What is the Océano Atlántico tourism project and how did the initiative come about?
It is a natural evolution of a restless, young group that is constantly on the move. The Océano Atlántico Group is based on very solid foundations, such as education, and other recent areas of services and businesses. This new tourism sector was created with the objective of establishing a tourism line that encompasses not only accommodation but also connects experiences, training, and sustainability. It all started with the Camping de Zaragoza, which joined the group two years ago, and since then we have been growing with other spaces such as the Albergue de Cretas (Teruel) or the rural house in Blesa (Teruel).
What was your role in the integration of Camping de Zaragoza?
I had already been in charge of the camping since 2010. Océano Atlántico proposed joining forces. We quickly came to an understanding, and the project began to take shape. What started as something incidental has turned into a new strategic line within the group.
How did the project evolve since the initial incorporation of the camping?
Initially, it was something incidental in terms of tourism, but with the evolution of the first year and a half, by the end of 2024, management proposed the possibility of creating a new specific tourism line. The idea is to grow in accommodation that is not only camping, to also manage the Albergue de Cretas, and to create a group of accommodations that includes campsites, rural houses… We are not exclusively closing ourselves off to the camping world, but rather we have that vision of mutual growth within the group.
Tell us about the Albergue de Cretas (Teruel).
It is one of those wonderful and hidden villages in Matarraña! It is also unknown, and it offers incredible tranquility. The hostel is located in what used to be an old railway station, which has been transformed, and from there begins the greenway that leads to Tortosa. It is perfect for the slow tourism that people are increasingly seeking.
As the head of this new tourism line, what are your main challenges?
The number one challenge is undoubtedly digitalization. Making everything easily accessible at the touch of a screen. I believe this will be one of the most important qualitative leaps. I am in the process with Cretas for check-ins to be online, for all bookings to be made through booking engines, digitized surveys… Everything needs to be measurable and quantifiable, not subjective. This information allows us to improve the customer experience, and it also helps us make better future decisions regarding accommodations and investments.
Tourism in Aragón seems to be experiencing notable growth in recent years.
That is both the perception and the reality. Tourism in Aragón is growing in quantity and quality. A few weeks ago, at the Annual Assembly of Horeca (Federation of Hospitality Business Owners of Zaragoza), the Minister of Environment and Tourism of the Government of Aragón, Manuel Blasco, highlighted that in 2024, for the first time in history, we have surpassed two million visitors. And there is one fact that particularly caught my attention and makes me proud: for the first time in Aragón, we Aragonese were number one in tourism within Aragón. We surpassed the Catalans. We Aragonese have been our own first tourists in our own territory. This speaks very well of how we value our territory.
Speaking of sustainability, how is it addressed at Océano Atlántico?
Sustainability for us is not only environmental. It is social, economic, and human. We take care of our workers, reduce waste, promote local sourcing, and engage with the local community. We participate in social projects, work with local organizations, and strive to leave a positive footprint wherever we go. Yes, it is true, sustainability is fundamental for us. Today’s children will be the tourists of the future, and they will demand from the very first moment that it be sustainable, that products are locally sourced. And not just this environmental sustainability that everyone talks about, but also being sustainable with your employees, with the environment that surrounds you, contributing something to society. This is not a trend; it is here to stay, and we will be held accountable for it.
How many people are on the team that makes up this project?
In high season, with extras and weekends, we reach up to 45 people at Camping de Zaragoza. In the entire tourism unit of Océano Atlántico, we are around 60 people. When managing teams, I try to ensure that everyone feels included. If there is painting to be done, we paint; if there is trash to pick up, we pick it up. Instilling this in the teams is very valuable.
What projects do you have that directly impact the environment in which you operate?
In Cretas, we want to launch a joint package with local active sports companies in the Matarraña region. We also participate in business events, talks on sustainability, and offer our facilities for social initiatives. These partnerships have a significant impact on the local environment, and we are aware that our activity can positively transform a region.
