InfoAnda - Spain moves upmarket to attract more tourists

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Qaeda sympathizers kill abducted Italian activist | | 15 April 2011
US researchers identify smokers with highest cancer risk | 8 April 2010
Suu Kyi to 'persevere' for dialogue with junta | 12 December 2010

Errant Car Runs Over Hanukkah Crowd, Hurts 14 | 26 December 2008

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Spain moves upmarket to attract more tourists

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Spain moves upmarket to attract more tourists AFP - Wednesday, September 16 MADRID (AFP) - - Half a century after it pioneered the cheap "holiday-in-the-sun" package deal, Spain is seeking to upgrade its image by convincing the discerning and affluent tourist that it has much more to offer than just sun, sea and sangria. ADVERTISEMENT Instead of overcrowded beaches in concrete jungles, tourist authorities want to put Spain's lesser known attractions, including its strong home-grown gastronomic traditions, firmly on the tourist map, targeting in particular the upper end of the market. Among the destinations being highlighted are the vineyards of the Rioja region, the futuristic Guggenheim Museum in the Basque city of Bilbao and the vast Donana national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to rare wildlife. "It is time to look for customers with high purchasing power because there is plenty to offer them," said Jose Maria Rubio, the head of Spain's Hotel and Catering Federation (FEHR). A plummeting number of tourists to Spain has forced the shift in focus -- the UN World Tourism Organisation says Spain lost its spot as the second-most visited country in the world to the United States last year -- while tourism still plays a crucial part in the struggling Spanish economy. Military dictator Francisco Franco first opened up Spain to foreign tourists in the late 1950s. But his idea has seen Mediterranean fishing villages transformed into a mass of skyscrapers, fast-food outlets, bars and nightclubs that are now synonymous with the worst of mass tourism. Spain is suffering from a "perceived loss of authenticity in its coastal destinations," the tourism ministry concluded in its Horizon 2020 plan last year. It must "develop new proposals to meet the new requirements of the market" and emphasize "qualitative rather than quantitative growth." Tourism accounts for about 11 percent of Spain's jobs and gross domestic product, with the bulk of the industry's income generated in the ageing resorts that extend along much of its Mediterranean coast. But stiff competition from cheaper Mediterranean destinations such as Turkey, Croatia and Tunisia, the declining popularity of such package beach holidays and the economic crisis in its main markets of northern Europe have all combined to batter the sector. Spain received 57.4 million visitors last year, a 2.6 percent drop from 2007 and the first fall since the current record-keeping system was introduced in 1995. And in the first seven months of this year, tourist arrivals plunged 10.3 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The government has now moved to diversify the industry, to make it less focused on the summer season and on Spain's coastal regions. This summer it unveiled the "privilegespain" initiative aimed at creating "high-value products to promote Spain as a tourist destination capable of attracting and satisfying the most demanding travellers." The plan targets four countries -- Britain, Germany, France and Italy -- and seeks to attract both the elderly and families with young children, as well as gourmets, and anyone seeking "alternatives to the more traditional" tourist sites. It has started with three destinations -- the historic Moorish cities of Cadiz and Jerez in the southwest, the beautiful wine-growing region of La Rioja in the northeast, and the northern Basque Country, home of some of Spain's best cuisine. Work is underway to expand privilegespain to other areas, including Madrid and the rugged northwestern region of Galicia, where the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the final stop on an ancient pilgrimage route. Rubio emphasized that tourist authorities were not seeking "to change the image of Spain from a sun and beach destination to a cultural destination." "Spain has more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and this will remain a key factor" in its tourism promotion, he told AFP. "It is more a question of completing the image of Spain with its culture, natural and historical attractions and gastronomy." Rubio is also heading another new initiative called "Saborear Espana" ("Tasting Spain"). Backed by top chefs, it aims to "improve and diversify the international image of Spain, using food to increase its competitiveness in the global tourism market." Rubio said authorities were producing "gastromaps" of the country and organising gastronomic tours and other specific events to attract food lovers. Despite the growing international recognition of Spanish cuisine, its gastronomic diversity is still relatively unknown overseas, he said. "Spain is known for paella, gazpacho, tapas and little else, and yet if you stroll through the centre of any Spanish city you will see bars and restaurants offering gastronomic delights." There are already signs of a shift in Spain's tourism dynamic. Figures released this month show stays at the country's 93 Paradores -- luxury hotels in converted castles, palaces and monasteries -- were up around 2.0 percent this summer from the same time last year. "It's another sign that there's light at the end of the tunnel" of the economic crisis, said the president of the Paradores association, Miguel Martinez. