The Birding Club held its annual members’ meeting this Tuesday in Torrequemada (Cáceres), where new members of this public-private initiative promoted by the Regional Government of Extremadura were welcomed, and a revamped website dedicated to ornithological tourism in the region was presented.
The Director-General for Tourism, Óscar Mateos Prieto, and the Mayor of Torrequemada, Elías Hernández Arrojo, presented the Birding Club badges to the new members during an event attended by around seventy representatives from tourism businesses and public entities. The project has approved the incorporation of ten new members, bringing the total number of full members to 174, of whom 105 belong to the private sector.
This voluntary association—pioneering in Spain for structuring and promoting birdwatching tourism—includes accommodation providers, nature guides, travel agencies, photographic service companies, interpretation centres, tourist offices, local action groups and other public administrations, as well as several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) acting as collaborating entities.
During the opening session, Óscar Mateos highlighted that Extremadura is a birdwatching paradise and one of the most sought-after nature destinations in Europe. “If we add to this its remarkable historical heritage and gastronomy, we are speaking of a birdwatching destination of excellence,” he stated.
The Tourism Director underscored the value of collaboration between businesses and public institutions within the Birding Club, whose membership has grown steadily since its creation in 2012, when it started with 24 members.
New website
During the event, the new website https://birdinginextremadura.com/ was introduced. It compiles the region’s ornithological resources and its full range of specialised tourism offerings. It provides information in Spanish and English on Birding Club members, the main bird species that can be observed throughout Extremadura, the ten most representative habitats, and twenty birdwatching routes featuring more than 150 observation points. It also includes maps and guides available for free download, as well as a calendar of events in Extremadura.
Another new feature is the launch of the “Friends of Birding” initiative, a network of collaborators—such as restaurants, bars, shops, artisans and private individuals—who support ornithological tourism and complement the full members of the Club.
In the panel entitled “Voices of the Territory: Experiences in Ornithological Tourism,” Sierra de Montánchez-Tamuja and the municipality of Cabeza del Buey, in La Serena (Badajoz), presented their resources and projects related to this tourism activity.
The Birding Club reviewed the actions undertaken to position Extremadura as a leading birdwatching and nature destination in national and international markets. Highlights include participation in major sector fairs in Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and India; the organisation of familiarisation trips for tourism agents and the press; and collaboration with other events in the region.
Members were also informed about upcoming ornithological tourism events organised by the Regional Government of Extremadura, such as the Crane Festival in Madrigalejo (29 November) and FIO, which will hold its 21st edition from 27 February to 1 March 2026 in Monfragüe National Park.
