SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 29th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
The mayor of La Laguna (Tenerife), Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, will wrap up his term as the head of the Group of World Heritage Cities of Spain this Sunday, after a term that lasted for eighteen months.
During this period, the mayor highlighted that “the fifteen Spanish cities recognised by UNESCO for their outstanding universal values have strengthened their leading role in safeguarding and advocating for our heritage.”
Therefore, starting from Monday, 1st July, Gutiérrez will pass on the responsibility to the mayor of Santiago de Compostela, Goretti Sanmartín, with whom the mayor of La Laguna already held a productive meeting last April to facilitate the handover of the Group’s presidency.
“I wish him great success in his new role, and he has my complete support and backing to ensure that the heritage cities can continue progressing towards our goals,” said the outgoing president in a statement.
Gutiérrez conducted a “highly successful assessment of a period that has been crucial for the consolidation of the Group, showing progress and strong consensus.”
“We commenced this term,” he added, “at the conclusion of the pandemic, and over these 18 months, we have enhanced collaboration among our fifteen cities, strengthening our efforts in heritage preservation, accessibility, and cultural development, and promoting the Group’s international strategy.”
La Laguna took up the responsibility of leading the GCPHE on 1st January 2023. Normally, the rotational presidency lasts for one year, aligning with the political cycle.
However, La Laguna extended its term for an additional six months to restore the usual timeframe between 1st July and 30th June, which was disrupted in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The mayor emphasises that during these 18 months, strategic alliances have been reinforced, enabling the Group to acquire a more significant international dimension. This includes advancements in tourism promotion through agreements with the Ministry of Tourism and Turespaña, as well as partnerships with brands like Paradores and Madrid Destino, along with participation in major trade fairs such as Fitur, World Travel Market, or ITB in Berlin, in addition to active involvement in international campaigns and conferences in European, Asian, and American countries.
Moreover, agreements have been signed with similar entities like the recent one with the Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities (ANCMPM).
A highlight of La Laguna’s presidency was the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Group’s establishment, with commemorative events ongoing in the fifteen cities.
Among the anniversary activities, the private audience granted by Pope Francis to the fifteen mayors in the private library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and the special concert held in La Laguna’s cathedral last March with the presence of Queen Doña Sofía stand out.
Culturally, the support and agreements with the Ministry of Culture have been pivotal, enabling the organisation of numerous events.
In these 18 months, the Heritage Cities have enriched their cultural offerings (with the Heritage Night as the main highlight) and sports events (such as the Racing Circuit or the Rugby 7 tournament), conducted technical training sessions on various aspects related to asset management, and renewed agreements to enhance accessibility, like the one signed with the ONCE Foundation.
Additionally, the First National Congress of Brotherhoods and Holy Week Fraternities of World Heritage Cities was held, as part of the strategy to preserve and promote the cities’ intangible heritage.
Finally, in the context of the 30th anniversary, the Group approved a protection plan in Ávila to safeguard its monumental legacy, committing to “enhance communication with other authorities; engage citizens, social actors, and private entities in the responsibility of heritage preservation; and involve, particularly the younger generations, in appreciating our heritage legacy to ensure the continuation of the Group’s defining principles,” as outlined in the document approved by the Assembly.
