Commercialism that did well

SYates said:

A spin off this thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/please-help-protest-the-camino-race.46765/ and one of my favorite memories as a hospitalera - an example how commercialism and Camino can be combined to benefit everybody - pilgrims and Spanish economics:

2004 (Holy Year) Ponferrada (the same event took place in other locations as well, but I witnessed it first hand there).

A Spanish olive oil producer/distributor contacted the albergue for a special event. They offered to provide breakfast for ALL pilgrims that slept in this rather large albergue that consisted of tostadas (toasted bread slices) with tomato and garlic rubbed into them topped with jamon serrano and sprinkled with olive oil. The ones responsible for the albergue gladly accepted.

Saying that 'our' pilgrims were delighted is an understatement ;-)

They also distributed small plastic bottles (50-100ml) to all pilgrims that wanted one. And left us hospitaleros with plenty more of those to give away the next days/weeks.

It was a win-win for everybody, that producer/distributor got the word out about their product and pilgrims got a free breakfast plus olive oil to take away in a bottle that didn't weight them down.

I would like more initiatives like this, again, on the Camino. Actions that benefit both - pilgrims and the local economy!

Buen Camino, SY

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SYates said:

That is extremely good question! I don't think we 'normal' pilgrims can do much BUT those that are in a position of influence could suggest similar projects to their companies. Or, if you know of a company, you could just pitch a good idea to them. For example we good the rubbish tongues for the Ditch Pig 2016 clean up because we 'pitched' the idea to the manufacturer.
Another idea I had since a long time - bottled water/sport drinks distributed for free to the pilgrims queuing before the pilgrims office during the 'hot months'.
BC SY

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SEB said:

Thank you for this good example SYates. Here in the UK pilgrims can support the economies of Northern Spain by buying from the Tapas Lunch Company, they are online and take Paypal, do next day delivery and sell everything from chorizo to pulpo to Tarte de Santiago. A lot of their meat is produced at San Justo de la Vega, just before Astorga, although I have terrible memories of almost crawling along when passing through there and being reduced to a near gibbering wreck when confronted with the circuitous bridge over the railway line. Only a pack of happy cyclists all individually greeting me with 'Buen Camino' kept me sane and trudging onward.

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SYates said:

That is extremely good question! I don't think we 'normal' pilgrims can do much BUT those that are in a position of influence could suggest similar projects to their companies. Or, if you know of a company, you could just pitch a good idea to them. For example we good the rubbish tongues for the Ditch Pig 2016 clean up because we 'pitched' the idea to the manufacturer.
Another idea I had since a long time - bottled water/sport drinks distributed for free to the pilgrims queuing before the pilgrims office during the 'hot months'.
BC SY

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Jakke said:

A little off-thread, bus since you mention that office.. When I went to get my compostela, we had to stand in line close to an hour. Horrible with tired feet on that hard floor. It is a lot easier to move than to stand. There is such a beautiful yard. Why don't they give us a number and let us sit on benches in the yard? The few seats in the hall are of course given to the ladies (their good right of course).

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