The first edition of Torrelavega Slow has been deemed a success, with 236 participants engaging in a variety of free activities designed to promote tourism in the municipality. The initiative ran from 5 September to 31 October and recorded a total of 295 registrations for the 250 available spots.
García Viñas noted that the programme provided opportunities to explore the natural, scenic, and cultural heritage of Torrelavega through activities that blend nature, wellness, history, and family entertainment. She emphasised the strong interest shown by both local residents and visitors from other municipalities in Cantabria, with 52% of participants hailing from Torrelavega and the remaining 48% from nearby areas including Santander, Suances, and Cartes.
Activity highlights
Over the course of the initiative, Torrelavega Slow offered 18 sessions across four main activities. The sessions included:
- Respira. La Viesca al amanecer - 75 participants
- Explora. Monte Dobra y Ruta del Cuaternario - 69 participants
- Conecta. Slow & Play en Las Tablas - 52 participants
- Escucha. Industria, paisaje y Vía Verde - an electric bike route with 40 participants
Each activity was conducted in small groups, with a maximum of 15 participants per session, and electric bike routes limited to 10 for safety reasons. Despite the 250 available spots, 236 individuals actively participated after accounting for cancellations and no-shows.
Participant feedback
Feedback collected from participants revealed a high level of satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.53 out of 5. The organisation and coordination of the programme received 4.54, while the guiding team achieved the highest score of 4.69. Additionally, 93.3% of respondents recommended the activities, underscoring the positive reception of this inaugural edition.
Participants particularly appreciated the professionalism and knowledge of the guides, the opportunity to discover local spaces, and the focus on nature and wellness activities.
Future suggestions
The feedback survey also gathered suggestions for future editions. Participants expressed interest in expanding the programme to other times of the year, incorporating activities for families and seniors, and offering new experiences related to nature and wellness. Improvements regarding accessibility and the maintenance of bicycles and natural areas were also suggested.
García Viñas confirmed that these contributions will be considered when planning the future of Torrelavega Slow and exploring new proposals that align with participants' interests.
About Torrelavega Slow
Launched to provide new experiences for both residents and visitors, Torrelavega Slow aims to showcase the municipality's resources such as La Viesca, Monte Dobra, the Vía Verde, and the Las Tablas area. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the local tourism offering and highlight Torrelavega's natural, scenic, and industrial heritage.
Torrelavega Slow is promoted by the Torrelavega City Council and is funded by the Cantabria Government's Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sport through the General Directorate of Tourism.
