Irish President, visits Somo, the First Surf Reserve in Spain

The Irish president, whilst on holiday in Northern Spain, has signalled out the importance of its surf tourism
Somo (Cantabria. Northern Spain), 25.09.2012
The president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, recently visited the Somo Surf Centre. Ireland’s senior politician, who has been participating for the past few weeks in Spanish courses given at the International University of Menendez Pelayo (UIMP), has chosen to spend his summer holidays in Ribamontan al Mar.

President Higgins, whilst staying in one of the Hotels in the same municipality, visited the central piece in Ribamontans competitive tourism plan focused on and around the sport of surfing. Accompanied by the councils representatives, headed by the local Mayor, Francisco Asón, the Irish President was shown all relevant details surrounding this dynamic local project that has ,amongst other things, produced the first ever surf related nature reserve in Europe and the first edifice of its kind dedicated to and for the sport of Surfing.
Aware of the interest that this project has raised in South America, the Irish President has underlined his intention to study the possibility of emulating the project in his native Ireland where surfing is becoming,“ever more popular.”

“Enamoured by Cantabria and Ribamontan al Mar”, Higgins was quick to compliment both the local gastronomy and the areas beautiful beaches. “I had already heard of the charms of Loredo and Somo. Many are the Irishmen that flock to Cantabria in search of ,sun and above all else waves.” Higgins was quick to add, ”Its a beautiful area full of kind and willing people.”
Higgins, aged 71, along with his wife, retired actor Sabina Coyne, have been attending Spanish courses at the Mernendez Pelayo University in preparation for state visits, in October, to Chile, Argentina and Brasil.

Ribamontán al Mar has been awarded with the first competitive tourism plan focused on and around the sport of surfing in Spain. It is a promotional plan based and administered in and by the local council of Ribamontan al Mar with the support of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.