On December 15, the Palau Alameda in Valencia hosted the FOTUR 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, where The Way of the Holy Grail in Europe received a prestigious award, cementing its status as a cultural benchmark. The event, part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Federation of Leisure and Tourism (FOTUR), brought together institutional representatives, tourism professionals, and cultural figures to honor contributions to the sector.
The Way of the Holy Grail is a European cultural itinerary that traces the documented route of the Holy Chalice, traditionally identified as the Holy Grail, housed in the Cathedral of Valencia. The project promotes sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and heritage enhancement across the Mediterranean basin and Europe. It connects territories through historical, spiritual, and artistic narratives, with a focus on the Valencian Community as a key region.
Dr. Ana Mafé García, president of the cultural itinerary, accepted the award alongside Jesús Gimeno Peris and Liubov Daniel Albariño. The gala featured speeches from María de los Llanos Massó Linares, president of Les Corts Valencianes, and Marian Cano, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, who emphasized the importance of tourism tied to cultural identity and social cohesion.
The award underscores the itinerary's alignment with European values and its role in deseasonalising tourism and revitalising rural areas. The project is supported by an International Scientific Commission for the Study of the Holy Grail, adding academic rigor, and aims for certification as a European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe.
Other winners included initiatives in design, gastronomy, music, and festivals, reflecting the diversity of Valencian tourism. The event concluded with a networking space showcasing local products and collaborations with sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Bodegas Gandía, and Heineken.
This recognition reinforces The Way of the Holy Grail as a strategic cultural project that links Valencia to a shared European narrative, promoting peace and social cohesion through heritage. For more information, visit the official website.
