In 2022, the region of Valencia has celebrated a number of accolades such as the city of Valencia being named the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022 as well as its designation as World Design Capital, thanks to the creativity of its artists and architecture. The region continues to develop its nature proposition with 13 green routes or “vias verdes” now available for visitors to discover created from disused railway tracks, whilst major filming studio 'Cuidad de la Luz' reopens after 10 years.

Looking forward to 2023 and beyond, the region will celebrate the legacy of one of the great impressionist painters, Joaquín Sorolla, during the centenary year of his death, whilst the city of Valencia has been awarded European Green Capital 2024.

VALENCIA TO HOST THE WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION'S THIRD WORLD CONGRESS ON SMART TOURISM

Valencia City was designated the 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism and has implemented a 'smart plan' to implement sustainable tourism strategies and create an innovative city. So far, Valencia City has begun to implement this strategy by certifying the carbon and water footprint of its tourist activity and is amongst the first cities in the world to measure this. It has provided more eco-friendly transport options, such as an extensive network of bike lanes, added a number of new water fountains to avoid the use of single-use plastics and eliminated barriers so that everyone can enjoy the city equally by implementing Navilens technology for the visually impaired.

Between 21-23 November 2023, Valencia, European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022, is hosting a meeting of world tourism experts, which will focus on the five pillars that make up a smart destination: governance, sustainability, innovation, technology and accessibility.

For more information visit here.

VALENCIA CONTINUES TO DEVELOP ITS VÍAS VERDES

The region of Valencia continues to develop its nature proposition with 13 green routes or “vias verdes” now available for visitors to discover, created from disused railway tracks. Vías Verdes are old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. They provide an environmentally friendly way of travelling through Spain to discover its culture and landscapes, connecting cities to the local countryside. From the 1.5km 'Ibi Greenway' in inland Alicante to the 75.5km 'Ojos Negros Greenway' that passes through Alto Palencia in the province of Castellón, visitors can explore lesser-known parts of the Valencia region on this diverse nature trails.

For more information visit here and accessible routes here. 

2023 SOROLLA IN VALENCIA 

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Joaquín Sorolla, Valencia's most renowned impressionist painter who captured the light of the Mediterranean in his works. The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia has permanent exhibitions of his work such as "Grupa valenciana" and "Figuras de casacas jugando en un jardín". In addition to these, this year it will host an immersive display entitled "Sorolla a través de la luz" that will showcase some of his rarely exhibited pieces.

There will also be a number of guided tours of the city of Valencia to visit the sites associated with the painter, including his birthplace, next to the church of Santa Catalina where he was baptized; the Centro del Carmen, the School of Fine Arts where he studied; the Bancaja Cultural Centre, where there will be temporary exhibitions held dedicated to the artist; and Malvarrosa beach, which inspired some of his most famous scenes. The Vertical restaurant will be offering a menu inspired by his work.

For more information about Sorolla sites to see in the region of Valencia, visit here.

NUMBER OF SPORTING EVENTS TO BE HELD IN THE REGION OF VALENCIA 2023

The region of Valencia will host a number of exciting sporting events in 2023. The Cyclocross World Cup will be held in Spain for the first time in 11 years and is taking place in Benidorm. The Ocean Race 2022-23 will have a new route this year and will visit nine international cities over a period of six months, departing from Alicante. Torreviaje, in Alicante, is hosting its 35th half marathon on 26 February 2023. In order to make the event more inclusive, it will see the addition of four new categories: wheelchair users, runners with sensory disabilities (auditory and visual), runners with physical disabilities and runners with intellectual disabilities.

For more information visit here.

LEADING FILM LOCATION, CUIDAD DE LA LUZ, REOPENS IN ALICANTE

The region has been the backdrop of many renowned TV series and films with Game of Thrones having been shot in Peñíscola, Castellón and "Dr Who" and "Tomorrowland" shot at the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia City among many others.

Now, the iconic Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante, one of the largest studios in Europe, has reopened for film production. Previously, iconic films such as Asterix at the Olympic Games and The Impossible were shot at these studios.

For more information on the Ciudad de la Luz studios visit here.

VALENCIA ANNOUNCED EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2024

The city of Valencia will be the European Green Capital of the year 2024. The European Green Capital winner receives a financial prize of 600,000 euros to implement their strategy and engage and mobilise their citizens and stakeholders. The decision was made considering the city's efforts to implement green infrastructure and promote urban biodiversity, the climate mission, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, the recovery of public space and sustainable food that comes from the Horta

BENIDORM TO HOST ADVANTAGE CONFERENCE

The Advantage Travel Partnership's 2023 conference will take place in May 2023 at the luxury Melia Villaitana in Benidorm welcoming strong representation from the UK travel trade. The event will welcome members and business partners from across the travel industry. Benidorm was chosen as the location for the conference thanks to the investments it has made in recent years to redevelop the area and create a more efficient model of tourism sustainability. These investments include the promotion of the use of public transport and electric bikes, more efficient water management, the addition of 134km of new bike lanes and more than 9 km of extended pedestrianised areas.

The event will be taking place between 20-23 May 2023, for more information visit here.