Notas de prensa

Kolkata, the city of joy witnessed an enriching evening dedicated to art, culture, and travel as over 120 guests from the travel trade industry, consumers, and art connoisseurs gathered at Taj Bengal, Kolkata on 19th February 2025 for a special presentation hosted by the Málaga City Council and the Tourism Office of Spain in India (Turespaña). The event commenced with an insightful destination presentation on Málaga by Mr. Jonathan Gómez Punzón, General Director of Tourism, Málaga, highlighting the city’s vibrant art scene and its deep connection to Pablo Picasso, one of its most celebrated sons. Following this, Ms. Elena Orland, Tourism Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain in India and Director of the Tourism Office of Spain in India, addressed the audience with a brief overview of 40 years of Turespaña, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to promoting cultural and artistic tourism. The first session concluded with a presentation by Europamundo Vacations, the event’s official partner, offering insights into Spain’s diverse travel experiences. Panel Discussion: Exploring Art Tourism Through Picasso & Tagore The highlight of the evening was a 60-minute panel discussion on Art Tourism, placing the spotlight on the creative influences of Picasso and Tagore. Esteemed panelists shared their expert insights: - Prof. Debdutta Gupta (Art Historian & Art Critic, Assistant Professor, History of Art, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata): Discussed how Picasso’s Cubism has continued to inspire Bengali artists and scholars, emphasizing that art flourishes best in one’s home environment.- Ms. Upaneeta Sen (Director, Altair Services Pvt Ltd, Kolkata): Curated a Spain itinerary for artists and highlighted the need for collaboration between travel agents and influencers to promote art tourism effectively.- Mr. Jonathan Gómez Punzón (General Director, Málaga Tourism Board): Presented Málaga as a haven for young artists, sharing details on the "Picasso and Printmaking" project at the Picasso Museum, Málaga.- Ms. Elena Orland (Director, Tourism Office of Spain in India): Spoke about Spain’s contemporary art festivals and introduced the audience to Spain’s most unique street art locations. A Mesmerizing Cultural Performance & Raffle Giveaway: The evening also featured a breathtaking 60-minute dance drama performance by the Kalapi Centre of Performing Arts, blending Picasso’s artistic vision with Tagore’s timeless music.To conclude the event, the Málaga Tourism Board hosted an exciting raffle, with Mr. Abhijit Sen, Regional Head of TBO Kolkata, winning a two-night stay in Málaga at a premium hotel, including cultural tours. With an evening filled with stimulating discussions, artistic inspiration, and cultural exchange, the event successfully strengthened the ties between Spain and India through the lens of art tourism.