Grapes in Space
With everything that’s going on in the world right now, why would scientists sending wine into space? It turns out there is a very down to earth reason. And wine lovers should care.
Read my more in my Medium post, “Out-of-this-world wine.”
Spain as an Invaluable Enotourism Destination
Among Spain's many tourist attractions, its vineyards stand out as true gems. This was recently reaffirmed with the recognition of the Marqués de Riscal winery, awarded as the World’s Best Vineyard 2024. Enotourism in Spain has seen remarkable growth in recent years, leaving a significant mark on both its economy and culture. According to a report by SEGITTUR, Spain is home to the largest vineyard in the world, ranks as the third-largest global wine producer, and leads as the top exporter by volume. This sector plays a crucial role in employment and cultural identity, accounting for 2.2% of the national Gross Value Added (GVA) and generating approximately 425,000 jobs. Spain has successfully capitalized on these trends, drawing wine lovers and tasting enthusiasts alike. Initiatives such as Wine Routes and specialized fairs have been instrumental in diversifying and promoting enotourism, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Where is Tourism Leading? Tourist Trends for 2025
With only a few days left to close the year, I take this opportunity to reflect on the trends in key sectors with a global economic impact, such as tourism. In this article, I invite you to analyze the aspects that will endure and the trends that will define tourism in 2025. In Europe, according to data provided by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, regions like Europe, Africa, and the Middle East experienced significant growth, reaching remarkable figures after the pandemic. This trend will continue, and in Latin America and the Caribbean, although at a slower pace, a recovery is also being recorded. In the case of the Caribbean, growth is expected to rise due to the increased demand for cruises. In fact, as cited by the UN, 2024 was a positive year for the tourism industry, with a total of 1.1 billion tourists traveling to international destinations, representing a 98% recovery to pre-pandemic levels. These data are crucial for analyzing trends because, as I have pointed out in other articles, travelers' habits and consumer decisions are shaped by emerging factors. A few months ago, we discussed sustainable tourism and saw how this factor has become essential when choosing a destination.
Success Stories: Restaurants as Tourism Catalysts
Attracting large audiences and driving tourism is a challenge, especially for those aiming to position a country or region as an appealing destination. Today, however, the influence of brands and figures on social media has fueled trends that draw tourists seeking unique experiences, from iconic dishes to haute cuisine concepts. A prime example of this phenomenon is Crumbl Cookies, a franchise that has harnessed TikTok’s viral power to become a coveted brand. These cookies, seen as authentic gifts, have not only gone viral but have also evolved into a high-demand, high-value franchise. Additionally, many exclusive restaurants and products from specific countries create even more allure, motivating tourists to travel specifically for an authentic experience. This trend is notable among millennials: according to a survey by App Marketplace News, 53% of respondents have visited or ordered from a restaurant they discovered on TikTok. Certain tourist destinations are also distinguished by their culinary specialties, which, in addition to generating cultural identity, can drive large-scale tourism. Mexico with its tacos, Japan with sushi and ramen, Italy with gelato, pizza, and pasta, and Peru with ceviche represent dishes that cross borders, while various restaurants in these countries have boosted the appeal of visiting these places. In