All posts filed under: Uncategorized

Palentinian Mountains, a hidden gem

Every year, the Siglo Foundation, tourism promotion agency of Castilla y León, invites us to participate in the various familiarization trips that they organize. This year, on the occasion of the exhibition about The Ages of Man in Aguilar de Campó (Palencia), the appointment was in the Palencia Mountain, a beautiful and still unknown location within the great region of Castilla y León. We started our trip in Lerma (Burgos), headquarter of the Appellation of Origin Arlanza (one of the 14 A.O. vineyards of Castilla y León) and chosen by the Duke of Lerma, during the S.XVII, as Court of Recess for King Felipe III. Strolling through its streets, visiting the Collegiate Church, going through the passage that connected the palace with the numerous churches and convents under the guidance of Gustavo (the local guide) we could travel in time. We were truly surprised by the Plaza Mayor and the great Ducal Palace, currently used as Parador. Once we got to the province of Palencia (less than two and a half hours from the international …

ITB Berlin: Where Supply Meets Demand

Once more, took part at the Leading Travel Trade Show ITB Berlin. It is the foremost business platform for global touristic offers, with more than 10.000 exhibitors from 180 countries and more than160.000 visitors from all over the world. So, it’s a great opportunity we try to be part of year after year. Our top Sales Representative Marimar had the opportunity to keep in touch with providers and clients from all over the world and at the same time make new contacts. ITB Berlin is not only a well-known marketplace for travel destinations, it is also an indicator of booking trends for the upcoming travel season. We are really pleased about the results from the ITB and to see how the interest for our destinations is constantly growing. After all, what we sell isn’t a mere programme or activity, what we sell are unforgettable experiences. Therefore, we need experienced professionals such as Marimar who are able to transmit the value of our destinations. You can watch our video from the ITB here. Goodbye Berlin, see you next year! …

Melting Tradition and Luxury

All societies have their own particular traditions, beliefs assed down with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. Today we would like to share one of our Basque traditions with you. Eguzkilore, also known as Carlina Acaulis, is a plant from northern Spain that has become a traditional symbol for the population. The legend of the Eguzkilore flower is very old and has been transmitted orally from generation to generation, perpetuating the belief that this flower has a magical power. It is said to have the same mystical functions as the ones attributed to the sun and that is why its dried flower is often placed in the entrance door of many farmhouses. The traditional superstition believes the flower drives away evil spirits, witches, diseases, storm and lightning. In the Basque Country, the Eguzkilore represents peace and development. In Spain, we have a lot of traditions like this that keep our past origins alive and that is why we think it’s important to melt them with our present life. A good example …

Cruise Ships at Bilbao Port, many guests, many options.

The past 31st of May, The port of cruise ships in Bilbao, Getxo set its record this season, with more than 8700 guests and 3000 crew members in total. Independence of the Seas, the biggest of the cruise ships that day in Port,  helds one of the highest rock climbing walls, golf simulator, ice skating rings, a wave simulator and more than 10 pools and jacuzzis, a theater for 2000 people and many options for dining, but the guests had other idea in mind, visiting Bilbao. The Independence was docked in the superb crystal building that represents today the Port of Bilbao. A magnificent building, with all the requirements to make the transition from the ship top the pier an easy one. Guests were guided at the earliest hours to their tour bus, where hundreds of guests enjoy a full day of discovering Bilbao, Gernika, Castro Urdiales and many other places from the hand of our experienced guides from NIS. Thousand other guests were taken on their own to Bilbao downtown where they spent many …

Cancun, a paradise for a MICE Forum

From the 7th to the 10th of May, Marimar, our best representative for NIS, here and abroad, brought to Cancun, Mexico, the best destination ideas for hundreds of incentive vendors from across Europe and the Americas in the yearly America Forum 2017. This networking experiences are a great opportunity to show and learn about different destinations, maybe not well known from far and bring them the opportunity to be close, very hard work days, where agendas are full of meetings. Meetings where we get to teach and learn a bit more about what we have to offer, different experiences, highest quality in services and innovative ideas and much more. NIS represent the northern part of Spain as it best, demonstrating once again that we work hard, we know what we sell and we want to show everyone why is becoming one of the best destinations in Spain.  

Galicia, Wines and Camellias

Bringing a bit of the northwest Spain to the Basque Country, Galicia, a well known place first of all for their pilgrim race, but Galicia is more than that, It is surrounded by beautiful lagoons, crystal-cleat rivers and forrest and never to forget one of their strong keys…Gastronomy. The best fresh seafood can be found in every corner of each town you may visit, the wines are recognized worldwide, fresh whites that accompany the afternoons after a day of visits, a day of discovering the different sites that Galicia brings to you. The past 6th of April, NIS organized with the Tourism Agency for the promotion of Galicia, TURGALICIA, a gathering in Bodega Urbana, in the center of Bilbao where hundreds of travel agents where invited to enjoy an afternoon of wine and Camellias, the place looked like a forrest where you could enjoy a wide variety of wine tasting and a cocktail from the one Michelin Star Chef, Pepe Solla, from Pontevedra. A presentation from the destination was shown and the participants were given …

Farewell to Cruise Ships….for now

With the image of the majestuosity that a Cruise Ship like the Navigator of the Seas emplies, NIS said goodbye to another successfull season at the Port of Bilbao. It wasn´t easy, but we do truly enjoy our port operations. NIS takes care of the Shore Operations of numerous Cruise Lines, from the biggest ships of the World, like the Anthem and Quantum of the Seas, to the most exclusive and small ones, tailor made tours for all kind of customers. We have to say thank you to many, from the Port Authority, the Local Police of Getxo and Bilbao, who made sure that everyone safety is their priority, the transportation companies and GetxoTaxi, who provide top service to our customers and of course, all our providers, restaurants, bars, museum and a long list of people that made an impact on so many people, giving the best example of the Basque Country and what we can offer here. A great team of proffesional guides and our in house team, thank you to all, and see …