This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
News, new tourist offers, must-sees, trends, favourites… Two of our tourism expert collaborators take turns writing in this new weekly section to inform you of what is happening here and elsewhere in the world of travel.
The difference sandwich
Hello… Or bom dia ! After Spain, here I am on my way to Portugal, but before approaching this country, I wanted to tell you about an inspiring adventure that is taking place on Spanish soil – and especially at this time when the word “inclusion” is on all the lips… It takes place in La Coruña, in Galicia, which I told you about last week. And it features ten young adults with Down syndrome. Together, they came up with the idea of creating their own small business: a café where they would offer squid sandwiches, the local fast food of choice, with the support of the Down Coruña association.
A chef from the city, Luis Veira, at the helm of Árbore da Veira (one star in the Michelin guide), took on the task of training them. Then we remembered an abandoned kiosk, Plaza de Ourense, where they used to sell these sandwiches. The town hall was contacted, the deal concluded and the Quiosco de Down Experience inaugurated just after the pandemic.
“The project had three objectives, explains Manuel Rego, general manager of the association. First, inclusion, second, demonstration that inclusion is possible and economically viable, and finally, success. »
Is it one? To answer in the affirmative, we could confine ourselves to the fact that the kiosk has been selling 5,500 sandwiches monthly to people from Corogne and to tourists since it opened, or even that great local chefs are getting involved by offering, for two months each, a sandwich of their own, just to energize the menu. But for Mr. Rego, success is elsewhere. “Yes, the experience is conclusive, he says, but especially for Alejandro, Javier and the others, because it gives them autonomy, friends, a LIFE! »
On a pillow far from home
In London’s East End, Shoreditch is by far my favorite, the antithesis of a manicured Mayfair. Think ephemeral exhibitions in indie shops, good little Indian restaurants and tagged facades, among others by Banksy. No wonder, then, that a boutique hotel from the Mondrian chain, which aims to be playful and pro-design, recently opened there. But what was my surprise to find, placed on my pillow by the maid, a small bottle of pro-sleep drops containing 10% cannabidiol, rather than the traditional chocolate! “The idea of offering guests an additional wellness experience came to us in December 2021, and they love the product,” says Mariana Ferraz, marketing and communications director of the establishment. Let’s admit that the proposal is immediately more logical than chocolate – a stimulant, after all!
And you, what will you do with your summer?
A survey carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism last April by the Transat Tourism Chair reveals the ” top 10 experiences Quebecers are looking for in the summer of 2023”. Unsurprisingly, swimming and the beach (40%) comes first, but I am delighted that Visiting museums, cultural or heritage sites (38%) is in second place, because our institutions need us, and not only when it’s raining ! Then comes the gastronomic experience (36%), this new “religion” of the 21ste century, followed by urban getaways (31%), outdoor activities (sporting, 27%, or contemplative, 24%, well, etc.), road trips (27%), vacation stay (23%), festival or cultural event (19%) and non-motorized nautical activity (12%). As for me, a paddleboard will call me, eventually!
Not new, but still beautiful
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.