The International Mountain Tourism Day is an important brand event of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), which has been successfully held for six times and has achieved fruitful results in promoting international exchanges and cooperation in the field of mountain tourism. On September 26th, the Alliance announced at the "2024 IMTA Annual Conference" that the theme event of the "International Mountain Tourism Day" in 2025 will be held in the Spanish island of Gran Canaria. At the meeting, He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of OMTA, awarded the host of the theme event of the "International Mountain Tourism Day" in 2025, and Carlos Vélez, the representative of the Chinese affairs of the government of Gran Canaria, introduced the relevant information of the host.
IMTA awarded the host of the 2025 IMTD theme event. Source: IMTA
Spain is a world-renowned tourist destination and the headquarters of UN Tourism. Gran Canaria, a shining pearl embedded in the Atlantic Ocean, has become an ideal holiday destination for tourists around the world with its unique natural scenery, rich historical culture and pleasant climate conditions. As part of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria not only has a favorable geographical location, but also attracts tourists from all over the world with its diverse landscapes and rich activities.
Natural scenery: the charm of miniature continent
The Greater Canary Islands are known as a "miniature continent" due to their diverse climate and topography. The island is roughly circular in shape, with a rugged terrain and a peak elevation of 1,949 meters. From the bustling cities in the north to the golden beaches in the south, from the towering mountains in the middle to the magnificent canyons along the coast, each place exhibits different natural scenery. Tourists can go up the mountain and into the sea here, enjoying the gifts of nature to the fullest.
Scenery of Gran Canaria Island Source: Gran Canaria Tourism Board
Historical Culture: blending of historical traces and modern times
The history of Gran Canaria dates back to 500 BC, when the first inhabitants, the Guanche people, lived and thrived here. Over time, it became a must-stop for explorers, merchants, and colonists. As the former residence of the famous Chinese writer Sanmao, the Gran Canaria also attracts many Chinese tourists to follow Sanmao's footsteps and experience her romantic life in Europe.
Risco Caiado Archaeology and Sacred Mountain Source: IMTA
Economy and Tourism: the source of prosperity and vitality
The economy of Gran Canaria is based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Agriculture relies on mountain streams for irrigation and is rich in bananas, sugar cane, tobacco, citrus and grains. The fishery is developed, and the industry is mainly based on canned and pickled fish, as well as agricultural product processing plants. But what is most praised is its booming tourism industry. The island has complete tourism facilities, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels. In addition to beach vacation, tourists can also participate in various water activities, hiking, diving, etc., to experience different fun.
Scenery of Gran Canaria Island Source: Gran Canaria Tourism Board
Gastronomy and Climate: enjoyment on the tongue and a spring-like living environment in all seasons
The culinary culture of Gran Canaria is a fusion of different culinary traditions from Spain, Africa and Latin America. Tourists can taste local specialties such as papas ariales (a kind of small potato cooked in seawater), fish soup, seafood, etc. In addition, there are many restaurants and snack bars on the island to meet the needs of different tastes and budgets.
Scenery of Gran Canaria Island Source: Gran Canaria Tourism Board
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
