Paradores hosts the travel trade at event in Dublin

Eoghan Corry and Juan Jose Gonzalez of Paradores.

The Spanish Tourism Office hosted a presentation on Paradores and the World Heritage Cities of Spain at The Stephen’s Green Club on St Stephen’s Green. The event took place on Thursday evening from 6pm to 10pm and drew members of the Irish travel trade and media.

The presentation covered the history of Paradores properties located in historic buildings across Spain. Speakers outlined how the chain operates hotels in sites designated by Unesco including Alcalá de Henares, Ávila, Baeza, Cáceres, Córdoba, Cuenca, Ibiza/Eivissa, Mérida, Salamanca, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona, Toledo and Úbeda.

Discussion focused on the integration of modern technology to support visitor experiences at these properties.

Participants heard details on digital tools for bookings and on-site navigation that the group introduced in recent years. The session aimed to inform Irish operators on packaging options for clients seeking cultural stays in Spain.

Laura Peña, director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin, addressed the group and emphasised opportunities for collaboration between Irish agents and Paradores. She noted that the chain manages 97 hotels with occupancy rates that rose by 12pc in 2024 compared to the previous year. Revenue for the group reached €220m in that period.

The evening included a meal served to attendees who numbered around 50 from agencies, tour operators and publications. Networking followed the formal talks with exchanges on potential itineraries combining Paradores stays with flights from Dublin and Cork to Spanish destinations. One operator mentioned plans to feature three Paradores properties in a 2026 escorted tour brochure.

Paradores forms part of the broader promotion of Spain as a destination for Irish travellers who numbered 1.2m visitors in 2024. The office reported bookings for summer 2026 already exceeded those from the same period last year by 15pc.

The presentation reinforced Paradores position as a provider of accommodation in restored monasteries, castles and palaces that date back to the 1920s when the chain launched under royal patronage. Further workshops on similar themes scheduled for early 2026 in regional Irish cities.