The Castle of Vimianzo has unveiled the first device in a network that will measure tourist influx and improve planning for the destination. In collaboration with the Costa da Morte Tourism Association (CMAT), Turismo de Galicia is installing a series of visitor counters at various tourist sites in the region to better understand visitor flows and move towards more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven management.
Since its launch on 9 October, the device at the Castle of Vimianzo has recorded over 2,300 visitors, averaging 95 people daily. Initial results indicate a higher concentration of visits during weekends, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
The initiative plans to install four counters throughout 2026, including one in the municipality of Laxe, with intentions to gradually expand the network to other strategic locations. These systems will facilitate the analysis of seasonality, identify peak times, and adapt tourism services to the actual needs of each site.
Xosé Merelles, the director of Turismo de Galicia, visited the Castle of Vimianzo to observe the device's operation and emphasised the importance of having objective information to aid decision-making. The data collected will be used to enhance planning for schedules, signage, parking, services, and promotional activities, promoting a more balanced distribution of visitors.
This initiative comes amid a backdrop of growing tourism in Costa da Morte. According to data accumulated until September 2026, the destination welcomed 136,321 travellers, a 13.4% increase compared to the same period last year, while overnight stays rose by 9.1%, reaching 286,772. Notably, international tourism saw a significant rise of 24.7%.
The implementation of these tools marks a step towards a smarter tourism management model that balances the growth of activity with the preservation of heritage, the quality of visitor experiences, and the well-being of the local population.
