Andorra is really something else

Transcription

1 Andorra is really something else visitandorra.com Press Kit Winter 2017

2 ANDORRA IN FIGURES

3 Key data At first sight, they may just look like statistical data but essentially they reflect the main characteristics of the country. Andorra was founded in 805 by Charlemagne. 14 March 1993, date of the Constitution of Andorra. Population (2015): 78,014 inhabitants. Life expectancy (2015): 84.2 years. Average age of population (2015): years. 7 parishes (or administrative divisions). Area of 468 square kilometres. 72 mountain peaks over 2,000 m high. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley covering 4,247 hectares, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. Two nature reserves: Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny (1,080 hectares) and the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa (1,542.6 hectares). El Comapedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra at 2,942 m. The lowest point in the country is 840 metres above sea level, on the border of the Runer river. The average annual temperature is 11.5 degrees Celsius (2015). 7,851,152 visitors: 3,886,580 from Spain, 3,368,515 from France and 596,057 from other countries (2015). 33,613 hotel rooms in 249 tourism accommodations (2015). 303 kilometres of slopes with 65% skiable area guaranteed with artificial snow (Grandvalira and Vallnord). 3

4 4 ANDORRA A LAND FULL OF HISTORY

5 850 Charlemagne founded Andorra in recognition of the support provided by the local people in his campaign against the Moors The Constitution of Andorra was signed, making the Principality a parliamentary democracy. Andorra joined the United Nations, signifying international recognition of the country The Foreign Investment Act was passed, which enables companies with 100% foreign capital to set up in the Principality Agreement to avoid Double Taxation with several countries. Came into force in France in July 2015 and passed at the beginning of 2016 in Spain. Andorra is divided geographically into seven parishes: The Principality of Andorra was created after the signing of the first, Pareatge a charter granting joint sovereignty over the territory to the Archbishop of Urgell and Count of Foix, the future King of France Through its efforts to align itself to European legislation, it was removed from the blacklist of OECD tax havens and far-reaching financial reform was implemented Personal Income Tax Act passed, completing the country s financial reform in Andorra has its own political and legal system: it is co-principality. The two ceremonial heads of state are the Bishop of Urgell and President of the French Republic. 1.Canillo. 2.Encamp. El Pas de la Casa is the last town on Andorran soil before reaching French territory. 3.Ordino. 4.La Massana. 5.Andorra la Vella. Is also the capital of Andorra. 6.Sant Julià de Lòria. Lying on the border with Spain. 7.Escaldes-Engordany. The newest parish (June 1978). 5

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7 GETTING TO ANDORRA Getting to Andorra is easy; you can travel by car, coach, train or airplane: By car: From Madrid, the fastest route (610 Km) is via Zaragoza, Lleida and Ponts. From Barcelona, you can travel via Cervera (208 Km), Solsona (196 km) and Calaf (202 km). Other nearby cities include Lleida (150 Km), Tarragona (210 Km), Girona (219 Km), Toulouse (196 Km) and Perpignan (128 Km). By bus: Eurolines and Novatel run services from the Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Nadal has its own stop at the Sants bus station and Novatel operates from Girona Airport. Alsa and Montmantell depart from the AVE high-speed train station. Novatel and Montmantell run services from Toulouse. By train: The nearest train stations are Barcelona-Sants and Lleida-Pirineus, in Spain, as well as the stations at l Hospitalet-près-l Andorre and Matabiau (Toulouse), in France. You can either travel by car or bus from the station. By air: The airport with the highest frequency of flights is Barcelona (210 Km) and the nearest is l Alguaire de Lleida airport (158 Km). Girona (250 Km) and Reus (210 Km) are two other options. You can get to Andorra by car or bus from there. From France the main airports are Rivesaltes (170 Km), in Perpignan, and Blagnac, in Toulouse, (196 Km). The closest is the airport at Carcassonne in Pays Cathare, (155 Km). 7

