Dénia is stepping up its efforts to attract food-loving visitors from across Spain and beyond after taking part in a national gathering focused on the future of gastronomic tourism.
The Costa Blanca town was represented at the annual assembly of Saborea España in Ciudad Real, where tourism officials and representatives from leading Spanish food destinations discussed plans to develop the sector and make local cuisine an increasingly important part of the visitor experience.
Mayor Rafa Carrió and Pepa Cardona, head of Dénia Town Hall’s tourism service, attended the meetings, which took place alongside the Enogastronomic Destinations conference on October 7 and 8.
Why Dénia is putting food at the heart of tourism
The meetings brought together destinations looking to develop tourism experiences around regional produce, local traditions and the places where food originates.
Held under the theme ‘Destinations with Origin’, the conference explored how agricultural producers, fishing communities and other parts of the primary sector can play a greater role in attracting visitors.
Discussions also covered changing food tourism trends, digital technology, international best practice and ways to make culinary experiences easier for visitors to discover, book and enjoy.
For Dénia, the discussions offer an opportunity to share its approach with other destinations while learning how to develop its own offering further.
The town has increasingly positioned its identity around Mediterranean cuisine, local ingredients, restaurants and the relationship between food and the surrounding landscape.
Rather than treating gastronomy simply as an attraction for holidaymakers, Dénia aims to use it as a way to support local businesses, celebrate its heritage and encourage more sustainable tourism.
The international recognition behind its ambitions
Dénia has held UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status since 2015, placing it within an international network of cities that use creativity as a driver of sustainable development.
The designation recognises the importance of gastronomy beyond the restaurant industry, connecting food with culture, innovation, environmental responsibility and economic development.
It also provides opportunities for cooperation and knowledge-sharing with other cities working to strengthen their own food cultures.
Participation in Saborea España gives Dénia another platform to promote its culinary identity nationally and build relationships with destinations pursuing similar goals.
The association’s assembly also examined the work carried out during 2026 and outlined priorities for 2027, alongside discussions about its finances and future activities.
What the plans mean for Dénia
Mayor Carrió said gastronomy remained one of the town’s greatest strengths, helping communicate its identity, showcase local produce and express its Mediterranean way of life.
He also highlighted the value of belonging to a network of gastronomic destinations, allowing members to exchange knowledge and work towards tourism that is more sustainable, experiential and closely connected to local communities.
The wider challenge is to turn that reputation into experiences that benefit visitors and residents alike, from promoting regional products to strengthening links between tourism and the businesses that produce and prepare food.
Dénia’s presence in Ciudad Real reinforces its commitment to a tourism strategy built around gastronomy, sustainability, creativity and innovation.
With its established UNESCO recognition and continued participation in national initiatives, the town is seeking to ensure that its food culture remains a defining feature of its appeal on the Costa Blanca.