The Stephen’s Green Club hosted a distinguished evening organized by the World Heritage Cities Group (GCPHE), Paradores de Turismo, and the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin on Thursday the 27th
The event opened with a welcome address by Laura Pena, Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin. This was followed by presentations from Juan José González and Barbara García of Paradores, alongside Antonia Olivares, Mayor of Úbeda and representative of Spain’s 15 World Heritage Cities. The evening concluded with closing remarks from Her Excellency María Teresa Lizaranzu Perinat, Ambassador of Spain to Ireland.
Guests were introduced to the unique heritage and offerings of Paradores de Turismo, Spain’s state-owned hotel chain. With properties across all 17 Spanish regions (except the Balearic Islands, where the future Parador de Eivissa is under construction), Paradores is recognized as the country’s leading hotel group for cultural and nature tourism. Just to mention 11 Paradores are located in cities declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 50% of Paradores are housed in monuments designated as Sites of Cultural Interest or Historic Landmarks. Many others are situated in Spain’s most remarkable natural landscapes, offering visitors an immersive experience of history, culture, and nature.
Representing the Group of 15 World Heritage Cities of Spain, Mayor Antonia Olivares highlighted the extraordinary richness of these destinations: Alcalá de Henares, Ávila, Baeza, Cáceres, Córdoba, Cuenca, Ibiza, Mérida, Salamanca, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona, Toledo, and Úbeda.
These cities are living treasures — vibrant with architecture, gastronomy, traditions, and above all, their people. Visitors are invited to explore centuries of history and the legacy of diverse civilizations that have left their mark on Spain’s cultural landscape.
The evening also featured a raffle, offering attendees the chance to win flights, accommodation in a Parador, and dinner in one of Spain’s World Heritage Cities.
