1.What kind of people is Sotogrande expecting to attract this summer as a tourism destination and by means of the events it is hosting?
Sotogrande is appealing to Europeans who are focused on sailing, golf and polo and community events
Already this spring we have hosted one of the sail racing events for the RC44 World Championship. This saw 11 international teams beat it out during a five-day challenge with CEEREF taking the trophy.
Following the Spanish Open at Valderrama, at La Reserva golf club we hosted a golf day for golf captains of the European Olympic teams to celebrate golf’s historic re-entry into the Olympics after a 112-year hiatus. (full information here) Manuel Piñero, captain of the Spanish men’s team, was joined by European Olympic captains from Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Portugal and players such as José María Cañízares, José María Olazábal and Sergio García.
Many events continue at the Santa Maria polo club, particularly in August when the International Tournament is played, a major event on the circuit.
We are engaged in providing Marbella visitors an opportunity to visit and experience Sotogrande, through visits and longer stays creating moments and memories.
In terms of demographic we are friends of residents so we would expect the breakdown to be 40% Spanish , 30% UK and 30% the rest of Europe.
2. Will ‘high level luxury’ be the new positioning for Sotogrande?
Sotogrande has always been a high-end destination and a playground for the wealthy and celebrated seeking discretion and relaxation. This has not changed since Sotogrande was created in 1962 by philanthropist and industrialist, Joseph McMicking, and the legacy will continue.
3. How is Sotogrande different from Marbella and Monte Carlo?
The fact that the highway opened only in 2004 allowed Sotogrande to be a bit out of the way and not urbanized to the level of Marbella. We cherish this understated luxury and tranquility. People reconnect with themselves, family and friends. It is very much a family destination, private and secluded where you can live in the best and safe environment with all the amenities at your doorstep, yet remain discrete.
4. What are the next challenges for the future of Sotogrande?
The principal challenge is to ensure that we have the appropriate factors to create differentiation and high quality content that will make Sotogrande again very relevant to our audience. The last 10 years and the crisis have resulted in a destination perceived as dormant. However we have a lot to offer with exceptional new plans for Sotogrande underway and upcoming and we are working very hard to make it known.
5. Will golf at Sotogrande be the main leit-motive for its future positioning?
There is so much more to Sotogrande beyond the golf courses which helped it become known. That is part of our USP: of course we have championship golf and polo but also tennis, equestrianism, leisure and competitive sailing, a variety of watersports, spa & wellness, hunting, nature reserves, biking, fishing, shooting, gourmet food, culture and of course relaxing farniente. There is much to do to keep busy for all the generations, families and individuals alike.
6. Now that Manuel Piñero has arrived at La Reserva Golf, is that the precursor for other big changes at Sotogrande?
It is definitely one of the steps! Changes and enhancements in all of the above activities are in the works, including developing the retail offering at the Marina, creating a showcase of Andalusian flavor through authentic Andalusian experiences and products.
***The complet interview with Mr Topiol in the programme MARBELLA LIFESTYLE( RTV MARBELLA) with Emma de Acedo, 107´6 FM