Extremadura promotes wine and wine tourism at Congress to conquer international markets

 

Councilor Santamaría congratulated OPAEX The initiative, which has the support of the World Wine Tourism Organization and the Spanish Wine Tourism Association, underscores the global ambition of the event.

 

"Extremadura wine represents tradition, culture and quality, But also innovation and employment"Santamaría stated, adding that 'wine tourism, for its part, opens a window to attract visitors, generate opportunities and boost the rural economy.'"

 

Support for Internationalization and Digitalization

 

Within the framework of the Congress, where promotional strategies are being analyzed, the Regional Government of Extremadura has reiterated its commitment to the wine sector. The regional government has made aid available for the digitization of wineries and keeps open the call for proposals to boost internationalization, with a budget of 900.000 Euros, an increase of 200.000 euros compared to 2025.

 

Furthermore, the program remains in effect. "Export Check", which provides personalized advice on international trade through plans adapted to the needs of each company.

 

Record Export Figures

 

The councilor took the opportunity to congratulate the companies from Extremadura for the Excellent results in foreign tradeThe region's exports reached 2.615 millones de euros in the first eight months of 2025, which represents a growth of 15,9% compared to the same period in 2024.

 

In August alone, exports totaled 323,4 millones de euros, a year-on-year increase of 34,8%This figure contrasts with the national decline of 9,3%. Specifically, Extremadura wine is expanding its presence in America, Europe and Asiadiversifying destinations thanks to the quality of its wines.

 

Promoting Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship

 

Santamaría also acknowledged OPAEX's work in supporting the self-employed and entrepreneurs. Currently, Extremadura has 81.228 freelancers, with 844 new registrations registered in the last year.

 

To further consolidate this growth, the councilor recalled measures taken by the Regional Government such as "zero tariff" for new self-employed workers for two years and a bonus in the second year for those who do not reach the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI). The first call for self-employment aid has received 16.000 applications and the "Impulse Decree", endowed with 6,5 millones de euros for business consolidation.

 

Santamaría concluded: “This Congress is establishing itself as a meeting point for sharing ideas, forging alliances, and planning the future of wine and tourism in the region. Extremadura has much to offer and even more to achieve.”