Seville hosts the first Oleotourism Spain Congress in 2025
On 18 September 2025, Seville will become the epicentre of sustainable tourism in Spain with the celebration of the 1st Oleotourism Spain Congress. Organised by the Provincial Council of Seville, through Prodetur, and in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Olive-Growing Municipalities (AEMO), the event will bring together institutions, companies and professionals to discuss and analyse the future of oleotourism in Spain.
Framed within the ‘Tourism Experiences Spain 2023’ programme and funded by Next Generation EU funds, the congress aims to consolidate oleotourism as a driver of territorial, cultural and economic development, strengthening sustainability and innovation in tourism experiences linked to olive oil.
What is oleotourism?
Oleotourism is a form of experiential tourism that allows visitors to immerse themselves in olive oil culture, from production to history and gastronomy. It offers the opportunity to discover first-hand the production processes of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), visit traditional olive mills and take part in tastings, workshops and cultural routes, highlighting the health benefits of olive oil and its gastronomic value.
Beyond its cultural and culinary importance, oleotourism has a strong sustainability component, as it promotes local economies in rural areas and encourages environmentally responsible practices. It therefore becomes an effective strategy to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of olive-growing regions while attracting travellers seeking authentic and responsible experiences.
Objectives of the 1st Oleotourism Spain Congress
The main mission of the congress is to strengthen the oleotourism sector in Spain through collaboration between institutions, companies and industry experts. Its key objectives include:
1. Analysing the future of oleotourism in Spain
The event will examine growth opportunities, current challenges and trends shaping oleotourism nationally and internationally, helping to position Spain as a leading olive oil tourism destination.
2. Promoting sustainability and territorial cooperation
A core focus is to encourage collaboration between olive oil producing regions, enhancing circular economy models, environmental sustainability and cooperation between municipalities, provincial councils and companies.
3. Innovating tourism experiences and products
The congress will showcase new tourism experiences adapted to current travel demands, including cultural routes, cooking workshops, EVOO tastings and olive mill activities, helping to diversify the offer and reach wider audiences.
4. Strengthening promotion and marketing of oleotourism
The event also aims to increase the visibility of oleotourism in national and international markets through marketing strategies that emphasise authenticity and sustainability.
Key congress activities
The programme is designed to foster idea exchange, learning and professional collaboration. Main activities include:
Talks and round tables
Experts in sustainable tourism, innovation and destination marketing will discuss oleotourism trends and opportunities, sharing success stories and best practices.
Award ceremony of the 1st Oleotourism Spain Awards
The congress will host the first industry awards, recognising the most innovative and sustainable initiatives and encouraging excellence across the sector.
Institutional event
An official ceremony will highlight the importance of the national oleotourism network, which currently includes more than 300 associated companies, strengthening strategic alliances between regions.
The importance of oleotourism in Spain
Global leadership in olive oil production
Spain is the world’s leading olive oil producer, making oleotourism a strategic tool to promote olive oil culture and generate local economic development.
Preservation of cultural and natural heritage
Oleotourism helps protect and enhance cultural and natural heritage in olive-growing regions, preserving landscapes, traditional mills and sustainable farming practices.
Economic growth and local employment
Tourism linked to olive oil creates direct and indirect employment, strengthens local commerce and promotes circular economy models in rural communities.
Promotion of sustainability
The congress highlights environmental, social and economic sustainability, reinforcing Spain’s image as a responsible tourism destination.
Conclusion
The 1st Oleotourism Spain Congress in Seville marks a milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and olive oil culture in Spain, positioning oleotourism as a strategic sector for the country’s future.
The event offers a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to discover innovative trends, learn best practices and build alliances that strengthen the future of oleotourism in Spain.
