ADESIMAN has recently launched an ambitious Sustainable Tourism Plan for the Sierra and Mancha Conquense region, aiming to transform the area into a model of sustainable development. This initiative, backed by a substantial investment of €3.78 million, focuses on enhancing energy efficiency, promoting digital transformation, and fostering a green transition to boost the region's competitiveness. The plan includes several key projects designed to make the area more accessible and attractive to tourists while preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Among these projects are the pedestrianization of Uclés, the development of a 24-kilometer trail from Segóbriga to the Laguna de El Hito, and the improvement of the Belmontejo to Alarcón trail.

The PoliruralPlus´ Spanish pilot, coordinated by Socialinnolabs Foundation in collaboration with ADESIMAN, will support this plan integrating innovative solutions to promote local tourism and underscores Rural-Urban Synergies & Cultural Heritage.

Key Projects and Objectives

  1. Recovery of Natural Spaces: Efforts will be made to restore natural areas such as the Laguna del Hito, enhancing their ecological value and attractiveness for nature tourism.
  2. Creation of Hiking and Cycling Routes: New routes for hiking and cycling will be established, providing visitors with more opportunities to explore the region's natural beauty.
  3. Improvement of Nature Tourism Infrastructure: Infrastructure improvements will include the creation of new rural accommodations, interpretation centers, and strategic tourist facilities such as motorhome areas and hostels.
  4. Pedestrianization of Historic Centers: Historic town centers will be pedestrianized to enhance their charm and tourist accessibility.
  5. Development of Sustainable Parking Areas: Sustainable parking solutions will be developed to support the increased influx of tourists while minimizing environmental impact.
  6. Promotion of Clean Energy: To reduce the region's carbon footprint, clean energy solutions will be promoted in tourist facilities.
  7. Virtualization of Tourist Resources: Tourist resources such as the Valeria Archaeological Park and the D.O. Uclés Wine Route will be virtualized, providing digital access and enhancing the visitor experience.
  8. Digital Connectivity Improvement: Digital connectivity will be enhanced in key municipalities to drive tourism's digital transformation.

Presentation and Attendees

The municipality of Jábaga hosted the presentation of the Sustainable Tourism Plan, promoted by the Federation for the Development of Sierra and Mancha Conquense (ADESIMAN). The main objective of this plan is to transform tourism in the Mancha Alta Conquense and Sierra Media into a driver of sustainable development by integrating innovation, digitalization, and energy efficiency to enhance the destination's competitiveness. The plan has been granted €3.78 million, funded through an extraordinary call of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.

In addition to Socialinnolabs' team, the presentation was attended by the ADESIMAN board, led by its president, Víctor Jiménez. Other notable attendees included the First Vice President of Castilla-La Mancha, José Luis Martínez Guijarro; the Delegate of the Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, María Ángeles López; the Subdelegate of the Spanish Government in the province, Marí Luz Fernández; the Deputy of Tourism, Maite Mejía; and mayors and councilors from the municipalities within the Rural Development Group. The plan was presented by the manager of ADESIMAN, Juan Pedro Salas.

Impact and Future Plans

The Sustainable Tourism Plan is expected to significantly impact the local economy by attracting more tourists and creating job opportunities. The region, which encompasses 56 municipalities and over 3,500 square kilometers, faces challenges such as depopulation and a lack of tourism infrastructure. However, it boasts a rich natural, cultural, and gastronomic heritage with the potential to generate employment and stabilize the population.

For further details on the Sustainable Tourism Plan, visit the official website here.