In a meeting of great importance for the cultural, touristic, and sporting development of Cantabria, the rector of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), Rubén Calderón, received the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Eva Guillermina Fernández, together with the General Director of Culture, José Antonio González, at the institution’s campus. This meeting marked the first contact between the parties, establishing the basis for a collaboration that promises to strengthen the ties between the university and the Government of Cantabria.
The Minister, Eva Guillermina Fernández, was able to see firsthand the potential of UNEATLANTICO, as well as the Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) and its extensive Obra Cultural (Cultural Work). In this context, it was proposed to formalize a collaboration agreement that would make the Obra Cultural available to the Government of Cantabria for exhibitions, presentations, and events, both within and outside the community. It should be noted that this type of collaboration has already been successfully materialized during the inauguration of the Lebaniego Jubilee Year 2023/24.
The approach of the proposal seeks to promote both culture and tourism, using the resources and international projection of the university and FUNIBER. The possibility of using the headquarters of both institutions in 39 countries as tourist showcases for Cantabria is being considered, promoting the region as a first class academic and tourist destination.
In the area of tourism, the potential of UNEATLANTICO and FUNIBER to attract international students who carry out all their undergraduate studies in Cantabria was highlighted, generating an important economic footprint and consolidating the region as a renowned academic and tourist destination. These students, who reside in Cantabria for at least four years, become exceptional ambassadors for the region.
In addition, the Universidad Europea del Atlántico stands out as a partner of the Santander Convention Bureau, actively participating in the organization of international congresses on various topics. This collaboration contributes to the promotion of culture and specialized tourism in the region.
In the area of sports, the projects in which the university collaborates and leads both locally and internationally were presented. Collaboration with federations and clubs, inside and outside Cantabria, was highlighted, as well as the aspects related to teaching in Sport and Exercise Science (CAFYD). Both parties have raised the possibility of students carrying out their curricular practices in the facilities linked to the Dirección General de Deportes (General Directorate of Sports), and there is a good predisposition in this regard.
Finally, the Universidad Europea del Atlántico is grateful for the Councilor’s receptiveness to all the proposals presented. Both parties agreed to establish a calendar of coordination and follow-up meetings, thus laying the foundations for a continuous and fruitful collaboration that will benefit not only the educational institution but also the integral development of Cantabria in the cultural, tourism, and sports fields.