- Gastronomy tourism is the primary motive for choosing Spain as a destination
- 5 million international tourists engage in gastronomic activities
- The agri-food industry generates the most employment
THE REAL ACADEMIA DE GASTRONOMÍA AND THE BASQUE CULINARY CENTER JOIN CÍRCULO FORTUNY AS HONORARY MEMBERS Fifteen percent of tourists who visited Spain last year cited cuisine as their primary motivation.
Enjoying healthy, sustainable, and gratifying food has become one of the most important human activities and it plays a fundamental role in the Spanish economy.
It generated the most satisfaction from the 68 million visitors, along with transport and infrastructure, explained Mr. Rafael Ansón, Chairman of the Real Academia de Gastronomía (Royal Academy of Gastronomy), during the Círculo Fortuny joining ceremony, where he also remarked: “The Royal Academy’s membership in Círculo Fortuny represents the definitive consolidation of our cuisine in the world of culture, excellence, and luxury in the best sense of the word. We are proud to be a part of this select Círculo that incorporates some of our best institutions and companies.”
The association—chaired by Mr. Carlos Falcó, Marqués de Griñón— which is the only alliance recognised internationally as a representative of Spain’s high-end firms and institutions of excellence, also includes the Basque Culinary Center as a new honorary member.
Its managing director, Mr. Joxe Mari Aizega, remarked: “Since its inception, the Basque Culinary Center has pursued excellence and innovation in the education it provides and the projects it undertakes. It is a pioneering centre in Spain with tremendous international visibility and recognition. For these reasons, and because Círculo Fortuny is an association that recognises and shares our values, it is an honour to be a part of this great family of prestigious Spanish companies.”
The three institutions are united in an effort to strengthen the country’s agri-food culture and to position Spain as one of the world’s culinary front-runners.
“The incorporation of the Real Academia de Gastronomía and the Basque Culinary Center strengthens Círculo Fortuny’s role as representative and promoter of Spanish excellence. Spain’s cutting-edge cuisine, whose leadership is now recognised worldwide, offers an essential contribution to the international image of Spain” –Mr. Carlos Falcó, Marqués de Griñón, Executive Chairman of Círculo Fortuny.[
