Spanish breaks revisited virtually

Turespaña – Spain Tourism Office GCC hosted a tri-series webinar to showcase the many offerings by the destination. The key focus was on beaches, nature, shopping and luxury along with introducing few new destinations that would be ideal for the travelers from GCC looking to travel to different regions in Spain.

Partners @ Spain Webinar 1 – Rediscover Spain

Daniel Rosado Bayon, Director –Spain Tourism GCC

Spain developed a travel safe campaign and all information pertaining to it could be accessed via the website. Our main focus is to facilitate the travel trade to obtain relevant information about the destination before the borders open and after it does open we hope to conduct fam trips with of course keeping safety and security regulations in mind. As a year round destination Spain has endless possibilities from beautiful beach resorts and experiences to ski resorts.

Belen Perez Gascon, Business Development Manager, Costa del Sol Tourist Board

Over the past 20 years we have been promoting the destination from cultural spaces to gastronomy, shopping, live experiences, beach clubs, night life. We recommend that seven days would make an ideal visit to Costa del Sol where one can enjoy no matter which age group you belong to and gives an opportunity to connect with
people and experience the lifestyle which is very much anticipated by the GCC clientele.

Antonio Montejo Romero

Tourism Promotion Department – Tourism and Promotion Area of the City –  Malaga City Council

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 CE on the remains of Roman fortifications, later were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Arab Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, built its current palace and walls. It is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country’s most significant and well-known Islamic architecture.

Diego Juárez, International Promotion & MICE – Seville Tourism

Capital of Andalusia and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville.
Its old town, with an area of 4 square kilometres (2 sq mi), contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. The Seville harbour, located about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean, is the only river port in Spain. Seville was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis. It became known as Ishbiliyah after the Muslim conquest in 711.

Daniel Galán, Tourism Technician  – Granada City Council

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro. Ascribed to the Vega de Granada comarca, the city sits at an average elevation of 738 m (2,421 ft) above sea level, yet is only one hour by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical. Nearby is the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, where the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1996 were held. Its nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport.

 

Partners @ Spain Webinar 2 – Spanish City Breaks

Marta Aldana, International Promotion at Barcelona Tourism

By Spring 2021 they were looking at promotions in Europe and the Middle East which could consist of different channels with digital story telling as one of the main means of promotion. In terms of recovery their Barcelona Christmas Tour was mentioned which took place from 27th November to 27th December 2020. In order to support tourism industry the campaign Barcelona Black Friday was launched until December 2021 which includes cultures, shopping, accommodation and restaurants.

Javier Amichis, Regional Manager, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Madrid Tourism Board

Travel Trade & Connectivity ,Madrid Destination was joined by Four Seasons which was opened in September 2020 amidst of the pandemic . Madrid has an Arabic meaning of stream and the destination is full of picturesque streams that are waiting to be explored. Some of the most important Arabic culture and architecture still remains in the city of Madrid.

 

Partners @ Spain Webinar 3 – Explore the Spanish Islands

Laura Marichal Báez, Tourist Promotion Coordinator – Tenerife Select –

Tenerife Select, is a tourist brand that brings together the most exclusive offers in the island. It is a luxurious experience for all your clients with local companies contributing immensely. All year around good climate, quality and excellence with luxurious and personalized holidays tailor made exclusively. Unique accommodation from north to south, different in its own way; south is more sunny with desert areas and north more green with vineyards, plantations etc for nature lovers and historical presence with UNESCO world heritage sites.

Maximo Caletrio, Market Manager – Brand Management Department,Visit Valencia

València is the third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. The city has a rich 2000 year old history and was founded by Romans. Fine arts museums, UNESCO heritage sites, Las fallas festival, music and traditional dancing, science museums, oceanography and famous Valencia ’s gastronomy with the famous paella. City of Porcelain with LLadro porcelain museum are key attractions not to be missed out.

 

Carlos Bernús Blanch, Tourist Promotion Manager – Island Council of Formentera

White sandy beaches with UNESCO heritage sites makes  Formentera the best kept secret in Spain. There is unique visibility underwater almost 50 meters it is like you are inside an aquarium, the water is so clear and can be enjoyed by families. Has a rich 4000 year old history in the culturally rich destination. Over 250 birds can be seen in different times of the year due to its location and a paradise for bird watches. The two lighthouses in the north and south are very important to maritime.

Winners of the Amazon Voucher

Webinar 1 = Reneesh Kunhipadath, Operations Manager- Gomakto Travel Abudhabi
Webinar 2 = Mark Oliver Vermug, Sr. Executive- Product Development – Al Rostamani Holidays Dubai
Webinar 3 = Muhammad Idrees, Holidays Manager  – Saudi Wings

10 Reasons to visit Spain

1. Weather
2. Food
3. Culture
4. History
5. Nature and landscapes
6. Hospitality
7. Shopping
8. Sport
9. Quality
10. Infrastructure

Inputs by Shehara Rizly