Turismo de Galicia has reported a significant surge in visitors to the Valdeorras region, with a 43% increase in the number of tourists recorded up to September this year. This growth is complemented by a remarkable doubling of international visitors.
Xosé Merelles, the director of Turismo de Galicia, participated in an event along the honey route in Rubiá, which is part of the V Nueve programme supported by the Xunta de Galicia. The initiative aimed to showcase the natural and ethnographic values of Valdeorras, as well as its apicultural traditions.
The day began at the Visitor Centre of the Serra da Enciña da Lastra Natural Park, where participants learned about the area's environmental significance. They then visited Oulego, where representatives from the local beekeeping company, El Marquesado, introduced them to traditional structures used for protecting beehives. The visit included insights into the characteristics of honey and its connection to the local landscape.
Merelles emphasised the potential of Valdeorras' natural and productive resources to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen its identity. He highlighted the ongoing support from the Xunta for the region's tourism development, which includes initiatives such as the Sustainable Tourism Plan, the promotion of the Trevinca-Valdeorras geodestination, support for wine tourism, and improvements to the Camino de Invierno pilgrimage route.
Merelles noted that Valdeorras possesses a wealth of natural, cultural, and gastronomic resources, providing numerous opportunities for unique tourism experiences linked to the region's identity. He stated, "Through initiatives like the Honey Route, we also aim to highlight lesser-known resources and promote new ways to explore the area."
According to data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), Valdeorras experienced a 54.6% increase in visitors and a 94.5% rise in overnight stays during July and August compared to the same months in 2025. Overall, the number of visitors to the region has increased by over 43% this year, with overnight stays rising by 64.6%. The number of international tourists has more than doubled, while national visitors have increased by 35%.
These developments reflect the Xunta's commitment to promoting Valdeorras as a sustainable and diverse tourist destination, aimed at enhancing the region's appeal and generating economic opportunities.
