Bahía de Banderas made a significant splash at the FITUR 2026 International Tourism Fair in Madrid, using the traditional agave spirit Raicilla as its cultural ambassador. This unique distillate, which holds a protected designation of origin, captured the immediate interest of European investors, travel journalists, and tour operators. Through guided tastings led by renowned mixologist Israel Díaz and a successful “takeover” event at Madrid’s La Única restaurant, the municipality showcased its deep-rooted identity, effectively positioning the region as a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic gastronomic experiences.
Beyond the flavor of the agave, the delegation—led by Tourism Director Gladys Fletes and Subdirector Jesús de los Santos—focused on a high-growth market: safe and inclusive travel for women. By partnering with SHAYA, an organization that designs secure environments for solo female travelers and digital nomads, Bahía de Banderas is positioning itself as a leader in “gender-perspective” tourism. With solo female travel rising over 230% in the last decade, this move aims to make the destination a sanctuary for women seeking both adventure and peace of mind.
Mayor Héctor Santana’s strategy for 2026 is to turn local heritage into an international economic engine. By moving beyond traditional sun-and-beach promotions and highlighting the “soul” of the region—like the Raicilla industry and local surf culture—the municipality is attracting a more specialized, high-value traveler. This international push at FITUR is expected to result in new commercial alliances and specialized media coverage that will keep the spotlight on the Banderas Bay region throughout the year.
Source: AZ Noticias
