The Community received 9 million visitors last year, 5% more than in 2023, and exports in the agri-food sector reached 3.485 billion euros.
The president of the regional government points out that the regional government is making progress on the new 'Land of Flavor' strategy to consolidate the region as a benchmark for gastronomic quality.
The President of the Junta de Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, participated in the 1st International Gastronomy Summit of Castilla y León 2025, "A Monumental Cuisine," organized by the regional government. He praised the potential of the region's gastronomy, a benchmark for quality and a key element in its international projection.
During his speech, Fernández Mañueco emphasized that Castilla y León has the third most powerful agribusiness in the country, is a leader in rural tourism, and is a benchmark in cultural, gastronomic, and wine tourism. As an example of this potential, he highlighted that in 2024, spending on restaurants in the region was around €550 million.
Likewise, Castilla y León welcomed more than nine million visitors in 2024, 5% more than the previous year, an annual growth that in the case of Salamanca stood at 9.3%. Furthermore, the region achieved record food export figures last year, specifically €3.485 billion, 42% more than four years ago. These figures reflect the growing international recognition of the agri-food quality, gastronomic tourism, and culinary excellence of this region.
Fernández Mañueco also stated that the Community is the pantry of Europe, with more than 70 quality brands, maintains leadership in numerous productions, and has the third most powerful agri-food industry in Spain,
To continue supporting workers, companies, and entrepreneurs in the sector and consolidate Castilla y León as a benchmark for food quality, the Regional Government is advancing the new "Land of Flavor" strategy. It also continues to support the region's wine sector, which has increased its exports by 38% in four years.
Salamanca, epicenter of international gastronomy
The 1st International Gastronomy Summit of Castilla y León 2025, hosted by Salamanca, a World Heritage City, features the participation of leading industry professionals and offers numerous experiences to attendees.
To organize this event, the Junta de Castilla y León has collaborated with the Salamanca City Council, the Provincial Council, the University of Salamanca , and the Confederation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Castilla y León (Hosturcyl).
Finally, Fernández Mañueco thanked the chefs from Castilla y León, as well as the national and international chefs present at this event, a total of 32 Michelin stars, half of them from the Community.
