04 July 2008
The Spanish government will promote a “makeover plan” for tourism infrastructures and installations to offer a “more attractive and profitable” model in the medium and long term, which will have an immediate impact on economic activity.
The plan was announced today by Miguel Sebastián, the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, in his first appearance before Congress. The plan will be carried out in accordance with sustainability and energy efficiency criteria and will improve the competitive edge of Spanish tourism destinations.
The Minister also announced the creation of a Secretary of State for Tourism, reflecting the importance of this sector for the Spanish economy. In this regard, during the first four months of 2008, tourism to Spain was up 3.3% compared to the same period in 2007. These visitors spent a total of €12,706 million in the country, up 6.2% on the prior year.
The plan will be carried out in collaboration with the autonomous communities, local governments and businesses, and aims to adapt the current tourism situation in Spain to the “changes and challenges facing the sector today.”
Together with the “makeover plan”, Mr. Sebastián also announced the launch of other projects, such as “Hibern Spain,” offering European retirees complete packages for long-term stays in Spanish accommodations during low season.
In coordination with other ministerial departments and European institutions, the government will promote the European Social Tourism plan to tap into the “potential market of 100 million Europeans between 55 and 75 years of age that are able to come to Spain in low season,” thereby helping to break the traditional seasonal tourism patterns.
The government also plans to launch the “Privilege Spain” project, centring on a portfolio of specific projects targeting the high-end consumer segment.
Mr. Sebastián explained that these measures are part of the Ministry’s strategy for the current parliamentary session, looking to specialise and distinguish “our tourism destinations and products,” promote the information society among sector companies, and focus on sustainability.
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