SPAIN’S international incoming tourist figures are fast increasing, and in 2007 it continued to occupy a privileged position among the world’s top tourist destinations, ranking second world wide.
The tourism industry provided over 11.6 per cent of GNP and employed 12 per cent of the working population.
In 2008 Turespaٌa´s office in Rome which is responsible for the promotion of Spain as a tourist destination in the Middle East, plans to portray Spain as the ideal haven by placing particular emphasis on the rich variety of cultural activities, the high quality infrastructures (hotels, congress centres, sports resorts etc), lifestyle and the gastronomy.
Spain´s intention this year is to focus on the Arab artistic heritage of the Andalusia region which is especially strong in Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga, as well as Marbella. There will also be further promotion of the already well established Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation in Jerez de la Frontera, (www.realescuela.org); where a unique and skillful exhibition of horsemanship and other equestrian activities have always attracted visitors. In addition, this region benefits from 4, 000 kilometres of coastline and over 100 marinas with many sporting activities.
The country will be promoting Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia (the latter which gained importance through being venue to the America Cup 2007 and which will again host this in 2009). Also, attention will turn towards Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon this year for the celebration of Expo Zaragoza 2008 (June 14 to September 14) with the theme Water and Sustainable Development, which is of particular relevance at the moment. www.expozaragoza2008.es
Visit the Spain stand at ATM EU320 in the Za´abeel Hall for any further information on Spain or browse our website at www.spain.info.