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle UK comedian Eddie Izzard completes epic runAP - 2 hours 17 minutes ago Freemasons await Dan Brown novel `The Lost Symbol'AP - 2 hours 35 minutes ago Spring opening for Harry Potter theme parkReuters - 2 hours 48 minutes ago Universal's Harry Potter park to include HogwartsReuters - Wednesday, September 16 Music Review: Living Colour cranks music blenderAP - Wednesday, September 16 Enlarge Photo People enjoy a summer day at the beach in Valencia on July 2009. Instead of overcrowded beaches in concrete jungles, tourist authorities want to put Spain's lesser known attractions. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel Obama lashes out at Wall Street Depression harms cancer survival rates: study Nestle warns of possible exit from Switzerland View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Iraqi shoe thrower released; says he was tortured
Medvedev says could run again for Russian president
China, Russia 'aggressive' in cyberspace: US intelligence
Mortars hit Baghdad Green Zone during Biden visit | International |
Bernanke says US recession 'likely over' technically
HP shows off new ultra-thin PCs, stylish netbook
Outrage at early release of Bosnian Serb 'Iron Lady'
Chinese schools quietly discard controversial Web filter
Israel, Palestinians committed 'war crimes' in Gaza: UN
Lotus granted 13th entry for 2010 Formula One
Baghdad Green Zone attacked during Biden visit
Evidence of Israel, Hamas war crimes in Gaza: U.N | International |
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush released from jail
US military chief backs more troops for Afghan war
Israel committed 'war crimes' in Gaza: UN probe chief
Iran sees better cooperation with nuclear watchdog | International |
Mass grave unearthed in Afghanistan
Biden back in Iraq to keep up pressure
Mexico's Calderon faces fight over attorney general | International |
Pandemic flu harder to survive in poor nations: WHO | International |
Iran agrees new cooperation with atom watchdog
Berlusconi's rift with ally deepens with lawsuit | International |
Worry grows that new Japan leaders lack experience
Thailand to use harsh law for Thaksin coup rally
Malaysia releases five militant suspects
Malaysia frees 5 untried terror suspects
Straziuso appointed AP bureau chief in Nairobi
Google updates browser, plans to gain share | Technology |
Washington talking about ban on nuclear blasts
Daughters of ex-Myanmar PMs 'to join new party'
Fla. student stabbed to death in fight at school
Wall Street Journal to charge mobile readers | Technology |
Chinese ban transport of explosives in Urumqi
Ohio preps for execution of man who killed girl
Bernanke says recession 'very likely over'
World teens cutting spending on clothes, games | Technology |
Thailand invokes security law ahead of protest
Iraq shoe-thrower goes into hiding after release
No venture capital? Web start-ups look elsewhere | Technology |
China says data show U.S. tyre tariff not fair
EPA tightens limits on power plant water pollution
Japan's incoming govt lines up key cabinet ministers
Frenchman jailed in Cambodia for sex with teen
Health care issues: Shortage of doctors
GOP's Wilson faces rebuke Tuesday from House Dems
Coca-Cola says 2nd ex-employee in China detained
China warns US tyre tariffs will harm trade ties
Emmy Countdown: Bacon, Sedgwick among presenters
Kiefer Sutherland to head new acting school
Japan Airlines aims to conclude tie-up talks soon
Philippine unemployment rate rises to 7.6 percent
UK comedian Eddie Izzard completes epic run
Letterman appearance latest for Obama media blitz
Clive Owen sheds macho image for "Boys are Back"
U.S. shoppers bold with fashion during downturn
Tarantino sees "Basterds" saving Weinstein brothers
Spring opening for Harry Potter theme park | Entertainment |
Obama to appear on Letterman TV show Monday | Entertainment |
New Leno show draws big audiences, lukewarm reviews
Spain moves upmarket to attract more tourists
Drew Barrymore wins early raves for directing debut | Entertainment |
Lebanon aims to boost 'paths of faith' religious tourism
Tarantino sees Basterds saving Weinstein brothers | Entertainment |
Sweden wants EU 'snus' tobacco ban to go up in smoke
London 'divorce capital of Europe': top lawyer
Clive Owen sheds macho image for Boys are Back | Entertainment |
U.S. shoppers bold with fashion during downturn | Entertainment |
Dan Brown novel hits stores under pressure to sell | Entertainment |
Oracle ends computer tie-up with HP
Al Qaeda calls for foreign kidnappings in Afghanistan | International |
Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official
US drug regulator approves swine flu vaccine
NATO chief calls for closer ties with Russia: report
Iraq shoe-thrower flies out after release
Cablevision rolls out interactive ads for viewers
New Japan PM faces hurdles on economy, U.S. ties | International |
Several in Europe's auto sector looking for recovery
Abobe buying Omniture in 1.8 bln dlr deal
Iran opposition leaders to join mass rally despite warnings
Somali rebels call for foreign reinforcements | International |
