Uncontrollable surplus of tourists in a Spanish town famous for lavender causes calls for weekday visits instead of weekends.
Brihuega, a picturesque town located in central Spain, is known for its vibrant lavender fields and rich history. However, the influx of tourists during peak season has been causing a strain on the town's infrastructure and normal functioning[1][3][5].
To address this issue, Mayor Luis Viejo is urging visitors to explore Brihuega during the weekdays instead of weekends[1][4]. This recommendation aims to alleviate the pressure on the historic centre and local services caused by the surge of weekend tourists.
Despite the challenges, tourism brings substantial economic benefits to Brihuega. During the summer lavender season alone, the town generates approximately €8 million in revenue[1]. However, given that access to the fields is free and visitor numbers cannot be directly capped or taxed, managing the influx during peak times remains a challenge[1].
To promote a more sustainable tourism model, Brihuega is encouraging spread-out visits across the week and promoting off-season attractions like the autumnal red sumac fields[1][2]. In addition, plans are underway to improve infrastructure, such as the introduction of a park-and-ride system with shuttle buses, to better manage visitor flow in future seasons[1].
Brihuega offers a variety of attractions throughout the year, including hiking, photography, the Arab Caves of Brihuega, medieval streets, Renaissance dwellings, attractive squares, and monuments[6]. Local stables also offer equestrian activity holidays[7].
Visitors can reach Brihuega via the "Lavender Train", which connects Madrid to the town during July's peak lavender weeks[8]. A coach transfer is included in the ticket price to bring visitors to the town centre[8]. The ticket price for adults is €50, and for children, it is €20, as listed on the Renfe website[9].
Despite its popularity, Brihuega is not a coastal resort. Instead, it boasts a sea of lavender fields spanning 1,000 hectares of land[2]. The town also hosts an annual bull-run event named the "Festival of Regional Tourist Interest"[10].
In conclusion, Brihuega encourages weekday visits to manage overtourism, improve visitor experience, protect local life, and support sustainable economic gains[1][2][3][4][5]. By spreading out visits and exploring off-season attractions, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Brihuega while minimising the impact on the town.
References: [1] El Pais. (2022, August 1). Brihuega pide a los visitantes que vengan a los martes y jueves para reducir la sobrepoblación turística. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/cultura/2022-08-01/brihuega-pide-a-los-visitantes-que-vengan-a-los-martes-y-jueves-para-reducir-la-sobrepoblacion-turistica.html [2] Brihuega Turismo. (n.d.). Visit Brihuega. Retrieved from https://www.turismobrihuega.es/ [3] El Mundo. (2022, July 29). Brihuega se encuentra en peligro de colapsar por la sobrepoblación turística. Retrieved from https://www.elmundo.es/espectaculos/2022/07/29/5ef04d03768a2c6c408b459c.html [4] La Vanguardia. (2022, July 30). Brihuega pide a los turistas que vengan de lunes a jueves para evitar la colapso. Retrieved from https://www.lavanguardia.com/cultura/20220730/61f9225334f252150a8b4582.html [5] ABC.es. (2022, August 1). Brihuega pide a los turistas que vengan a los martes y jueves para reducir la sobrepoblación turística. Retrieved from https://www.abc.es/cultura/20220801/abci-brihuega-pide-a-los-turistas-que-vengan-a-los-martes-y-jueves-para-reducir-la-sobrepoblacion-turistica-202208010539_noticia.html [6] Brihuega Tourist Board. (n.d.). Attractions. Retrieved from https://www.turismobrihuega.es/atractivos/ [7] Brihuega Horse Riding. (n.d.). Horse Riding Holidays in Brihuega. Retrieved from https://brihuegahorseriding.com/ [8] Renfe. (n.d.). Lavender Train. Retrieved from https://www.renfe.com/viajeros/en/estaciones/brihuega/informacion-de-la-estacion/lavender-train/ [9] Renfe. (n.d.). Lavender Train Prices. Retrieved from https://www.renfe.com/viajeros/en/estaciones/brihuega/informacion-de-la-estacion/lavender-train/precios/ [10] Brihuega Turismo. (n.d.). Festival de la Vara. Retrieved from https://www.turismobrihuega.es/festival-de-la-vara/
- Despite the high influx of tourists during the weekend, Mayor Luis Viejo urges visitors to explore Brihuega on weekdays to alleviate the pressure on the historic centre and local services.
- Brihuega generates approximately €8 million in revenue during the summer lavender season, but managing the influx during peak times remains a challenge due to free access and unlimited visitor numbers.
- To promote a sustainable tourism model, Brihuega encourages spread-out visits across the week and promotes off-season attractions like the autumnal red sumac fields.
- Infrastructure improvements, such as the introduction of a park-and-ride system with shuttle buses, are planned to better manage visitor flow in future seasons.
- Brihuega offers various attractions year-round, including hiking, photography, the Arab Caves of Brihuega, equestrian activity holidays, and local heritage sites like medieval streets, Renaissance dwellings, and monuments.
- Tourists can reach Brihuega via the "Lavender Train" during July's peak lavender weeks, with a coach transfer included in the ticket price.
- Despite its popularity and vibrant tourist activities, Brihuega is not a coastal resort but boasts a expansive sea of lavender fields instead, and hosts an annual bull-run event named the "Festival of Regional Tourist Interest".
