The lagoon is now included in the network of gastronomic towns in Spain, a national scheme that brings together municipalities with significant culinary, heritage and cultural assets across the country. This affiliation acknowledges the municipality as a key destination for gastronomic tourism, enhancing its status as a locale where history, landscapes, and identity can be enjoyed. Furthermore, it marks a progression in its promotional strategy as a sustainable and distinctive tourist destination, founded on authenticity and the appreciation of local value.
With this affiliation, La Laguna becomes one of the 25 founding towns of the association, granting it a pivotal role in the development of collaborative strategies aimed at attracting an increasingly curious visitor keen on experiencing authentic connections to the land, cuisine, and traditions.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, has described this affiliation as “fantastic news for our city, as it showcases not only our gastronomic riches but also our dedication to a sustainable tourism model that creates employment, supports local commerce, and enhances our appeal as a heritage and cultural destination.”
The Councillor for Tourism and Commerce, Estefanía Díaz, highlighted that “our gastronomy reflects the diverse, rich heritage of the lagoon and its deep ties to the local area. From the sea to the peaks, our zero-kilometre products such as fresh fish, meats, and local vegetables along with traditional recipes form a narrative that captivates more and more visitors.” She added, “An increasing number of tourists come not only to taste but to fully experience our cuisine. This network serves as an effective resource to engage with that visitor demographic seeking genuine experiences.”
The Gastronomic Towns Network in Spain is envisioned as a product association that provides exclusive benefits to participating municipalities, including specialised guidance, promotion in national and international media, complimentary training for the local tourism sector, as well as inclusion in gastro-routes and collaborative communication initiatives. The aim is clear: to attract quality tourism and foster local economic growth through authenticity.
The formalisation event featured a unique tasting, where attendees had the opportunity to sample one of the most iconic and delightful pastries from the area, the lagoons, which symbolize traditional flavours and confectionery that form part of the city’s collective heritage.
The Laguna City of Markets, rich in living history and enduring flavours, thus adds a new accolade that projects it beyond its declared heritage, investing in gastronomy as a key element of its identity and future.