Facebook hits financial milestone
Mortars hit Baghdad Green Zone during Biden visit
ABC sorry it tweeted Obama's 'jackass' comment
Wall Street Journal to charge for mobile access: Murdoch
NATO chief calls for engagement with Russia: report | International |
South American officials fail to reach arms deal | International |
US government takes leap into the Internet 'cloud'
Wall Street Journal to charge mobile readers
World teens cutting spending on clothes, games
More U.S. troops needed for Afghan war: Mullen | International |
Home of suspected Calif. kidnapper searched again
Intel official: US safer from al-Qaida
HP shows off new ultra-thin PCs, stylish netbook | Technology |
Technician in custody in Yale grad student slaying
Oracle ends computer tie-up with HP | Technology |
Police: Texas teen hugs mother, stabs her in back
Cablevision rolls out interactive ads for viewers | Technology |
SKorea says NKorea unwilling to give up nukes
Pa. judge drops charges against wrestler Angle
Eyeing China, Singapore sees Mandarin as its future
Colo. man denies terrorist ties after NYC raids
Adobe to buy Omniture for $1.8 billion | Technology |
Officials: Attack on Pakistan oil facility stopped
Carter says Wilson's comments 'based on racism'
Japan's PM, Cabinet resign
Court: Contractor's rape case can go to trial
Australia stops boat of suspected asylum seekers
Japan next PM picks Kitazawa as defence min
China, Russia tarred with US intel listing
Conn. police: officer who posed as brother resigns
West appeasing China on Tibet, says PM-in-exile
LA couple to stand trial in alleged hit-run death
Ponting ton keeps Aussies on course for whitewash
UN officials in Afghanistan at odds over election
Carlyle to take 15 pct stake in Taiwan Mobile
SKorea seeks foreign investment to bolster recovery
Fujii accepts job as Japan finance minister
Taiwan's chip makers still face dangers: analysts
S.Korea seen intervening to curb won's rise -traders
Welcome to Dalian, China's high-tech hub
Seoul shares extend gains, up 2 pct on exporters
Taiwan dollar hits 3-mth high on U.S. retail data
India's newest hill station builds for the future
S.Korean bonds rise early, buyback plan helps
Placido Domingo offers free concert in Venezuela
Seoul shares open up on recovery hopes, econ data
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
FCC to take another look at Janet Jackson case
West apologizes to Swift, Obama weighs in on furor | Entertainment |
Bob Dylan to exhibit artwork in Denmark
FCC to take another look at Janet Jackson case | Entertainment |
The new black at NY Fashion Week? Black, of course
Harry Potter theme park opening spring 2010 in Orlando
Actors union to give lifetime award to Betty White
Ron Howard taxman comedy lands at Fox | Entertainment |
DVRs dominate talk at confab | Entertainment |
New York considers calls for smoking ban in parks, beaches
Bob Dylan to exhibit artwork in Denmark | Entertainment |
Actors union to give lifetime award to Betty White | Entertainment |
Whitney Houston says she is "drug-free"
Biden meets in Baghdad with Iraqi officials
Female suicide bomber strikes Chechen capital
US-TECH Summary
1.1 million votes for Afghan leader suspicious: EU | International |
US envoy to press Israel yet again on settlements
Tribal killings stir dark memories in south Sudan
Chinese envoy holds talks in North Korea | International |
Bomber kills herself, injures six in Russia's Chechnya | International |
Israel fights 'perverse' UN report on Gaza
Hariri to try forming Lebanon government again | International |
EU's Barroso wins strong mandate for new term | International |
Iran arrests top dissident cleric's family: report
Iraqi Green Zone attack suspects released | International |
No sign of settlement deal after U.S.-Israel talks | International |
Indonesian president backs anti-graft institutions | International |
Lineup of Japan's new Cabinet
Hatoyama Japan's prime minister, names Cabinet
Facebook makes money, tops 300 million users | Technology |
House considers funding green vehicle research
SKorea voices caution over mooted US-NKorea talks
Prosecution closings at NYC's Astor trial
Racism behind anger toward Obama: Carter
Confidant of SKorea ex-president Roh jailed for graft
Philippine ruling party picks presidential bet
Discarded factory chemicals kill 3 in east China
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Health interests fund senators
Taiwan court rejects ex-leader's detention appeal
Top UN official to press Sri Lanka for rights probe
US envoy, Israeli PM fail to agree on settlements
Indonesia probes anti-graft chiefs for corruption
Japan's new PM takes power in historic shift
The Beatles turn U.S. charts back to 1960s | Entertainment |
Host Kathy Griffin livens up Creative Arts Emmys
West apologizes to Swift, Obama weighs in on furor | Entertainment |
Charles the Bold stars in Vienna exhibit
Israel, the land of milk and gourmet honey
For director Jason Reitman, risky films pay off | Entertainment |
Nelly Furtado releases Spanish album aimed at Latino market | Entertainment |
Paris Crazy Horse shrugs off crisis with strip-tease
Period films 'easier to get past' China's censors
DVRs dominate talk at confab
"Museum" director Shawn Levy is new man of "Steel"
Ron Howard taxman comedy lands at Fox
Obama to appear on David Letterman's talk show
Winner crowned on CBS TV show 'Big Brother 11'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01