Spanish eyes set on India
SINGAPORE–Spain has set its sights on India as one of its priority tourism markets and will open an NTO office in Mumbai in late 2008.
Research commissioned by the regional NTO Spain office in Singapore in 2006 found that while certain objects such as bull-fighting, fashion, wine and soccer were immediately associated with Spain, there was still no concrete image of what the Indian market has of the destination.
“This only confirms that we have a huge potential in India,” said Enrique Ruiz de Lera, Director of the regional National Tourist Office of Spain. “It also further encourages us to commit to the promotion of Spain in India.”
Outbound travel from India has been growing by as much as 20% from 2004 to 2007, according to PATA statistics, and flight connectivity between India and Europe has also increased. The number of seats in the direct flights accumulated significantly from 1.7 to 4.3 million from 2000 to 2005, according to the NTO office.
The research project, conducted by TNS, was one of various initiatives undertaken by Spain to understand the market better and develop marketing strategies that would not only raise awareness but would further educate the consumers on Spain and its culture.
Another activity involved Mario de Miranda, well-known for his witty and ingenious cartoons in India and his passion for Spain, which led to his invitation by NTO Spain on a trip through Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona last July. It was after this trip that Mario started to inject more Spanish elements into his cartoons with the same wit. His series will be showcased in an exhibition in India and probably Spain.
The opening of a Mumbai office was announced by the Spanish Parliament last August. Mumbai was selected for its good connectivity with the rest of India as well as being a financial and economic hub.
Meanwhile Spanish workshops for the travel trade will be held in the Ramada, Caravela Beach Resort in Goa, from October 26-29.
Corinne Wan
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025