humanity’s Heritage in 1994, with art and history to be found in every alleyway, patio and square. The city is best known for its Mosque, a unique building which highlights the splendour of this one-time Caliphate. We must not forget the Cathedral inside the Mosque and the myriad of other charms and locations that this city has to offer.
Granada
Granada is a city that will captivate all senses: your sense of sight with its impressive monuments such as the Alhambra, the Cathedral and the stunning landscapes seen from the viewpoint of San Nicolás; the sense of smell with its jasmine blossom scented streets in the Albaicín district; the sense of hearing with the flamenco celebrations of the Sacromonte; the sense of touch when you cast your hand over the ancient stones of the buildings; sense of taste when you try the delicious local dishes. Granada is a city of kings.
Costa del Sol – Málaga
Costa del Sol – Málaga is the gateway to Andalucía. The province of Málaga means beaches and nature, cosmopolitan cities, culture and history, inland landscapes and beautiful, postcard-worthy villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is the perfect place to escape to, discover new places and live out unforgettable experiences. The tourism board of Costa del Sol-Málaga would love to inspire and share their knowledge about the destination.
Sevilla
Impossible to find another urban centre which boasts such varied and unusual monuments and places of such beauty as the Giralda, the Cathedral, Reales Alcázares, the patios of its traditional houses, as well as an endless number of churches, which convert the ancient city centre into an open-air museum. Add to this, its taverns, its cuisine, its festivals, and the humour and hospitality of its people, you have a city that’s full of tradition and modernity.
Winners Speak
Erwin Fulgado, Senior Manager – Long Haul Products, FIT Leisure Travel Outbound – MUMBAI
Travellers to Spain can dance their way to this Southern Surprise that awaits them. This beautiful region is inspired by the birthplace of the intriguing Flamenco art. The Andalusian region has something to offer for everyone – from pretty beaches, to deep-rooted history, delicious culinary experiences, culture and its friendly people!
Deepak Kumar, Branch In charge Leisure Travel, Outbound Business – NEW DELHI
Andalucia has a lot to offer for everyone, be it a nightlife, beaches or nature. One of the best features of Andalucia’s beaches, apart from the soft sand and clear waters, are the beach bars selling fresh fish and salads. The virtual session conducted for us was really good and we got to learn a lot more about Andalucia as a destination.
Sakshi Khanna, Assistant Manager, Trade Relationships – MUMBAI
Andalucia, a destination that holds true to the fact there is something for everyone. Experience culture and history at the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba, hiking at Sierra de Grazalema natural park, soak up some sun at Malaga. Such an experiential destination and not to forget the scrumptious food!
Devaki Apte, Assistant Manager, Leisure Travel Outbound – MUMBAI
The training was absolutely brilliant, covering places like Seville, Malaga, and Cordoba. We were able to witness the culture of Andalucia through this training for e.g. watch a Flamenco performance. They also conducted a quiz which covered history, food and festivals. Thank you so much Turespaña.
Flamenco, World Heritage
On 16 November 2010 Flamenco was designated World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
A fact which strengthens and asserts the importance of this hallmark of Andalucían artistic expression. Such significant recognition also highlights its national and international importance.
The year following its declaration as World Heritage, as an anniversary celebration for this event which commemorates the importance of our cultural heritage, the Andalucían Regional Government declared this date “Flamenco Day in Andalusia”.
Since then, this important date is commemorated with many activities relating to Flamenco: conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and shows among others.
