The Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña) in Mumbai organised an engaging evening of conversation, culture, and connection, with its program “Women Travelers to Spain: A Passport to Yourself”. Thoughtfully designed as a celebration of women and the transformational experience of travel, the evening brought together women professionals, creators and enthusiasts to experience Spain through a very personal lens.

The event commenced with a welcome address from Elena Orland, Director of the Tourism Office of Spain in India. She set the tone with a powerful remark, “Beyond the best-known destinations, Spain is a wonderful country that truly welcomes women travellers to enjoy unique and authentic experiences that will make your travel to Spain – and to yourself – memorable. “In this way, her remarks framed the spirit of the evening – Spain as a destination, where women feel safe, inspired and free to engage in both discovery and self-discovery. The three panelists spoke about their first impressions of Spain, noting the country’s colour, vibrancy and youthful energy. They emphasized that Spain consistently met—and often exceeded—their expectations, offering everything from coastal beauty to cultural depth. The panellists shared personal stories about their own experiences related to Spain’s food, festivals, sustainable ways of exploring the destination, and the ease and comfort traveling women often experience.

A key point of discussion was Spain’s safety and comfort for solo women travellers. The panelists shared that Spanish society is warm, non-judgmental and extremely hospitable. Even without knowing Spanish, travellers can navigate easily, thanks to helpful locals and an organised urban layout. They also highlighted cultural similarities between India and Spain—particularly around family values, food, festivity and community dining—making Indian travellers feel instantly at home.

The panel discussion concluded at approximately 9 pm, allowing for a casual networking dinner featuring Spanish food and wine to take place. Instead of a formal Q&A session after the panel discussion, guests mingled and enjoyed meaningful conversations with the panellists one-on-one, or in smaller groups, that extended the discussions of exploration and connection. The evening gradually ended at approximately 10:30 pm, leaving our guests, or I could say travellers, feeling a sense of wonder and connection as new meaning was realized related to Spain and the unique experience of women travellers.

“Women Travelers to Spain: A Passport to Yourself” excelled by offering Spain as a country that embraces beauty and culture as well as, embraces women travellers inside of being welcoming “in so many ways and forms.”  The evening echoed that travel can be a bridge to discovering yourself, and that Spain continues to be a place for women to share their stories; where you can travel with confidence, curiosity and joy.