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9 GETTING TO THE SKI RESORTS GRANDVALIRA By car: In order reach Grandvalira from Andorra la Vella you should take the CG-2 towards France. The station has six different access points. The first is Encamp, followed by Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. All of them are connected by ski runs. Grandvalira is the largest skiable domain in the Pyrenees. By bus: Andorra offers regular bus services up to the different ski resort access points. VALLNORD By car: You have several options in order to reach Vallnord-Pal Arinsal. The easiest route is to take CG3 towards La Massana and then take the cable car that leaves you just next to the Pal ski runs. It is also possible to take the CG4 and go directly by car towards Pal or take the CG5 and reach the Arinsal runs. Pal and Arinsal ski resorts are connected by pistes. In order to reach Vallnord Arcalís you need to take the CG3 towards Arcalís. These are the most northerly pistes in the country. By bus: Andorra runs regular bus services to the resort. During the ski seasons the Vallnord Freebus runs, connecting Andorra la Vella, La Massana and Arinsal with the ski runs at Vallnord. 9

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11 MAIN SPORTS EVENTS WINTER 2017 Mountain Ski World Cup Junior Freeride World Cup Freeride World Tour Skimo 2017 Total Fight (snow) Total Fight (ski) Speed Skiing World Cup and 22 January 3 to 9 February 11 February 5 March 23 to 25 March 30 March to 1 April 6 to 9 April 11

12 SUMMARY

13 1. Enjoy the fun! 2. Family fun in the snow 3. Enjoy winter with friends 4. Andorra for couples 5. Connect to pleasure and relaxation 6. Relishing local cuisine 7. Shopping up high 8. Traditions and culture in Andorra 9. Andorra MICE The best solutions for your business

14 ENJOY THE FUN! Every year, the ski resorts in Andorra renew their amenities in order to deliver a better service and experience to visitors. - NEWS - 14

15 GRANDVALIRA Improving infrastructures and slopes The main improvements this season in Grandvalira include the new Planell de la Font 4-seats fixed chairlift in the Soldeu sector, which is 900 metres long and entails an investment of 2.4 million euros. The new chairlift, with a capacity to transport 500 skiers per hour, will depart from the Ós ski trail. Grandvalira will start the season with the new Coma 3 2-seats ski lift in the Grau Roig sector, which will take skiers to a new area with a new run too, Tobogan, a cross-country ski circuit that will combine freeride and freestyle. The Encamp sector will also be equipped with a new ski lift, Cortals 3, which will take beginners to other areas where they can practise their first downhill runs. And in the Isards area, skiers will find the new ski lift Pic Negre 1, which will dynamize this upper area and provide fast access to a privileged area in the Pas de la Casa sector, with an exclusive slope. El Tarter sector will also see improvements this winter, with new covered escalators (up and down), for the convenience of skiers who go down to l Obac by lift. El Tarter Ski School has extended its snow garden and crèche, as well as its dining room for groups at Riba Escorxada. Restaurant news The Gall de Bosc terrace has been revamped and the Veuve Cliquot terrace Grandvalira has been set up, creating a chic and select venue where one can choose champagne and delicatessen menus. L Abarset includes a new VIP area accommodating 30 people. The Terrassa de l Abarset has also been extended with a new point of sale and now covers a space of 520 m2. At the foot of the trails, skiers can visit two Trepitjaneu Food Trucks, two dynamic and travelling restaurants. One food truck will be run by the Hard Rock Café, which comes to Andorra for the first time, and the other one will serve gourmet food. The iconic igloo hotel at Grandvalira will include a new hot dome for sophisticated group dinners. And the Alicia Foundation, created by the world-class chef Ferran Adrià, will review all the menus of the restaurants at the resort, in order to certify that the dishes served are balanced and nutritious. The Ski and Snowboard School The school is opening a new mountain ski circuit in the Pas de la Casa sector, making it the 6th circuit to practise this increasingly popular discipline. Moreover, the school is presenting its new Top Race product, with which the former Olympic athlete Gerard Escoda will help students improve their ski techniques for competitions. Finally, the station is introducing a new service: Grandvalira Mountain Guides (GMG). Visitors will be able to hire a guide and arrange a training plan throughout the season with the aim of climbing 6 summits of different levels of difficulty in the Principality. 15

