Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León boost tourism ahead of Fitur 2027 and August eclipse

Patricia Franco, Castilla‑La Mancha’s minister of Economy, Enterprises and Employment, announced that the region’s pavilion at Fitur 2027 (January 20‑24) will be themed “Castilla‑La Mancha all year, with our four seasons”. She said the fair will be used to promote de‑seasonalisation and diversify the region’s strong tourism offer, noting the 46th edition attracted 34,800 visitors. A new regional tourism law is being drafted and is slated for approval before the current legislature ends. Franco also warned that the total solar eclipse on 12 August, visible across Guadalajara and Cuenca, could draw two to five million people, urging visitors to book early, respect local capacity and ensure safety; the Yebes Observatory will serve as the official eclipse‑monitoring centre.

Luis Chico, president of the Castilla y León Rural Tourism Association, reported that the autonomous community was Spain’s third‑most‑visited region in Q1, with over three million trips, thanks to its heritage, nature and gastronomy. He highlighted the growing problem of illegal “pirate” rural accommodations advertised on online platforms and called for weekend inspections and stricter enforcement. Chico also noted the upcoming eclipse as a major draw and advised tourists to verify registration numbers and complaint‑book availability.