Tag Archives: Spain

At the recently concluded panel discussion celebrating women’s day with TTME, Namratha Rose – Marketing and Partnership Manager at Spain Tourism GCC shared that the travellers today are more open to discover and explore new destinations than before, “there has been significant development in GCC and from 2022 there has been a massive increase of travellers seeking different experiences, people are not restricting themselves and this opens us more opportunities.” She expressed this on the outlook of the region at the special panel session conducted to celebrate International Women’s Day by TTME at the Screening Room at Paramount Hotel Dubai.

It was revealed that Spain recorded 56% increase of GCC travellers in 2023 compared to 2019 with a 33% increase compared to 2022. Saudi Arabia can be presented as the prime example of this growth, with more than 100% increase 19-23 and with a 92% increase in 23-22, the total number of Saudi tourists has surged up to 182 thousand, surpassing UAE as the main GCC market for Spain, and consolidating its status and the country’s vision for 2030. United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait follow after with this trend. The total number of GCC residents visiting Spain in 2023 reached 434 thousand, with an average stay of 8.6 days and a notable increase in expenditure. Factors such as good weather, family-friendly environments, and cultural resonance including the great arab legacy attract GCC travelers to Spain. Looking ahead to 2024, Spain aims to further consolidate its position as a top destination for Middle Eastern travelers through marketing campaigns, strategic alliances and multiple events. In line with this, Spain Tourism recently concluded a successful roadshow across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, showcasing various regions and offerings of Spain to travel trade partners. The event facilitated networking and collaboration opportunities, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for Middle Eastern travelers. Commenting on the success of the roadshow,Daniel Rosado, Director/Tourism Counsellor at Spain Tourism, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted with the positive response and engagement we received during our roadshow in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. These regions hold immense potential for Spanish tourism, and our collaboration with travel trade partners has strengthened our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for Middle Eastern travelers.” The roadshow aligns with Spain Tourism’s broader …

TURESPAÑA revealed that the number of tourists from the GCC market has increased by 15% year over year in the first quarter of 2023. The tourism authority aims to attract even more GCC travellers this summer and across the year, as it highlights a diversified offering of lesser-known locations across the country, to appeal to visitors seeking new and unique travel experiences. dnata travel has partnered with TURESPAÑA to deliver unparalleled opportunities for travellers across the GCC countries. The collaboration will provide customers with access to an extensive portfolio of travel products and services across Spain at a time of high demand. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “We have seen a significant increase in bookings to Spain by GCC travellers across and beyond the UAE. The Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are trending, offering travellers world-class resorts alongside beautiful beaches. The Canary Islands have also become increasingly popular, providing ideal destinations for nature lovers with hiking trails that wind through ancient forests and volcanic landscapes. The north of Spain, also known as ‘Green Spain’ where incredible nature meets unforgettable gastronomy, is also gaining traction and curiosity from this region.” Daniel Rosado, Director at TURESPAÑA, added: “The UAE has always been one of the top tourism markets for Spain, and we expect 2023 to be the best year ever for tourism from across the GCC. There has been a significant increase in air connectivity in recent years, while our countries have been fostering cultural exchanges and collaborations. These initiatives include art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational programs, which help promote tourism and mutual understanding.” TURESPAÑA and dnata Travel’s recommended itinerary for one week …

For the first time, the two most visited countries by the GCC, France and Spain have collaborated to bring out a special event titled, “Marhaba France, Spain 2023” which will take place in the Sultanate of Oman from 6th to 9th March 2023. The on-site event will bring in 70 suppliers from the two countries to meet 100 buyers from nine countries in GCC and ME region and expects to conduct over 2000 meetings. Karim Mekachera, Regional Director, Middle East, and Turkey, Atout France, “We will be organising Marhaba in collaboration with Spain and will be named as “Marhaba France, Spain 2023”. We have an array of 70 suppliers that will come over to meet with the travel trade from the region coming from nine different countries and of course this year we wanted to make something new and something different and as we work in the tourism industry, we thought to organise this event in another great destination and very popular in France, the Sultanate of Oman. Over three days we will have more than 2000 meetings, along with a special entertainment program, a special press corner for journalists to meet with all the different stake holders and promote both destinations. France and Spain remain as the two first destinations in terms of tourist arrivals in the world, so with this collaboration we also intend to introduce our travel trade to make the most of this event and partnership as they will be able to design new itineraries which can cover both countries France and Spain as they plan for their clients. We want the travel trade to think out of the box and give their Middle East clientele …

A spectacular art installation of more than 80,000 red carnations accompanies the highly anticipated grand opening of the main heart of the new international icon of luxury in the capital, Galería Canalejas. On 3 June, the historic doors of the monumental Galería Canalejas buildings will open for the first time to celebrate the opening of new boutiques for the most prestigious international brands in the world. This grand opening has attracted internationally prestigious fashion and beauty brands to Spain for the first time. For example, the famous Aquazzura brand is opening its first boutique in Spain. Galería Canalejas is also the incomparable setting in which the emblematic Swiss watchmaker OMEGA inaugurates in Spain the new international concept of the firm´s boutiques. Joining these brands will soon open new boutiques at Galería Canalejas for Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Giorgio Armani, which is returning to Madrid – at this unbeatable venue – after eight years without a store in the capital. “We are hugely proud to be joined by brands of such great prestige and tradition, and which represent a vision of luxury that is so closely in tune with the one we uphold at Galería Canalejas. The opening of these brands at Galería Canalejas confirms not only the enormously attractive nature of our project for international luxury brands but also the potential of Madrid as a shopping destination, as well as an indisputable benchmark in culture and gastronomy. Galería Canalejas has already become a benchmark in international luxury and has put Madrid on the map of luxury shopping destinations alongside such capital cities as London, Milan or Paris”, said Isabel Antolín, Director of Galería Canalejas. Crossing the threshold of the …

