SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The first two weeks of the sixteenth edition of the La Laguna-San Benito Abad Tapas Journey 2024 have resulted in sales of approximately 80,000 tapas, which, priced at 4 euros each, bring the total to approximately 320,000 euros. In the previous edition, around 195,000 tapas were sold in total.
According to Estefanía Díaz, the Councillor for Tourism and Commerce, these numbers represent “a significant economic boost for the businesses in the municipality that have participated in the initiative.” She added that the success of this edition “showcases how collaborative efforts can generate a positive and long-lasting impact on the local economy.”
A total of 3,556 people have already voted for their preferred tapa through the La Laguna Zona Comercial (LLZC) app, a participation level that has increased exponentially compared to the entire previous edition, which had 4,083 participants.
This year, 35 establishments are partaking in one of the most anticipated events featuring the municipality’s gastronomy and tradition, organised by LLZC, with support from the Federation of Urban Areas of the Canary Islands (FAUCA), and backed by the La Laguna City Council through its Department of Commerce and Tourism.
Estefanía Díaz emphasised that this initiative serves as “an excellent platform for the kitchens of the participating taverns, restaurants, and cafes, helping to significantly boost the turnover of the city’s businesses.” She highlighted that “events like this not only stimulate local spending but also enhance the identity and appeal of La Laguna, showcasing the value of collaboration for economic and cultural growth.”
The president of FAUCA, Abbas Moujir, underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote initiatives such as the Tapas Journey. “This culinary event, which remains one of the most anticipated during the summer season, contributes to promoting and elevating the profile of the city’s restaurant industry.” He concluded that all this “positions the Open Commercial Zone of La Laguna as a benchmark, demonstrating the success and advantages that collaboration between both sectors brings.”
Ivan Perez expressed satisfaction with the level of involvement of the participating businesses in the initiative on behalf of LLZC. He mentioned, “The positive response from the public makes the journey an essential event for residents of Tenerife, as well as visitors and tourists, throughout this month of July.”
The president of the LLZC revealed that, in partnership with FAUCA and with the support of local authorities, “our focus is on establishing La Laguna as the hub of gastronomy and commerce in the Archipelago. Our projects, whether adapting to changing demands or, like the Tapas Journey, solidifying year after year on the citizens’ entertainment agenda, position us as promoters of cultural activity and economic vitality.”
As per tradition, the journey takes place from 1 to 31 July, offering tapas at 4 euros each, inclusive of a drink—water, beer, or wine. The aim of this initiative is to provide citizens with an enticing gastronomic experience that attracts visitors to the city’s Open Commercial Zone, promoting spending with the added incentive of allowing customers to act as a “people’s jury” when determining the winners for the best tapa in 2024.
Through the app from the La Laguna Zona Comercial Business Association, [https://app.lalagunazonacomercial.com](https://app.lalagunazonacomercial.com), which currently boasts around 4,600 users, the public can access all information and a map online regarding the businesses participating in the journey. They can also view descriptions and photos of each tapa, among other details. Additionally, users who vote for their favourite tapa through this app will have the chance to enter a draw for a Mediterranean cruise for two aboard the MSC World Europa, enabling them to explore cities of great historical and architectural significance like Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.