16 This season, Vallnord Pal Arinsal is unveiling a new MICE service for businesses and individuals to host bespoke events and offer products that meet specific customer needs. Vallnord - Ordino Arcalís This resort will consolidate its freeride and family services this season. The kids play area at the family park will include new modules and a new look and the Natural Park is presenting a new concept of snowpark that blends freeride and freestyle with natural elements. VALLNORD The resort is keeping its annual Bike & Ski Forfait, its flagship pass, which encompasses both summer and winter seasons at a highly competitive rate. Vallnord is also consolidating its rechargeable ski pass this winter, created last year and which can be recharged at the Vallnord virtual store and at the new automatic sales machines at La Massana Cable Car and Customer Service Office. Vallnord - Pal Arinsal With the aim of promoting the freeride project, the resort has set up marked access points for the best freeride spots. It will also present the Freeride Team, comprising ambassadors and athletes from the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) and will extend the freeride school and related products. Vallnord-Ordino Arcalís continues to strengthen its position as a pioneering resort in the use of clean energy: leveraging its amenities and natural resources to produce electrical energy and make it a 100% sustainable resort. The new services available at this resort for the winter season focus on delivering a better service to skiers and reducing the waiting times at restaurants. Pocoyó will continue to entertain the kids, while adults will be able to have a great time riding fat bikes, or at the rope park or on the timed slalom course. The school also has an adapted ski area for disabled skiers to practise alpine skiing supported by a specialist team. With regards to restaurants, Pal will redesign the Rústic de la Caubella restaurant and improve the self-service food offering with bio labelling. At Arinsal, skiers will find a wooden chalet with a kitchen and dining room seating 50 people and a terrace covering an area of 180 square meters. 16

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18 FAMILY FUN IN THE SNOW Mushing, snowshoes, snow snake, quads on ice Andorra is a paradise for kids, full of unique attractions, activities for all ages and a host of adventures to discover. 18

19 Fun activities such as snowshoe walks, mushing, tubing and building igloos are also available. Naturlandia, a place specially designed for kids Another of the top family attractions is Naturlandia, in Sant Julià de Lòria, where you can try your hand at archery or golf and discover the Animal Park. Visitors can also climb up the trees in the Innuit Park or enjoy the high thrills at Airtrekk, the biggest sky trail attraction in Europe. Palau de Gel, activities at the ice rink Ski resorts, an adventure The Vallnord resort runs an exciting array of activities in the snow, apart from skiing, for kids (and big kids!): mushing (dog sledding), ski bike, tubing (ride a giant doughnut down the slopes!), snow snake (sleds joined together so that you can ride down the slopes in a group), snowshoe walks Children can also enjoy activities like steering electric quads and petrol karts round the ice rink, as well as skating, curling and ice hockey. 360 Extrem An indoor freestyle centre for freeskiing, snowboard or skateboard fans who want to enjoy their favourite sport any time of the year. It also runs two baby clubs for kids aged 1 to 4, two snow parks for beginners (for kids aged 4 to 8) and conjures up the magic of skiing with Pocoyó. The Kids Play Area at Grandvalira in the Canillo area provides an experience for parents and children based on the legends of Andorra, together with the longest themed ski run in southern Europe. Moreover, kids can have fun learning to ski at the Imaginarium circuit, featuring KicoNico; or at the Bababoom Circus, inspired by the magic of the circus. 19

20 ENJOY WINTER WITH FRIENDS What could be better than getting away to the mountains to have fun and escape from your daily routine? Snow, shopping, relaxation and excellent cuisine, Andorra is the ideal place to spend a few days having a great time with friends.

