Andújar becomes the first city in Andalusia to be part of the World Religio

Andújar becomes the first city in Andalusia to be part of the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Network

24-01-25

Andújar makes history by becoming the first Andalusian city and the second in Spain to join the prestigious World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Network, a program of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, consolidating its position as an international reference in religious and natural tourism. This achievement highlights the rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of our city, especially through the Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza, the oldest in Spain, nestled in the incomparable setting of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Andújar, the last refuge of the Iberian lynx.

The act of adhesion was held in the pavilion of SKAL Spain, where a day full of recognition and projection for our city was lived. During the event, Pilar Valdés, Director General of the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Network, presented a commemorative diploma to the Mayor of Andújar, Francisco Carmona, who stressed the importance of this recognition for the international promotion of our heritage, cultural and natural wealth.

Accompanying the Mayor of Andújar were the General Secretary of Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía, Yolanda Aguilar, the Delegate of the government of the Junta Jesús Estrella, the provincial Deputy of Culture and Education, África Colomo, the president of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, Antonio Santos del Valle, the president of SKAL, Francisco Rivero and the journalist Alfredo Urdaci as presenter, as well as the president of the Brotherhood Matriz de la Virgen de la Cabeza, Manuel Gómez and the Elder Sister,

Isabel Barrios. Also present were the Councillor for Promotion, Trade and Tourism, Juan Carlos Martínez, the Councillor for Patronal Festivities and Traditions, María José Fuentes, and the Councillor for Festivities, Antonio Torres, reﬂejando the institutional support and commitment of the government team with this important achievement.

In her speech, Pilar Valdés highlighted the uniqueness of Andújar as a key destination for religious tourism thanks to its spiritual heritage and its privileged natural environment.

Subsequently, the mayor, Francisco Carmona, addressed a few words in which he stressed the importance of the Royal Basilica Shrine of the Virgen de la Cabeza, the nerve center of the pilgrimage that, in 2027, will celebrate its eighth centenary. He also highlighted the importance of the Holy Week of Andujar and the richness of our natural and rural tourism, fundamental pillars to continue building the future of our city as a tourist destination of excellence.

The closing of the event was in charge of the General Secretary of Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía, Yolanda Aguilar, who congratulated the City Council of Andújar for the work done for months to achieve this important recognition. Aguilar stressed that this milestone not only places Andujar at the forefront of religious tourism, but also opens new opportunities for other Andalusian cities that want to join this global network. She was also accompanied by the delegate of the Government of Andalusia, Jesus Estrella, who also expressed his congratulations to the city for its effort and commitment.

The event was attended by many local businessmen, who appreciated this decisive step to promote religious and spiritual tourism, a booming sector both nationally and internationally. As a climax, the poster of the Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza was presented again, in a special moment with the participation of the president of the Brotherhood Matriz, Manuel Gómez.

The event was also attended by members of the Municipal Corporation and the deputy of Tourism of the Diputación de Jaén, who reaﬁrm their support for the tourist development of the city of Andújar.

The event, organized by the technical team of the City Council of Andujar in collaboration with SKAL Spain and the World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Network, included the projection of an institutional video that showed the public the wonders that make Andujar a unique place.

From the City Council of Andujar, thanked the involvement of all institutions, organizations and citizens who have contributed to make possible this achievement, which undoubtedly will mark a before and after in the tourist and cultural development of our city, and stated that “Andujar continues its way as an Andalusian and national reference, taking its essence beyond our borders.”

Press contact: José Corbella - (+3ti) 615 177 866

In collaboration with:

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Legal notice