CÓRDOBA, Spain — Researchers María Genoveva Millán Vázquez de la Torre and María Genoveva Dancausa Millán have been awarded the Artistic Recognition #verysentirlacultura "Valencia, City of the Grail" in its 2025/26 edition, placing Córdoba on the international map of tourism research. The award, granted by the International Association Cultural Itinerary The Way of the Holy Grail in Europe (The Way of the Holy Grail), was presented on November 15 at the Cherry Blossom Valencia (Cherry Blossom Valencia) and promoted by the Losan Clinical Optical Centre (Losan Clinical Optical Centre). The recognition distinguishes their scientific work that links the agri-food and cultural heritage of the rural world with sustainable tourism, turning local traditions into economic opportunities and territorial regeneration.
The research provides concrete data on tourism's impact in the province, offering strategic value for companies and administrations. Professor Dancausa Millán's study, based on surveys of 470 oleotourists between October 2023 and June 2024, identified key motivations: learning about production processes in oil mills, wineries, or factories (50.1%); tasting local cuisine (40.8%); and attending gastronomic festivals (third place). The profile of the Cordoban oleotourist is a middle-aged visitor with moderate purchasing power—57.4% men, 42.6% women, predominantly aged 50-59 (30.4%) and 30-39 (27.5%). Education levels show 32.6% with secondary or vocational training and 29.3% with university studies.
Professor Millán Vázquez de la Torre's research extends to rural and heritage tourism, identifying visitor segments seeking authenticity, nature, and heritage through thematic routes linked to wine, oil, or ham, as well as emerging modalities like religious tourism. Her work has enabled international projection of Andalusian heritage through the Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research, which she directs, and the International Scientific-Professional Congress of Cultural Tourism, a unique academic event that has placed Loyola University as an axis of knowledge. The congress will hold its XII edition in 2026 in Tomar, Portugal, under the slogan "Responsible cultural tourism: preserve, respect and share."
The award marks a turning point by recognizing academic work with direct impact on economy and tourism planning. It also strengthens ties between the European Cultural Route of The Way of the Holy Grail and the Andalusian academic community. The Holy Chalice of the Cathedral of Valencia has a deep relationship with Córdoba, as the base supporting the cup—added in the eleventh century—comes from the Caliphate of Córdoba. This historical link places Córdoba as the starting point of the Andalusian route of The Way of the Holy Grail, an itinerary that symbolically unites the cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage of Al-Andalus with the Christian legacy.