21 Fun guaranteed on the piste, day and night More than 300 km of ski runs await you at Andorra, which are ideal for experienced and adventurous skiers, as well as for beginners. But not everything ends with the typical descent down the ski slopes. Are you up for a thrill? Then try our speedride. At Vallnord Arcalís you will find the only academy on the Iberian Peninsula where you can learn this discipline. Speedride is gaining popularity as a sport and involves skiers gaining the momentum needed during the downhill run in order to paraglide several metres up in air. Party into the night or enjoy a night out After late-night shopping, activities go on until the early hours at popular nightspots. Buda Espai is one of the best-known venues in Andorra la Vella and at Festa Andorra you can dance to a great DJ session and enjoy two different atmospheres. Near these venues you can also find La Borda Pairal, La Fada Ignorant, El Cisco de Sans (in the old town) or Chesterfield, where the atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed. For speed and sled fans, airboard is for you: we challenge you to make the descent lying on an air mattress racing down the slopes against friends at the Pal Vallnord resort. If you like motorized vehicles, you can ride round Vallnord and Grandvalira on snow bikes and buggies, explore the mountainside with snow groomer rides (Grandvalira) or ride aboard Gicafer, a caterpillar track vehicle in Arcalís-Vallnord. The après-ski bars and clubs After a day s skiing, you can enjoy a great night out at the après-ski bars and clubs, with a good atmosphere and other skiers who have left the ski slopes behind until the next morning. Night life is concentrated in Pas de la Casa and Soldeu, while, in the other valley, Arinsal offers a host of pubs and other nightspots. 21

22 ANDORRA FOR COUPLES The Principality offers a host of alternative and complementary activities in the snow, apart from skiing, for you to relish with your partner. Sleeping in an igloo hotel, driving snow bikes or mushing are just a few of the exciting experiences you can enjoy as a couple. One of the activities that will appeal to the most adventurous visitors are motorized rides: both Vallnord and Grandvalira offer trails for snow bikes, buggies, snow groomer rides (Grandvalira) or Gicafer rides, in Arcalís-Vallnord. Gicafer is a caterpillar track vehicle aboard which you can sit back and discover areas that inaccessible to most other vehicles. Trips are organised both day and night. If you prefer to see the mountains from the sky, the two resorts offer helicopter rides. A magnificent experience that affords you amazing views of the landscape. One of most romantic and spectacular leisure activities is organised at Vallnord-Pal Arinsal, Vallnord-Ordino Arcalís and Naturlandia, where you can go walking in the moonlight with snowshoes. You can also treat your loved one to a night trip on a dog sled or mushing. And afterwards, what could be better than a candlelit dinner surrounded by the beautiful snowy landscape. Finally, to finish the day off, why not stay at the amazing Hotel Iglú, located in the Grau Roig area of Grandvalira. This hotel is built entirely out of ice and disappears in the Spring. The suites are equipped with thermal sleeping bags and real fur blankets, and there is a Jacuzzi and restaurant. This season, the dining area has been extended to accommodate group dinners and a new hot room for 70 people will open, so that visitors can experience the different sensations of feeling cold and hot up in the mountains. 22

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24 CONNECT TO PLEASURE AND RELAXATION Round off your visit by enjoying a moment of relaxation surrounded by snow. 24

