Spain 'performing well despite downturn'

Spain is "performing well" in tourism terms despite the economic downturn and reductions in airline and tour operator capacity, according to the national tourist board.

Carmen Hernandez, market analyst at the Spanish tourist office in London, said that 2009 has been "a difficult year for many sectors" but the travel industry is showing "very positive results".

She pointed out that Spain is seeing strong competition from destinations that do not use the euro such as Egypt and Turkey but is performing "really well" despite the difficult conditions.

Commenting on the marketing campaigns being launched to ensure that people keep visiting Spain, Ms Hernandez said: "We want to emphasise the idea of how Spain is a home from home for British tourists.

"Almost 90 per cent of Britons who travelled to Spain in 2008 had already been there on holiday before. The links between both countries are undeniable and strong."

The most popular holiday destinations in Spain include Alicante, Barcelona and Malaga, which travellers can reach by catching flights with bmibaby, British Airways, easyJet and other carriers.

Posted by Merv, 12 June 2009 16:56

News tags

• Barcelona
• Malaga
• Alicante