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