Tourism Breaking News
70 top travel trade agents and influencers were invited for the official kick start celebrating the legacy of Picasso in Dubai. Irina Sanchis Vives, Deputy Head of Mission, Political and cultural affairs, embassy of Spain in UAE graced the occasion and shared that in order to celebrate the 50th death anniversary of Picasso, the government of France and Spain have put together many events to celebrate this great artist’s legacy and from the embassy in UAE they will be working together with the tourism board of Spain in UAE to enable this celebration.
The event was held in four parts, of which the first was involving the best Emirati travel influencers with travel trade partners, the Spain tourism Director and Marketing Manager who were engaged in painting an artwork provided for them to celebrate the legacy of Picasso. Second was the presentations by the key speakers, Tourism Director of Spain Tourism GCC, Daniel Rosado shared about the destination and on the celebration of Picasso. Thirdly was the surprise with a unique entertainment based on costumes which depicted the artwork of Picasso and finally was the delectable dinner which included some Spanish dishes enjoyed by all the trade partners.
As Spain was one of the first countries to open hence, they received a high number of visitors especially from the GCC. This year was a record year for Spain tourism as they hit the 2019 numbers by GCC and considering worldwide they hit 90 percent of the 83 million received in 2019 which is a great start and a very positive recovery. Spain emerged among the top recovered destinations, as, instead of resting on its laurels, Spain has been proactively working with travel trade to promote their offerings by way of many activities which included webinars to virtual events and then physical road shows and gastronomic experiences such as celebrating world paella day etc.
Daniel Rosado, Director Spain Tourism board in GCC reiterated about their recovery in tourism and shared some interesting facts as to why Spain should be in the bucket list for all those especially from this region. From the great cities renowned for its two football clubs which attract the youngsters and those young at heart in this region with an appetite to enjoy football, to those who want to rest and relax by the many beaches, shop in some of the most prestigious outlets, enjoy daily outings with families especially with children, Spain has got everything necessary for the traveller. “Spain has 49 UNESCO world heritage sites; hence, heritage is something that travellers from this region enjoy. Shopping is the next which is much loved by the GCC clients as alongside international brands, the authentic Spanish brands have captured visitors to the destination. Spain is very family oriented from idyllic beaches to cultural and heritage sites, great football arenas to Michelin star restaurants, Spain has something to offer every single member of the family. However, today’s focus is to showcase the legacy of the great artist, Picasso as the year 2023 mark’s fifty years since his death anniversary, hence Spain has produced a series of celebrations to experience the legacy of Picasso. Spain will be hosting 16 of the 50 exhibitions worldwide and it will be in the main cities where this Spanish artist lived and was inspired for his artwork, which turnout to be one of the most impressive celebrating Picasso as one of the greatest artists of all times. In terms of Turespaña we will be launching an international campaign “Spain inspired Picasso. Come and be inspired by Spain” where we will be focusing on promoting tourism in the cultural segment and promote Picasso throughout the year 2023.”
Namratha Rose, Marketing Manager for Spain Tourism in GCC shared, “We wanted to make this event more interesting and interactive hence the artwork shop with the Emirati travel influencers and trade partners so that they experience the feeling of art and be a part of it. It was a great turnout, and we are delighted that all the trade partners enjoyed this eventful evening to commemorate and celebrate the great artists’ legacy.”
