Turisme Garrotxa celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at the Teatre Principal in Olot, under the theme "30 years making territory." The event brought together institutional representatives, associated businesses, organisations, and professionals from the tourism sector, along with individuals connected to the organisation's history.
The commemoration highlighted the journey of an entity that has played a pivotal role in shaping the tourism model of Garrotxa through public-private cooperation, sustainability, and the preservation of the region's natural, cultural, and social values. The celebration acknowledged the contributions of those who have made this project possible and invited reflection on the future of tourist destinations and their impact on the quality of life for local residents.
Speakers included Agustí Arbós, the mayor of Olot; Miquel Noguer, president of the Diputación de Girona and the Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board; Cristina Lagé, general director of Tourism for the Generalitat of Catalonia; Gemma Canalias, president of Turisme Garrotxa; and Gerard Xifra, president of the Garrotxa Hospitality Association and vice president of Turisme Garrotxa.
Miquel Noguer emphasised the "proactivity, innovation, and openness to the future, often anticipating the challenges of the sector" that Turisme Garrotxa embodies. He added, "The work you do at the regional level is complementary and essential for the Tourism Board and for the entire tourism ecosystem of the Girona regions."
Turisme Garrotxa originated in 1996 with the establishment of the Association la Garrotxa, Tierra de Acogida Turística, at a time when tourism was still an emerging sector in the area. Since its inception, the organisation has united businesses, administrations, and local stakeholders to agree on a unique path for tourism development.
A significant milestone in the organisation's history occurred in 2001 when the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa received the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS). Since then, the Charter has guided the region's tourism planning with a shared strategy and methodology. In 2026, with its fifth renewal, Garrotxa became the only destination listed in the public register of EUROPARC with six accreditations, the latest of which includes the Protected Natural Space of Alta Garrotxa.
This commitment has materialised in initiatives that have helped structure and diversify the tourism offering. Notable achievements include the creation of the Itinerànnia network of trails in 2004, the accreditation of the first fourteen tourism companies in Garrotxa with the CETS in 2009 (now numbering thirty-seven), and the launch of Garrotxa Cultour in 2014 to promote the region's cultural and natural heritage.
The future focus was central to the conference titled "From sustainability to regeneration: scenarios for tourism within the territory," led by Àngel Castiñeira, director of the Chair of Leadership and Sustainability at ESADE. The presentation discussed the need to evolve towards development models that not only reduce the impacts of tourism activities but also actively generate value for local communities.
The discussion continued with a conversation titled "Building future territories together," featuring Àngel Castiñeira, Cristina Lagé, and Marc Vilahur, general director of Environmental Policies and Natural Resources. This dialogue addressed the integration of sustainability into territorial development policies and the coordination among stakeholders to progress towards more resilient destinations committed to their environment.
The commemoration also included a screening of an audiovisual presentation showcasing the values of Turisme Garrotxa and the working methods the organisation has consolidated over thirty years. Attendees received a booklet summarising the organisation's history and key milestones.
