On September 18, 2024, the Bretón Municipal Theater in Sepúlveda was the venue for the closing event of the European project “Inclusive Experiences against Depopulation” project and the launch of the collaborative platform RurAll.
Este innovador proyecto busca revitalizar comunidades rurales a través de experiencias turísticas inclusivas y sostenibles.
The day began with a warm welcome and introduction by Madá Cogo Project Manager of Aethnic, followed by the inauguration of the event by Irene MichelenaMayoress of Sepúlveda, and Inmaculada AguadoArea Head of the Sub-Directorate for Tourism Development and Sustainability of the Secretary of State for Tourism.
The first panel, entitled. “Weaving cooperation networks: Experiences and Challenges of RurAll”was moderated by Jesús Martín CEO of Aethnic.
In this round table, the following participated Fr.
Fernando Ruiz (Estercuel Node), Margarita Rodríguez (Oliete Node), Gemma Roselló (Molina de Aragón-Alto Tajo Node), Ana Herrero (Sepúlveda Node) and Domingo Albacete (Chiclana de Segura Node).
Margarita Rodríguez stated that “around the activities of the project we have been able to create new tourist experiences, being able to connect people, visitors and elements of the place and continue collaborating with allies. This allows us to make tangible new ways of discovering and relating to the territory.”
On the other hand, Ana Herrero emphasized that. “the construction of the node has allowed us to see the challenges we ourselves face”.
This was followed by the round table “Inclusion as an experience”moderated by Sandra Cascales (Sentir el Alto Tajo), included interventions by Gemma Roselló (Sentir el Alto Tajo), Xisca Rigó Pons y Raquel Martín Rodríguez.
Gemma Roselló stressed that “There is a need to normalize and know to break down barriers, offering tools for quality care for people with disabilities.” She also added “inclusive regenerative tourism helps to deseasonalize, as people with disabilities often have more time for tourism outside of tourist peaks.”
Xisca Rigó Pons emphasized that. “it is time to replicate projects like this as a strategy, as it is a learning experience for everyone”.
The event concluded with the round table “Identity as a lever for territorial growth”.moderated by Gustavo Stecher (Membranding).
It included presentations by Irene MichelenaMayor of Sepúlveda; Abel Morno (Mayor of Peralejos de las Truchas) and Tina Caja Rubio (Councilwoman of Peralejo de las Truchas).
The table highlighted “the importance of strengthening territorial identity as an engine for development”.
Francisco Rodríguez (Ideas for Change) was in charge of the closing and conclusions.
The meeting highlighted how the project RurAll has facilitated the creation of innovative tourism experiences that promote inclusion, networking and the strengthening of territorial identity.
The valuable insights shared during the event reinforced the need for continued collaboration to revitalize tourism in depopulated rural areas.
The project “Inclusive Experiences against Depopulation”.#RURALL is financed by the European Union – Next Generation EU and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and in consortium with Feeling the Upper Tagus, sponsoranolive.org, Ideas for Change, membranding y Aethnic.
