©Photo: Carlo Borlenghi/ACM
Major of Valencia, His Majesty Juan Carlos de Borbón, King of Spain, Francisco Camps, President of the Regional Government and Antonio Bernabé, Government Delegate. |
If the clock could be turned back to four years ago, when Valencia was making its first bid to host the America’s Cup, and the organizers knew then what they know now, there would have been no question about Valencia’s ability to host the 32nd America’s Cup.
Back then there were several prominent cities (Lisbon, Naples and Marseilles to name a few) that were vying for the honor and prestige that goes with such an event. They all had excellent track records but somehow Valencia managed to stand out above the others.
Was it because of the perseverance of Valencia’s energetic and popular mayor, Rita Barberá, or did it simply come down to the steady and prevailing easterly winds that blow off the Mediterranean that create the ideal conditions for any sailboat race? Most likely, it was a combination of both, and a few other factors as well that came together neatly in favor of Valencia and convinced the Swiss - team Alinghi- to make the Spanish city their home port.
According to Marcus Hutchinson, media director for the America’s Cup and a veteran of four previous cups, “Valencia has outdone itself and exceeded all expectations.”
City officials undertook ambitious new projects such as a revamping of the port, dredging new channels and building a yacht harbor. In addition, they gave a facelift to the entire area around the port and built an exciting new building (Veles e Vents). Visitors will see immediately its white outline at the entrance to the America’s Cup Park that will act as a welcome center and relaxation area.
Tourism in Valencia has seen spectacular growth since becoming the host city for the America’s Cup. No one is happier then Javier Pinañes, the U.S. director of the Spanish National Tourist Office in New York.
For the last few years, the people at “Tourspain” have been trying to change the perception of Spain as not just a sun and sea destination, but also as a “quality” destination, for cultural, gastronomic and sports activities. Then along comes the America’s Cup putting Valencia on the map, much as Barcelona did when hosting the 1992 Olympics. These types of events underscore Spain’s commitment to the environment, another issue that the Spanish Government, as well as corporate Spain, is tackling.
Business tourism also represents an important segment of Valencia’s tourism industry. The transformation and urban development that the city has been undergoing, its varied cultural events (concerts, exhibitions), many trade fairs and meetings have brought an increase in international visitors.
Hotels have been built adjacent to conference centers to accommodate this increased demand. The latest is a Hilton Hotel with 350 rooms, Valencia’s tallest building that is an architecturally innovative skyscraper. The hotel is a business traveler’s delight and is only a five-minute walk from Feria Valencia and a ten-minute cab ride to the airport.
The City and The Region
The city, not to be confused with the region (the region encompasses a large area stretching from Alicante in the south to Castellón in the north), is itself a work of art in urban renewal. Under Mayor Barberá’s tenure of nearly a quarter of a century, Valencia has been carefully attended to like a great masterpiece. The old town has been minutely restored to its 15th century glory. The Barrio del Carmen claims to be the oldest district in Europe, housing an old silk exchange, the “Lonja de la Seda”, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The Cathedral, the tower of the Micalet, the Basílica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados and the Palacio de Dos Aguas are major sites in Valencia that merit a visit.
One can also stroll along the old Turia riverbeds, encircle the city like a ring highway, that have been turned into splendid gardens, offering Valencianos a true green space devoted entirely to leisure activities. From there, visitors can observe the famous Torres de Quart and Serranos, which formed part of the old gates to the ancient, walled city.Still in town, the Estación Norte (North Train Station) as well as the Colón Market are superb examples of modernist architecture in Valencia. The main facade of the Station is decorated with ceramic tiles inspired by Valencia agriculture, and the Colón market, dating back to the 1920’s is an outstanding example of art nouveau.
What Lurks Outside the City . . .
Rural tourism is a growing part of the tourism pie. More and more people are fleeing the coasts to go inland in search of a more tranquil and typical Spain. Certainly, a visit to Valencia would not be complete without a trip to its magnificent surrounding countryside.
Surprises abound in the interior. A trip to the Ribera Alta around the Xuqer river is a trip to the orange grooves, as the river is their source of water. A visit to the towns of Algemesi, Carcaixent and Alzira gives one an idea of the cultural and artistic heritage of the region. One of the oldest towns in the region is Ribarroja del Turia, which was established during Roman times. Another beautiful inland region is Los Serranos, which includes the historical village of Chelva. The Jewish quarter of Azoque is entirely intact dating back to the 14th century.
The region offers many surprises. The Costa Azahar is dotted with Roman ruins and vestiges from Spain’s Muslim occupation. Numerous beautiful beaches fringe the Coast. Starting from Castellón in the north and heading south to Vinaros and Benicarló visitors will end up in Peñiscola a singular village built on a hill and encircled by the sea. In the town of Almenara there are ancient fortresses, watchtowers and a castle built by the Romans and later occupied by the Moors. This is the first town on the Coast in the Castellón province and its well know for its vast stretches of beach and unending vistas of orange groves
The Best Kept Secret:
“Valencia is the best kept secret in the world,” is the way Bernie Eccelstone, of Formula 1 racing fame, described the city during his visit in 2006. The owner of the worldwide Formula 1 competition came to Valencia last year with an idea to locate an urban Formula 1 racecourse. The idea quickly became reality and both Mayor Barberá and Regional President Camps accepted the idea and have supported a plan to host Formula 1 with a racecourse running from the Avant Garde City of Arts and Sciences through to the Port. They are quick to point out that this type of event will serve to keep Valencia’s international image in the world very much alive. The first of these races will be held later this year. Who knows, one-day Valencia may actually rival Monte Carlo as an urban racecourse!
Once the America’s Cup and the regattas are over it is important to remember that millions of people around the world following this prestigious event will learn about Valencia and be ready to visit this historically rich and beautiful city.
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