SIE, Spain is Excellence brings together key figures from the tourism, gastronomy and media sectors at Galería Canalejas for an event that reinforces the role of cuisine as a strategic tool for positioning
At a time when gastronomy is establishing itself as one of the main drivers of high-value tourism, SIE, Spain is Excellence held a new edition of SIExquisito yesterday at Galería Canalejas, an event that brought together around fifty attendees —23 in each of the two sessions— including executives from the tourism sector, SIE partners, influential figures from the gastronomic world, and editors of lifestyle and travel media.
Under the concept “Spain, bite by bite”, the event offered an experiential journey through different ways of understanding contemporary gastronomy, bringing together produce, territory and creativity as key elements in shaping Spain’s tourism offering.
The event was structured around three gastronomic experiences designed by leading figures in the sector, members of SIE, who not only showcased culinary offerings but also different ways of understanding how a high-value tourist experience is crafted today.
Anantara Villa Padierna presented a journey that went beyond mere tasting to highlight the diversity of its gastronomic offering as an essential part of the destination experience. Through a tour of its various spaces, the proposal demonstrated how gastronomy can serve as the common thread of a coherent tourism project, where every detail reflects a single identity.
For its part, Marbella Tourism adopted a more strategic approach, using gastronomy as a meeting point between cultures. The collaboration between the TAKUMI restaurant and Casa Pablo’s fortified wines from Jerez not only offered a unique pairing but also reflected a growing trend in high-end destinations: the ability to create hybrid offerings that combine local tradition with international influences, thereby enhancing the destination’s standing.
SixSens’ proposal introduced an approach centred on the creative process. Far from presenting a final result, the experience allowed attendees to delve into the ‘making of’ a gastronomic event, demonstrating how concepts such as narrative, aesthetics and product come together to create memorable experiences.
This type of event reflects a shift in the way high-end tourism is understood, where the gastronomic experience ceases to be a mere complement and becomes a strategic factor in the decision to travel.
Beyond the culinary offering, attendees also had the opportunity to discover the history of Galería Canalejas, also a member of SIE, one of Madrid’s most iconic venues, reinforcing the link between heritage, experience and lifestyle.
“Gastronomy is no longer just a bonus of the trip; it is one of the main reasons for choosing a destination. Spain is in a privileged position, but the challenge lies in how we transform that wealth into experiences that truly make a difference,” says Ana Alonso, CEO of SIE, Spain is Excellence.
With initiatives such as SIExquisito, SIE, Spain is Excellence, is reinforcing its commitment to promoting experiences that go beyond gastronomy, consolidating a tourism model based on excellence, attention to detail and authenticity, and helping to project a solid, contemporary and distinctive image of Spain on the international stage.
