Xosé Merelles, the director of Tourism for Galicia, participated in the inaugural Rural Tourism Congress held in Madrid, where the current state and future prospects of rural tourism were examined. The conference highlighted the role of rural tourism in diversifying the tourism offer and boosting economic activity in various regions.
During his address, Merelles outlined the key initiatives being undertaken by the Xunta de Galicia to adapt regulations to meet the current needs of rural establishments. He also discussed support measures for the sector, promotional activities, and the creation of new experiences linked to the region.
Rural tourism is an integral part of Galicia's accommodation offerings, present across various geodestinations in the community, and closely tied to its natural, cultural, and gastronomic resources. This sector plays a crucial role in distributing tourist flows across the territory and generating economic activity outside peak demand periods.
Recent data indicates that rural tourism is the fastest-growing segment within Galicia's accommodation sector. Specifically, from January to September of this year, rural tourism experienced a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with overnight stays rising by 10.4%.