25 Andorra is home to one of the leading hot spring centres in Europe, namely Caldea, where you can discover the pleasures and benefits of the waters. Opened recently, in July 2016, this centre provides a new, specially designed kids area, Likids, where children can have fun and discover the world of the spa and hot springs. Likids Located on the first floor at Caldea, in the area previously dedicated to infrared treatments, visitors can find the new spa for children, LIKIDS. An area specially designed for kids aged 3 to 8, where wellness technicians will introduce them to the world of the spa through fun activities and games, following the principles of hydrotherapy and based on play. Covering a space of 300 m² which has different areas for kids to enjoy their moment of relaxation: Inúu - Central pool with Jacuzzi - Beauty space - Sauna-lounge space - Fitness space - Beach with sand dunes Attached to Caldea, Inúu is an exclusive wellness space, focusing solely on individuals and couples, covering an area of 12,400 m² and offering a wide range of innovative treatments: via set programmes or an initial interview with a therapist, visitors can enjoy a personalised stay that fulfils all their expectations and desires. Beauty treatments, mind-body treatments, nutrition services and sensory experiences a host of therapies and techniques to choose from such as Ayurvedic massage, Shiatsu or Thai massage. Inúu also has a 100 m² private wellness space for individual use or for couples, designed to provide maximum relaxation in a unique setting. In addition, the centre contains fitness and mind spaces and a restaurant. Caldea The largest spa resort in southern Europe, offers an array of activities and treatments for a wide audience and families in a space covering 30,345 m², at an altitude of 1,100 metres. The wellness centre offers massage, beauty and wellness rituals, hydrotherapy and beauty treatments and its own biological cosmetics line, Just Bio by Caldea, based on natural elements. Together, these two centres cover a space of 42,745 m², dedicated to relaxing and pleasurable experiences surrounded by mountains, where you can switch off completely. 25

26 RELISHING LOCAL CUISINE The first thing that comes to mind in terms of Andorran cuisine is traditional mountain fare, made from excellent fresh ingredients, with dishes that will warm you up on cold winter days. However, Andorra offers much more than this. As well as traditional fare, Asian or Italian cuisine and exquisite designer tapas are served at the Principality s 400+ restaurants, which will delight gourmet lovers. 26

27 La Borda andorrana, where eating is always a pleasure Visitors can sample authentic Andorran cuisine at any of the Principality s 20 bordes (mountain lodges where the grain and livestock used to be kept in winter). Typical mountain fare includes trinxat (potatoes, cabbage and pork meat), escudella (soup or stew) and river trout cooked in a variety of ways, grilled or stone-cooked meat with Protected Geographical Status, or desserts like elderflower ice-cream or the creamy, custard dish crema andorrana. Local produce: wine, beer and mead As well as the wide range of restaurants catering to all tastes, Andorra offers visitors a variety of high quality local produce. - First, the flourishing wine production is worth highlighting. Casa Beal, is a pioneering vineyard thanks to its white wine Cim del Cel, Borda Sabaté focuses on biodynamic and ecological production, Casa Auvinyà and Celler Mas Berenguer. - Andorra also produces two locally brewed beers for gold liquid lovers. Alpha, which is made in La Cortinada (Ordino) along with its varieties, and Boris, the premium Andorran beer. - Slightly less known, visitors can also sample the first mead in Andorra, an alcoholic beverage based on natural honey from the heights by Naturalis, and Nectum d avet, made from pine nut extract and sugar, with culinary, aromatic and medicinal properties. This product is unique in the world and produced in Andorra. - Initiatives such as homemade jam production (El Pastoret and Casa Gendret), liquors like Ratassia de la Carmeta, artisan cold meat like Els Escaubells or ecological products by Can Sona or horse meat products are also thriving. 27

28 Food fairs: the ideal showcase The various food fairs showcasing typical Andorran dishes are well worth a visit. The Escudelles, popular St Antony and St Sebastian festivals, and Lo Mondongo, in La Massana, are held in January. From September onwards the Fira del Bolet takes place in Arinsal, La Mostra Gastronò mica in Ordino and La Massana Fogons and other fairs are held. One of the most important events on the food calendar is the Andorra a Taula gastronomic days in November. Every year, 30 restaurants take part in the initiative, serving special menus. 28

