Nearly 40 companies linked to accommodation, hospitality, active tourism, and travel agencies participated in a working session on cycling tourism and tourism marketing in Ossa de Montiel on 25 October 2026. The event, held at the Fábrica de Esencias de Peñarrubia del Alto Guadiana, was organised under the SACAM Comprehensive Action Plan by the Diputación de Albacete.
The session was attended by Yolanda Ballesteros, the provincial deputy responsible for the 2030 Agenda and European Funds, and brought together tourism professionals to explore the potential for developing a cycling-related offer that encompasses sports and nature experiences.
Focus on cycling tourism development
During the session, various aspects related to the organisation of available tourism resources, collaboration between companies, and the adaptation of services to meet the needs of cycling tourists were discussed, with particular emphasis on the Vía Verde Sierra de Alcaraz and its surroundings.
Topics included the creation of a tourism product that connects cycling routes with other local resources and services, such as accommodation, gastronomy, cultural heritage, and active tourism activities. Participants also considered the development of a common identity for cycling tourism and sports tourism offers, as well as the elements necessary for their identification and marketing.
Gamification and complementary experiences
Another topic addressed was the application of gamification tools to tourism activities. These proposals aim to incorporate participatory dynamics, challenges, and complementary experiences into cycling routes, linking sports practice with knowledge of local municipalities, natural spaces, and cultural and heritage resources.
Different possibilities for applying these tools and integrating them into the services offered by tourism companies were also explored.
Vía Verde Sierra de Alcaraz and associated services
The Vía Verde Sierra de Alcaraz was highlighted as a key resource for cycling tourism. Discussions included the need for connections between routes, associated services, and the importance of coordinated information on accommodation, dining, bicycle rentals, and other complementary activities.
Additionally, the organisation of resources related to the cycling tourism centre and its nodes was examined, along with the opportunities presented by multi-stage routes to create varied tourism experiences.
Specialised training and tourism marketing
The event featured Agnès Güell i Fàbregas, director of Extrem Team Consultors and an expert in sports tourism and cycling tourism, alongside Bea Ariza, responsible for Events & Tours at Gran Fondo Community. They discussed the different profiles of cyclists, their needs during travel, and the characteristics of the services they require.
Topics covered included designing routes for different levels and interests, coordination between accommodation and dining establishments, the availability of specific bicycle services, and the incorporation of cultural, gastronomic, and nature activities. Various channels for promoting, distributing, and selling tourism experiences were also analysed, with attention given to collaboration among companies to create packages that can be booked and contracted together.
Exchange of experiences and business collaboration
The meeting facilitated knowledge and experience exchange among professionals from various sectors of tourism, aiming to identify common needs and potential collaboration opportunities. This event is part of the training and working activities outlined in the SACAM Comprehensive Action Plan, which focuses on analysing the region's tourism resources and involving companies in the development of products related to cycling tourism and sports tourism.
