Andorra Minister Admits Cirque du Soleil Show Lags on Attendance Amid Heat, World Cup

Andorra's Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres has voiced satisfaction with the Cirque du Soleil show Ràdio Andorra, even as it records slightly lower attendance than last season, while highlighting growing momentum for the upcoming Andorra Taste gastronomy event.

Torres, speaking on Tuesday, pointed to external factors for the dip in Ràdio Andorra occupancies, including high summer temperatures and major international sports events such as the FIFA World Cup. "Occupancies are not at the level we might have expected," he said, adding that figures are "a bit below last year." He noted, however, that bookings have picked up in recent days, with strong audience approval. Hoteliers and restaurateurs have reported positive impacts from the production, which has become a fixture of Andorra's July tourism calendar.

Torres anticipates further gains as the season winds down post-World Cup, with tickets still on offer via the official site, particularly for midweek shows. He also confirmed the rollout of enforcement against non-compliant motorhomes, including immobilization under Interior Ministry supervision.

In parallel, Torres promoted the fifth edition of Andorra Taste, set for 16-20 September in Escaldes-Engordany, as a fully established international draw. Following last year's success—589 in-person congress delegates from 22 countries, nearly 60,000 tastings, and 96.8% of attendees willing to return—he stressed the need to sustain high standards. "It's a national event we should all take pride in," he said, noting a signed contract for future editions beyond current political terms.

Priorities include boosting foreign professional participation, with professional days from 16-18 September featuring 18 speakers from six countries—14 chefs, two sommeliers, a critic, and a pastry chef-chocolatier—holding 19 Michelin stars combined. French gastronomy's influence on mountain and Andorran cuisine will take centre stage, alongside the Andorra Taste Award for Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez of Lima's Central restaurant. Public activities at Prat del Roure will introduce a new garden area with 24 restaurateur stations, cooking shows, a kids' workshop, and streamlined payment options.