The Spanish Government has sanctioned a 2012-2016 Comprehensive National Tourism Plan which will cover 28 measures aimed at boosting tourism – a strategic factor that will aid the nation’s economic recovery according to the government.
The recently approved plan which will generate much needed jobs and wealth for the country will help improve Spain’s position as a leader in world tourism by focussing on 6 pillars, encompassing 28 measures and 104 specific actions. The basics of the plan will include building the strength of Marca Espana, achieved through its coordinated promotion; customer-oriented management targeting the loyalty of mature markets and market unity through syncing legislation and public-private cooperation.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey Españacomments,
“What is of particular interest is the tourist-oriented framework of this new plan which will see the development of a loyalty programme aimed at producing incentives for tourists who have already visited Spain to come back which will be done through special cards that collect points at associated Spanish corporations.
“Furthermore, the programme will include a campaign to encourage domestic tourism and support the much needed promotion of non-coastal locations. To further stimulate tourism, the plan proposes establishing rebates on airport fees for off peak days at airports in the Canary Islands as well as winter months at Balearic airports.
“This plan really demonstrates a sound and logical commitment from the Spanish government to propel tourism forward in Spain – it is after all the engine that drives the nation and in tough times, the focus really needs to be on this sector more than ever.”
Meanwhile, it seems Spanish tourism is already on its way up after receiving a total of 19.1 million international tourists between January and May 2012, an increase of more than 458,000 over the same period in 2011 according to the Survey of Tourist Movements in Frontera (Frontur).
Pritchard explains,
“In spite of Spain’s current situation, the nation is still a top pick with tourists and if the number of visitors till May has already risen by 2.4% compared to last year, can you imagine what will happen once the new tourism plan kicks in? With this in mind, while work is already being carried out to make visa applications quicker and more effective the Spanish government is considering giving residence permits to foreigners who buy apartments from 250,000 euros so anyone dubious about buying Spanish property should be feeling more confident. Buyers can now snap up great deals given low prices but feel reassured about the future.”