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31 SHOPPING UP HIGH Andorra is a fabulous shopping destination, offering over one thousand stores, malls and shopping centres in just a few kilometres for shopping lovers: selling the latest fashion trends, high-end perfumes and cosmetics, gourmet products, sports gear and equipment, cutting-edge technology Nonstop shopping The Principality has more than 1,000 shops that open Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 20:00, and on Saturdays until 21:00 (varies for each store). Stores only close 4 days of the year: 1 January, 14 March (Constitution day), 8 September (National Holiday) and 25 December. Most of the stores are located in Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany and Pas de la Casa, and the avenues Meritxell in Andorra La Vella and Carlemany in Escaldes-Engordany are famous for their designer boutiques, jewellers and perfumers selling top international brands at highly competitive prices. Walking down these two avenues has a unique charm, thanks to the combination of shop windows and mountain views, makes it a favourite shopping destination for many visitors. Early winter sales! If you can t wait until 7 January for the sales, you ll love Andorra where the winter sales start the third Friday of December and last for three months, although you can also find promotions or discounts at stores all year round. Custom duties The duty free allowance is up to 900 euros for industrial products not subject to special legislation and for personal consumption. More information is available at: 31

32 TRADITIONS AND CULTURE IN ANDORRA 32

33 The Principality boasts a rich, thousand-year-old culture that visitors can engage with by discovering the treasures that have survived over the centuries: Andorran culture and tradition, its legends and customs, religious heritage, rural architecture and much more. Discovering the Romanesque Romanesque architecture is one of the dominant artistic styles in Andorra, illustrated by the 44 Romanesque churches spread across the territory. The Meritxell Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin of Meritxell and rebuilt after a fire in 1972 by the architect Ricard Bofill, who was inspired by a range of artistic styles to create a masterpiece, stands out for its historical interest. The smallest parliament in Europe Located at the heart of Andorra la Vella, the capital, and built in 1580, La Casa de la Vall is the smallest Parliament in Europe and the building of greatest historical importance in the country. As the Parliament grew, a new space was built in 2011 and this modern building now houses the new General Council. Life in Andorra in past centuries Andorran tradition is also on display at the places where the people of Andorra used to work and live. Casa Cristo, Casa Rull and Casa Areny-Plandolit are house museums on the Rural Habitat Route, where visitors can glimpse the lifestyle of the Andorran people in past centuries. Museums Andorra s museums have a charm of their own. Works by Andorran artists are on display at the Centre d Art d Escaldes-Engordany (CAEE) while millimetric compositions can be viewed at the Museum of Miniatures and visitors can create their own fragrances at the Perfume Museum. You can visit all the museums by purchasing a Museum Pass priced at 19 (individual), 10 (for 2 to 6 people) and 8 (7 people and up). The big news is that the Baroness Carmen Thyssen has extended her legacy and a new Thyssen Museum is scheduled to open in March 2017, adding to the Principality s cultural options. 33

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35 ANDORRA MICE THE BEST SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS Andorra is a great destination for meetings, incentives conferences and events (MICE) for companies thanks to its wide range of hotels, conference centres and meeting rooms if you re looking to enjoy a few days work away from the city. Choosing Andorra as a business tourism destination is a safe bet. Its privileged geographical location between Spain and France, the short distances within the territory, excellent infrastructures and varied tourism offering make the Principality a great place for MICE trips. 33,613 hotel rooms mean that companies can enjoy a memorable 360o experience, in one of the safest countries in the world. Incentives and Seminars in exceptional surroundings The mountain environment makes Andorra the perfect location to organise these activities. It is a great place for outdoor training, which combines coaching, team-building and empowerment techniques, in order to help businesses and teams improve performance, independence, self-esteem and cohesion. Moreover, amenities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, located in spectacular natural surroundings. Conference centres at Ordino or Andorra la Vella, the Palau Business Space (Palau de Gel) and numerous hotels offer fully adapted function rooms to cater to all needs. This year, Vallnord Pal Arinsal are offering new services to businesses and individuals as regards organising bespoke events. A wide selection of winter venues, 1,950 metres up on the mountainside: wooden mountain shelters, terraces or themed restaurants. Andorra has hosted international conferences like the 2011 Global Tourism Forum or World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism (organised biannually), as well as meetings and incentives for major corporations. Upcoming events Over 2017 Andorra will host the FIABCI International conference, with more than 700 delegates; the International Motorcycle Conference and many other incentive events for brands like Airbus, Seat, HP, etc. 35

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