Spain Tourism Office in UAE signed an agreement with Wego, at the Arabian Travel Market. Through this collaboration, Spain Tourism & Wego to promote the ‘You deserve Spain’ campaign providing reassurance for travelers to visit the country again in the new norm. Spain is one of the top searched destinations for MENA travelers. The country is a year-round destination, packed with unique experiences, passionate people, and rich cultural traditions, not to mention its excellent dining scene, wine-making traditions and chic cities and multiple shopping avenues  across the country that is perfect for all types of travelers. Daniel Rosado, Spain Tourism, said: “We are very optimistic and with Wego as our partner, we are aiming to have a great summer and are eagerly waiting to welcome all travelers from GCC.” Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to offer another stunning destination for our users to visit. Spain is on the MENA’s top travelers’ list with over 316,000 searches in Q1 2022. This partnership is in line with our efforts to provide more choice to our users and boost tourism recovery.” Travelers are invited to experience the heritage and arts and culture of the city, the stunning beaches, the coasts, and authentic food, among many sports adventures that await all the types of travelers.    

The improvement of the epidemiological situation in Spain and the developing progress in the vaccination roll-out, both in Spain and in many countries around the world, make it possible to ease the measures for entry into Spain for tourist purposes. The new regulations, described in this document, will come into force on 7 June. If you are travelling to Spain for tourism purposes from a country that does not belong to the European Union or the European Economic Area, what are the entry requirements If you are travelling from a country or territory included in the list of countries with low incidence, excluded from the risk zone, you will be able to travel without the need for a diagnostic test or a certificate of vaccination or immunity. At the moment the countries included in this list are: Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and China and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao (subject to reciprocity). If you are travelling from a country or territory that is not included in the list of exempted countries, from 7 June tourists will be allowed to enter if they have a certificate of vaccination issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin from 14 days after the date of administration of the last dose of the complete vaccination schedule. The vaccines accepted shall be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency or those that have completed the World Health Organisation’s emergency use process. Currently, these vaccines are those produced by Pfizer-Biontech, Moderna, Astra-Zeneca, Jansen/Johnson&Johnson, Sinovac and Sinopharm. The certificate of vaccination shall include at least the following …

Pedro Sánchez, President of Spain, presented at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) the Digital Covid Certificate of the EU that was agreed between the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. “With the Digital Covid Certificate, Spain will resume all its economic activity safely and we will achieve mobility within the European Union this summer,” Sánchez commented. The president clarified that this is not to be treated as a passport, nor travel document, and it is not a requirement for travel. “It is a mechanism that will facilitate mobility, as well as arrival and passenger transit, and which will be launched as of 01 July,” he specified. The main benefits of the Green Digital Certificate are its simplicity and interoperability for the entire European Union, as well as the fact it is free and universal. By means of a QR code, it will provide information on whether the person traveling is vaccinated, has contracted the disease, or has a negative PCR test result. From 7 June, tourists from non-EU countries not included in the previous list (annexed in Order INT/484/2021 of 19 May, which does not include any country from the GCC) will be able to travel to Spain if they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their trip. Paper vaccination certificates issued in Spanish or English will be accepted provided that the vaccine administered is one of those authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or one of those included in the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing. Unvaccinated minors in the same family unit may enter with a negative PCR test (children under 6 years of age do not need to be tested). The vaccination …

After a successful webinar of the southern regions of Spain – Andalucía & Costa del sol the tourism board of Spain in GCC will conduct the second in their tri-series on 23rd March 2021 at 12noon UAE time focusing on the main cities of Spain-Madrid & Barcelona. Daniel Rosado -Director, Spain Tourism GCC, “Madrid, is famous for being an open city with all kinds of people from anywhere in the world. In addition to its famous museums, busy streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants with world cuisine, or unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its charming, tranquil historic spots, with traditional and family-run century-old bars where friends meet up for a drink, all kinds of neighborhoods, and cultural centres that offer an alternative type of tourism. Madrid has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting & popular cities among GCC travelers. Namratha Rose -Manager – Marketing & Trade Relations – Spain Tourism GCC, “I am positive this tri-series webinar for Spain will cover all aspects and all major destinations in Spain. This will enable the travel trade across GCC to relate better with their client´s preferences &  requirements and propose apt itineraries  to ensure they have the best experience in Spain when the borders open to welcome tourists again.”

Just one more day to register and learn about two of the most favoured destinations in Spain; Andalusia and Costa del Sol. There will be a time that you can ask questions from the hosts about what your clients actually require about the two destinations. Register today as it will be tomorrow 16th March 2021 at 12noon UAE time. Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director –Spain Tourism GCC stated, “It would be refreshing for the agents to connect with partners from different regions in Spain and be updated on the latest measures and developments in Spain. We are waiting for the borders to open up and welcome tourists from GCC to Spain once again. Turespaña – Spain Tourism Office GCC is looking forward to showcasing Spain’s amazing offerings to the travel trade in GCC. The idea of this webinar series is to remind and highlight Spain’s known destinations and also the Islands. Spain is an all year round and popular destination among Arab travelers and expats alike from GCC and we have seen an increasing trend in interest to travel year after year. The webinar will have key destination partners from across Spain who will update the trade about the current situation and preparations on how each destination is prepping up to receive tourists when the borders open up and the time is right to travel.