KSA has positioned itself at the forefront of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) outbound tourism market to Spain.
Statistics released by Spain’s National Statistics Commission indicate an impressive surge in Saudi visitors, with figures more than doubling from those of 2019, and a 92% upswing from 2022, with a total of 182,000 tourists. This growth has propelled Saudi Arabia past the UAE as Spain’s principal GCC market, underlining a pronounced shift in regional travel dynamics.
Overall, Spain celebrated an unprecedented year in tourism from the GCC, with visitor numbers climbing by 33% over 2022 and reaching a 56% increase when compared to the pre-pandemic era of 2019. The influx of GCC nationals to Spain in 2023 was recorded at 434,000, with these visitors enjoying an average stay of 8.6 days. There was also a notable rise in spending.
The magnetic appeal of Spain for GCC travellers is attributed to a blend of favourable weather conditions, a welcoming environment for families, and a rich historical narrative that holds a special resonance with the Arab legacy. These elements, as underscored by Turespaña, Spain’s tourism office for the GCC, remain pivotal in drawing visitors from the Gulf.
With an eye towards maintaining and expanding this momentum, Spain is set to reinforce its position as a leading destination for Middle Eastern tourists through a series of calculated moves. These include tailored marketing initiatives, the forging of strategic partnerships, and the hosting of diverse events aimed at capturing the interest of potential travellers from the region.
A highlight of Spain’s proactive outreach to the Middle Eastern market was the successful execution of a roadshow that traversed Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. This endeavour played a crucial role in showcasing Spain’s vast array of attractions to travel trade partners, enabling meaningful networking and paving the way for cooperative efforts designed to enrich the travel experience for Middle Eastern guests.
Daniel Rosado, Director/Tourism Counsellor at Spain Tourism, shared his delight over the enthusiastic response and engagement during the roadshow, acknowledging the immense potential these regions hold for Spain’s tourism industry. The roadshow forms a part of Spain Tourism’s overarching strategy aimed at nurturing international collaborations, widening its global footprint, and solidifying Spain’s image as a premier travel destination.
In alignment with these objectives, Turespaña also organised its inaugural Polo tournament on 10 February, bringing together professionals from the travel trade and polo enthusiasts in a congenial networking setting. This event highlighted the refined and varied facets of Spanish culture, from equestrian sports to a wealth of experiences, further promoting Spain as a diverse and appealing destination for a global audience.
…
Photo – top of page – Sevilla, Spain – Harrison Fitts / Unsplash
…
Read also: 2023/24 VISIT BRITAIN CAMPAIGN TARGETS GCC NATIONALS
…
Written by GERARD LEFEBVRE
