The award, collected by the Councilor for Tourism, Gonzalo Montoya, and the first deputy mayor, Manuel Mestre, comes just a day after the inauguration of the municipality's revamped stand at the fair. The new design aims to present a modern and visual image of the town, emphasizing the local orchard and produce.
Gonzalo Montoya highlighted that the award acknowledges an effort to make Orihuela stand out and ensure the stand communicated its essence. "This award is a satisfaction and shows that we can promote Orihuela in a different, attractive, and distinctly local way," he stated, considering Alicante Gastronómica an "extraordinary showcase".
The new stand's design prominently features orchard products such as citrus fruits, eggplants, and peppers, integrated into a composition designed to attract visitors and create an experience around Orihuela's image. The inclusion of references to Miguel Hernández connects gastronomy, culture, and heritage, offering a comprehensive view of the municipality.
As a new addition this year, a tourist information point has been established to directly assist visitors and highlight the municipality's key attractions. Montoya emphasized that Orihuela's gastronomy is inseparable from its orchard, sea, products, and culture, aspects they aimed to convey this year.
The third edition of these awards evaluates stand construction quality, originality, innovation, and design impact. Alicante Gastronómica is holding its VIII edition at IFA-Fira Alacant until October 5th, featuring over 260 exhibitors and more than 130 Michelin Stars and Repsol Suns.
Orihuela is promoting its gastronomy, heritage, culture, and tourist offerings from a prominent location in Pavilion 2. The Department of Tourism has showcased local flavors and products, including traditional dishes like 'caldo con pelotas' and orchard produce.
Montoya concluded that the recognition encourages continued efforts in tourism promotion with "its own personality" to attract visitors and showcase all that Orihuela has to offer.
