The Caminos de Santiago in León: A Crucial Debate for Rural Tourism
The V Diario de León Tourism Congress served as a platform for an essential round table on The Caminos de Santiago in León, moderated by Álvaro Caballero. The debate included the participation of David Fernández, mayor of Valverde de la Virgen; Jorge García, mayor of Congosto; and Enrique Busto, mayor of Hospital de Órbigo. The discussion highlighted the immense value of the Camino as a tourism product and the need to protect and enhance it, especially in rural environments.
Caballero began the conversation by defining the Camino de Santiago as "the best tourist product in León" for its power of global attraction, emphasizing the French Way. However, municipal representatives highlighted the growing relevance of other roads in the province, which contribute significantly to the diversification of Leon's tourist offer.
Valverde de la Virgen: Evolution and Maintenance
David Fernandez, mayor of Valverde de la Virgen, highlighted the basilica of your municipality, patron saint and Asset of Cultural Interest, as a great attraction. He observed an evolution in the profile of pilgrims, with a notable increase in visitors from Asia, the United States and Canada. "El Camino used to be more local, but now it has grown a lot," said Fernández, who also emphasized the importance of maintenance work. In Valverde, the Camino de Santiago forks from the French Way before joining at Hospital de Órbigo, adding a layer of complexity and appeal to its stretch.
Órbigo Hospital: Caring for a Global Treasure
Enrique Busto, mayor of Hospital de Órbigo, did not hesitate to describe the Camino de Santiago as "one of the largest tourist events in the world." He made an urgent appeal for their care, warning about the massification and the need that "not every business is worth it, not every shelter is worth it." Busto claimed the role of higher institutions in regulations and maintenance, since towns, such as Hospital de Órbigo with its six hostels and the emblematic Bridge of the Honorable Pass, they have a limit on their capacity. He stressed that the collaboration of the private sector is crucial to ensure the integrity of the Camino.
Congosto: A Forgotten Path That Requires Investment
The intervention of Jorge Garcia, mayor of Congosto, highlighted the marked differences between the needs of the rural world and the urban ones. García, who perceives "the problems that sometimes do not look the same from Madrid," spoke of the lack of tourist infrastructure on the lesser-known roads of his municipality. Despite observing a growth in the influx of Central European pilgrims and the development of small hostels, Congosto struggles with a «Forgotten path». He claimed a master plan and support for the creation of hospitality and rural house businesses, pointing out that the key to the success of alternative routes lies in welcoming this new pilgrim profile.
The Pilgrim: A Returning Tourist
Regarding the profile of the pilgrim, David Fernández de Valverde de la Virgen highlighted a key characteristic: "The pilgrim returns". He attributed this return to lived experience, interest in what they see, iconic figures and local gastronomy. Álvaro Caballero ingeniously defined it as the “selfie tourist”, and the Paso Honroso bridge in Hospital de Órbigo was unanimously pointed out as the perfect place for it, combining visual appeal and gastronomic richness. In contrast, Jorge García de Congosto admitted that this repeat visit does not occur in his municipality, but assured that the City Council and the supra-municipal entity Cuatro Valles work to promote it.
The roundtable concluded with cautious optimism. It was agreed that enhancing the heritage and caring for the Camino is essential for the recovery of the towns. While in Valverde de la Virgen, the "bustle of the pilgrims gives life" and good results are observed with tourist packages, and in Hospital de Órbigo, "everything that sounds like a business is seen on the Camino de Santiago", Congosto continues to demand the promotion of private initiative to develop its offer. The meeting made it clear that the Camino de Santiago is an inexhaustible driving force, but its future and that of the rural world it passes through depend on specific policies and constant collaboration.
