Valencian Community Strengthens US Ties with Miami Mission

The Valencian Community has reinforced its international presence in the United States through a strategic institutional and business mission in Miami, aimed at forging new collaborations in tourism, culture, music, and entertainment. The initiative was led by the Federation of Leisure and Tourism of the Valencian Community (FOTUR) and Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, in partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office in Miami, the Council of Chambers of Commerce of the Valencian Community, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United States. Key figures included Israel Martínez, Director General of Tourism of the Valencian Regional Government; Víctor Pérez, President of FOTUR; and Belén Alfaro, Consul General of Spain in Miami.

A highlight of the mission was an exclusive evening aboard the Seafair, which brought together institutional representatives, business leaders, artists, and professionals from Miami’s music and audiovisual industries. The event served as a platform to promote the Valencian Community’s tourism offerings while celebrating culture and fostering business networking. Among the attendees were Grisell Marino, Director of the Miami-Dade Hispanic Affairs Board; Helena Poleo, Communications Director for the City of Miami; and Christina Crespi of the Downtown Development Authority, as well as entertainment personalities such as Alicia Machado, Cinthya Bagué, and Vicky Echeverry. Music industry executives like Julio Bagué, Vice President of peermusic, and Peter Robles, CEO of Aquos Entertainment, were also present.

During the presentation, Israel Martínez highlighted the region’s tourism and cultural diversity, including the legacy of iconic singer Camilo Sesto, who was born in Alcoy, Alicante, and is honored with a museum there. Víctor Pérez emphasized the potential of Valencian festival culture and the region’s music festival offerings across Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante, stating, “We want to bring the Valencian Community’s festival culture, music, and entertainment industry to international audiences, showcasing the talent and capacity of our sector to generate new opportunities. Miami is a strategic gateway for building partnerships and connecting our festivals and businesses with markets across the United States and Latin America.” The mission also showcased strategic tourism segments such as MICE tourism, wellness, golf, and cruises, along with gastronomy, cultural heritage, and premium tourism. The evening concluded with performances by Valencian DJ Vicente Ferrer and Miami-based DJ Francis King. Coinciding with World Travel Expo, the initiative is part of the region’s broader internationalization strategy. For more information, view the promotional video and watch the FOTUR festivals and activities video.