Murcia hosts ITW2 in Caravaca de la Cruz

From November 18 to 21, Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain, will host the second thematic workshop and study visit for the SlowDown project, bringing together representatives from nine European countries committed to developing sustainable and ‘slow’ tourism. Organized by the Region of Murcia, the only Spanish partner in the consortium, this event is part of the Interreg Europe program, co-funded by the European Union.

Over these several days, public and private entities from Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Finland, Latvia, Ireland, France, Romania, and Spain will gather to share best practices, explore innovative methodologies, and strengthen cooperation around a tourism model that respects local environments and promotes sustainability.

The official agenda will kick off on November 19 at the Caravaca de la Cruz Visitor Center with an institutional session, followed by a series of workshops. Topics include enhancing local stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and showcasing best practices. These sessions aim to foster learning and collaboration among the project’s partners.

The program also features several study visits around the region. Participants will experience a pilgrim’s journey to Caravaca, explore the natural landscapes of the Fuentes del Marqués, and visit the Wine Horses Museum, Caravaca’s historic center, and a local shoe factory, encouraging a direct connection with the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

On November 20, the group will travel to Bullas, where they will tour the bioclimatic apartments at the Centre for Agroecology and Environment (CEAMA). The day will conclude with a wine tourism experience at a D.O. Bullas winery, highlighting the region’s rich wine heritage.

The event will close on November 21 with the project’s second interregional coordination meeting, focusing on upcoming tasks and potential improvements to sustainable tourism policies within the Interreg Europe framework.