Cordoba Researchers Honored for Tourism Innovation That Transforms Rural Economies
TL;DR
Researchers' data-driven tourism strategies give Cordoba businesses competitive advantage by boosting local economies through authentic cultural and gastronomic experiences.
The research methodology involved surveying 470 oleotourists to identify visitor demographics, motivations, and spending patterns for precise tourism product development.
This work regenerates rural communities by transforming local traditions into sustainable economic opportunities that preserve cultural heritage while creating jobs.
The Holy Grail's base originated from Cordoba's Caliphate era, connecting ancient Andalusian heritage to modern tourism routes across Spain.
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The International Association Cultural Itinerary The Way of the Holy Grail in Europe https://elcaminodelsantogrial.eu/ has awarded researchers María Genoveva Millán Vázquez de la Torre and María Genoveva Dancausa Millán the Artistic Recognition #verysentirlacultura "Valencia, City of the Grail" https://www.valenciaciudaddelgrial.com/2025-26 for their significant contributions to tourism research. This recognition, presented during the 2025/26 edition ceremony at Cherry Blossom Valencia, highlights their scientific work in transforming tourism into a strategic tool for deseasonalization and economic regeneration across Córdoba province and Andalusia.
The award, promoted by the Losan Clinical Optical Centre https://opticaclinicalosan.es/servicios-optica-valencia/, distinguishes research that connects agri-food and cultural heritage with sustainable tourism development. Their approach turns local traditions into economic opportunities while reinforcing territorial identity through data analysis and innovation. This methodology creates tourism proposals that generate added value, boost local economies, and strengthen the identity of Córdoba's municipalities as tourist destinations.
Professor Dancausa Millán's research provides concrete data on tourism impact through a study of 470 oleotourists conducted between October 2023 and June 2024. The study revealed that 50.1% of gastronomic tourists prioritize learning about production processes in oil mills, wineries, or factories, while 40.8% seek to taste local cuisine, and gastronomic festivals rank third in importance. The research identifies a profile of middle-aged visitors with medium to higher education levels and moderate purchasing power, with 57.4% being men and 42.6% women, predominantly aged 50-59 (30.4%) followed by 30-39 (27.5%).
Professor Millán Vázquez de la Torre extends this research focus to rural and heritage tourism, identifying visitor segments seeking authenticity, nature, and heritage through thematic routes connected to wine, oil, and ham. Her work also explores emerging tourism modalities including religious tourism and heritage cemeteries. The research enables demand segmentation based on motivation, spending patterns, origin, and seasonality, providing valuable tools for designing targeted tourism products.
This recognition marks a significant milestone as it represents the first time the award has honored academic work with direct economic and tourism planning impact on a territory. The collaboration of Hotel One Shot Puerta Ruzafa https://www.oneshothotels.com/es/hoteles/valencia/puerta-ruzafa/?msclkid=f4df38317a6e12a34c38512b33f4db04, Don DJ https://www.valenciaconventionbureau.com/organiza-tu-evento/servicios-para-eventos/Dondj, and Valencia Noticias underscores the growing importance of research-driven tourism development.
The researchers' work has achieved international projection for Andalusian cultural, gastronomic, religious, and rural heritage through the Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research and the International Scientific-Professional Congress of Cultural Tourism. This congress, which will hold its XII edition in 2026 in Tomar, Portugal, under the theme "Responsible cultural tourism: preserve, respect and share," has established Loyola University as a knowledge hub in tourism, heritage, and sustainability.
The award also strengthens connections between the European Cultural Route of The Way of the Holy Grail and the Andalusian academic community, particularly significant given the historical link between Córdoba and the Holy Chalice. The base supporting the chalice cup, added in the eleventh century, originates from Córdoba's Caliphate period, positioning Córdoba as the starting point of the Andalusian route of The Way of the Holy Grail. This symbolic connection unites Al-Andalus cultural heritage with the Christian legacy preserved in Valencia Cathedral, creating cultural and tourism synergies across regions.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
