Today, at a presentation in London, the Catalan Government presented the potential of Catalonia and Barcelona as a nautical destination. The event took place on the emblematic vessel Cutty Sark and was attended by the Executive Director of the Catalan Tourist Board (ACT), Patrick Torrent i Queralt, the International Promotion Manager at Turisme de Barcelona, Mateo Asensio i Ontoria, and the Operations Manager for the 37th America’s Cup, Leslie Ryan. The event was part of a series of activities that will be carried out in the coming months connected to the upcoming America’s Cup Barcelona 2024. The aim is to promote the destination among sailing and nautical enthusiasts in different issuing markets, especially in the countries of the teams that will compete in the regatta with the greatest international projection, such as the English, French, Swiss, American and Italian markets, all of which are considered strategic.

The event, organised by the Catalan Tourist Board, part of the Ministry of Business and Labour, together with Turisme de Barcelona, and in collaboration with the America’s Cup Barcelona, brought together in the British capital more than a hundred operators and travel agencies specialising in sports tourism and unique experiences to position Catalonia and the whole of the territory’s offer as a nautical destination. In addition, through virtual reality and the immersive experience, attendees were also able to learn about other aspects and singularities that identify the Catalan destination, such as its gastronomy, culture and biodiversity.

According to Patrick Torrent i Queralt, Catalan Tourist Board Executive Director, “the America’s Cup 2024 represents a great opportunity for Catalonia. The event transcends the nautical sphere to embrace other key aspects of today’s society and economy, such as innovation and environmental and social sustainability”.

Along the same lines, Mateo Asensio, International Promotion Manager at Turisme de Barcelona, said that “with this presentation in London, Turisme de Barcelona has unveiled a new promotional strategy focused on the management of major events and the legacy they leave in the city”.

Leslie Ryan, the 37th America’s Cup Operations Manager said: “The America’s Cup family from around the world has discovered, since the move, that the city of Barcelona and the country have an extraordinary variety of experiences and landscapes to offer visitors who come to enjoy the event”.

The America’s Cup Barcelona 2024 provides a great opportunity for Catalonia to consolidate its position as a world reference for sports tourism.

Catalonia and its sailing tradition

Nautical tourism has always been very present in Catalonia, where there are 45 ports along its coastline. There are many companies offering nautical experiences in Catalonia, on the coast or on the country’s main rivers and reservoirs. There are currently 570 companies associated with the seven Catalan marinas, with a turnover of 320 million euros in 2021.