Tile of Spain USA recently hosted an esteemed group of architects, interior designers and journalists in Valencia, Spain for an educational and ceramic-centric experience on the annual “Passport to Creativity” Tour. During the eleventh edition of this trip, guests received an exclusive look at Spanish tile, not only from a design perspective but a historic and fabrication vantage as well. From touring the streets of Valencia’s Old City and attending Cevisama, to visiting ceramic manufacturers’ showrooms and factories, the week-long trip was spent discovering the latest Spanish ceramic innovations, trends and technologies, at the source.
DAY ONE – Architectural Tour of Valencia and Welcome Dinner
We began our week in Spain on Monday, February 27 with an architectural tour of Valencia guided by architect Adrian Torres Astaburuaga. The group spent time in the Old City as well as the City of Arts & Sciences Complex, receiving a taste of Valencia’s past and present.
Following the tour, we traveled to Parque Natural de la Albufera for a breathtaking, guided sunset cruise. While on the water, our guests received a history lesson on the origin of Valencia’s world-famous paella, before attending dinner at Parador de El Saler, hosted by the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER).
DAY TWO – CEVISAMA and the 2023 Tile of Spain Press Conference
Ready for a full day engrossed in the wonderful world of Spanish tile, our group headed for the highly anticipated return of Cevisama, the International Ceramics & Bathroom Experience, bright and early. This year’s fair was the first event since 2020. Our day began visiting Peronda Group’s exhibition space, browsing new collections from Peronda, Harmony Inspire and Museum Surfaces.
After our first booth tour, we attended the Tile of Spain press conference. During the conference, President of ASCER, Vicente Nomdedeu, outlined the growing strength of Spain’s industrial sector and recognized the winners of the 21st annual Tile of Spain Awards.
Our day continued at Cevisama visiting Cerlat, Arcana Cerámica, Natucer, Cerámica Vives, and Apavisa.
DAY THREE – Factory and Showroom Tours
On Wednesday, we traveled from Valencia to Castellón where we spent the day with Decocer, Living Ceramics and Cerámica Saloni.
At our first stop, the team at Decocer welcomed our guests with open arms! We spent time in their showroom learning about the beauty and versatility of small-size tiles before heading to the factory to see the magic in manufacturing.
After Decocer, we headed to Living Ceramics for an afternoon full of tapas and tile. We ended the day at Cerámica Saloni with a tour of their factory, warehouse and showroom!
DAY FOUR – Cevisama and Farewell Dinner
On our final day of the “Passport to Creativity” tour, we headed back to Cevisama. First on the agenda was a colorful stop at Ceracasa followed by Fanal, Halcón Ceramicas, Cicogres, Emotion Ceramics and Emac all before lunch.
Before concluding our time at Cevisama, we enjoyed an afternoon surrounded by ceramics with stops at Realonda and Roca Tile’s booths and a tour of Keraben Group’s showroom where we reflected in the luxurious company of Metropol, Ibero and Keraben.
After departing Cevisama, the group enjoyed our last night together with some shopping and sightseeing in Valencia’s Old City and dinner at Deli Rant. Plenty of laughs were shared as we reminisced on the week’s adventures and experiences on the 2023 “Passport to Creativity Tour”.
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