Andorra Minister Defends Sustainable Tourism Model at Ibero-American Conference

Andorra's Tourism and Trade Minister Jordi Torres defended the Principality's quality-driven, innovative, and sustainable tourism model at the 13th Ibero-American Conference of Tourism Ministers in Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid.

The gathering united high-level representatives from 22 Ibero-American countries. It began with a minute of silence for victims of Sunday's train crash in Adamuz, Córdoba, and concluded with a joint declaration that positions tourism as a strategic pillar for regional economic and social development. The text underscores tourism's role in fostering inclusive, environmentally sustainable growth, while outlining multidisciplinary tools to enhance sector competitiveness and promote an ethical, resilient approach.

Torres spoke at a roundtable on tourism competitiveness, innovation, and digitalisation, highlighting Andorra's leadership in mountain and wellness tourism. Key initiatives included a carrying capacity study for improved governance, the Andorra Selected label for product differentiation, and events in sports, culture, and gastronomy to counter seasonality. He also stressed segmented digital promotion and bolstered international cooperation to elevate Andorra's profile as a premier Pyrenean destination in Europe.

The Andorran delegation included Torres, Tourism and Trade Director Cristel Molné, and Ambassador to Spain Eva Descarrega, who serves as national coordinator with the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB). The conference builds on the previous edition hosted by Andorra on 9-10 March 2020, during the 27th Ibero-American Summit.

Torres held bilateral meetings on the sidelines with Mexico's and Colombia's tourism vice-ministers, markets identified for growth potential following 2025 outreach to their operators and travel agencies. Discussions focused on boosting tourist exchanges, cultural ties, and joint promotional efforts.