BUYER INTERVIEW Rocío Huete, Director, Plenia
Q: WHO IS A PLENIA CLIENT? Many of our clients are veteran travellers who are now looking for unique experiences that step away from stereotypical travel options, and one thing they all have in common is a desire to experience not simply the traditions and cultural wealth of the past, but also the 'here and now' of each culture – the social trends and cultural avant-garde that are nowhere more apparent than in the world of gastronomy.
Q: WHAT DOES GASTRONOMIC TRAVEL MEAN TO YOU?
Culinary tourism is a new kind of adventure tourism, aimed not only at people who enjoy the art of fine dining, but at everyone who is interested in discovering new gastronomic experiences. For me a gastronomic trip may include seeking out the latest 'in' restaurant, or tracking down the most exclusive delicacy, sampling the creations of the newest star in the culinary firmament, or eating in a restaurant where you are surrounded by fish.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS OF A PERFECT GASTRONOMIC HOLIDAY FOR YOUR CLIENTS? Each season will offer different routes and ways to approach each country and region, and not only are our clients all different, but the gastronomic sector is constantly changing and evolving. It's important to keep abreast of news and to be able to rely on an expert with intimate knowledge of the sector.
Some of our clients are admirers of a particular culinary delight, from truffles to parmigiano in Italy, to champagne and scallops in France. One key ingredient of our holidays is the chance to visit vineyards and local farms and to get an insight into the daily lives of 'the locals', allowing our clients to savour to the
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full the finest products and wines on the market. Q: WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE HOT WITH YOUR CLIENTS NOW? One of the most requested destinations at the moment is Portugal, where the wine lands of the River Duero and the little white fishing villages of the Algarve are a treat for the senses. Gliding along the Duero in a traditional boat, riding through vineyards on horseback, enjoying a wine-tasting or attending a cookery class with an internationally-renowned chef are some of the activities in this beautiful destination.
Peru is also one of the new top culinary spots among our clients, and its cuisine is conquering palates and inspiring the best chefs around the globe. The vast choice of fresh ingredients and the harmonious blend of immigrant traditions such as Spanish and Japanese have created a unique and delicious cuisine.
Ireland is also a truly enchanting country, offering top-drawer activities such as private cookery classes with internationally-renowned chefs, visits to cheese makers and producers of smoked delicacies, lake-shore champagne picnics, and trout-fishing to name a few.
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