Spain received 6.1 million international tourists in April 2022, 869.8 per cent more than in the same period last year, according to data released by Spanish Statistical Office last month.
We speak to Daniel Rosado, Director, GCC & Iran, Spain Tourism, for further insight.
“We are extremely happy to announce the launch of direct flights to Barcelona by Saudia Airlines along with Kuwait Airways to Madrid, which is big for us. The seasonal flights to Malaga by Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines are very popular and much sought-after during summers from GCC.”
Total expenditure made by international tourists to Spain reached €6.901 million, representing an increase of 932.4 per cent as compared to the same month in 2021. The average expenditure per tourist stood at €1.131, with an annual increase of 6.5 per cent. On the other hand, the average daily expenditure increased by 18.3 per cent, up to €155.
Rosado tells us, “Spanish islands and coasts are always in demand. Particularly, Canary Islands, Balearics and South of Spain – Andalusia with Costa del Sol, Marbella and Malaga being sought after.
“We see a trend of tourists flying into and out of the cities but combining it with the islands for a longer stay.” HOTELS
Hotels invoice an average of €96.3 per occupied room, representing an annual increase of 36.3 per cent. Overnight stays in hotel establishments exceeded 25.1 million. This represents an increase of 507 per cent compared to the same month in 2021, when there were only 4.1 million.
Overnight stays in hotel establishments reached 25.1 million, compared to 4.1 million in April 2021.
The average stay by international tourists was 7.3 days, though this is 0.8 days lesser than the same period last year.
The Madrid Edition opened in April 2022, as part of a long line of luxury properties opening in Spain’s capital city. Four Seasons Madrid opened in late 2020, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid opened in early 2021 and the Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid opened in late 2021. JW Marriott Madrid which should open later this year on the city’s Plaza de Canalejas.
“With a lot of luxury, upbeat and boutique hotels opening in Spain recently, we are seeing a lot of interest, especially from Saudi Arabia this summer.”
EXPO 2020 SUCCESS
Expo 2020 Dubai, held between October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, was a brilliant platform for the unexplored and not very well-known regions of Spain to be showcased, Rosado tells us.
“We had regions like Castilla La Mancha, Extremadura, Murcia etc. come in and present to the travel trade and media and showcase their cultural and gastronomic offerings to people from this region.
“We had workshops where the trade could meet with the stakeholders of the region to have a better understanding of the destination which were followed by a show-cooking either by Michelin star chefs and other renowned chefs from these regions and a cultural show by a musician or dancer to give the attendees a holistic experience of these destinations and to have a touch and feel of Spain which were very well received and appreciated by the trade/media partners alike.” SPAIN SPECIALIST
Not one to rest on laurels, Turespaña has designed a comprehensive online training programme for travel agents who want to broaden their knowledge about Spain and obtain the Spain Specialist Certificate.
“We are very excited to be launching the Spain Specialist Programme, which has been revamped and updated recently.
“This would definitely be a guide to travel trade partners enabling them a better understanding of Spain as a destination and to be able to offer the right product based on their clients’ preferences.
“We have four different modules based on the knowledge about Spain- Basic, Advanced, Cultural routes and Other Products & Autonomous Regions.”
Located on the Iberian Peninsula and the south of France, Spain is one of the most diverse countries in Europe - from beautiful landscapes to charming towns, and fascinating sights to amazing historic heritage cities. Throughout Spain’s centuries-old cultural heritage, travellers will discover art, culture, shopping, epicureanism, leisure, entertainment, and hospitality. There are many reasons why Spain has become a popular destination for travellers, including its stone castles, snowcapped mountains, vast monuments, and sophisticated cities.