Andalucia birdwatching fair september 2009

Andalucia is surely one of the most active regions as to attract birdwatchers. The event we took part in was the 2nd birdwatching fair were the aim is to connect the Andalucian tourist industry with birdwatching trip operators. I think it were about 60-70 people attending from many birdwatching communities in many countries. The fair was held in the small village of Zahara de los Atunes. It was very well organised and in addition to give an overview of local providers of accomodation, transport and guiding it gave the participants accss to several of the most important sites in southern Andalucia. , We visited;

- Tarifa (Cazalla), Los Lances beach, La Janda, Laguna Medina, (close to Jerez), Zaframagon (near Olvera). Further, we moved into the Seville province, visiting Brazo del Este and then over to the Coto Donana area. We ended the trip at Aznalcázar, a key site for the Iberian Lynx.

I think the most important thing for us was to see and learn how Andalucia promotes itself within this niche of tourism. The region is probably already the most visited region in the whole of Europe, but they still see potential to increase their market share. 

It is obvious that birdwatching tourism is both good for business and conservation. The more birdwatchers that go (behaving as birdwatchers should), the more business is created and the more emphasis on conservation there will be.

Thank's to the Spanish tourism board for a very well organised fair!

The event took place in a rather pleasant hotel in Zahara...