TRAVEL SPAIN

Although the internal travel market within Europe has remained flat due mainly to the damaging events of the 11th September, the declared "War on terrorism" and the economic slumps of several EEC countries. it is now showing signs or recovery.

There where some 470 Millions visitors by tourists in European countries in 2006, showing growth of around 17% since 2002 , Turkey has benefited the most with a growth of 56 % with Italy at the lowest end with a 6% decline.

In terms of arrivals Spain is second with around 59 Millions visitors , still below France the undisputed leader in world tourism, However Spain's tourism sector is growing whereby France has reached saturation point . Spain is however ranked number one as far as income per visitors are concerned as tourists spend longer time on each visit as apposed to shorty stays in France.

For a detailed Tourist attraction Market Assessment report for 2007 please visit

The Junta de Andalucia ( The Andalucian Government )plans to invest some 335 Millions Euros over the next four years to renovate the different tourism sectors such as improving the environment, modernise tourism companies, work towards sustainable tourism and recuperate the cultural identities of various tourist destinations.

There where some 8.5 Million visitors to the Costa del Sol in 2003, this figure is now around 9.2 Million and rising, the income amount for the year 2006 was estimated at 8.058 Million Euros.

The principle entry point of most tourists to the Costa del Sol is through Malaga airport, in 2006 there where a total of 6.5 million visitors as apposed to 5.7 in 2003. Passengers from the UK are still in the majority with a figure of some 2.5 million last year alone.

The Costa del Sol as an international destination has lost some ground, although the loss has been replaced in part by the rise in National tourism. One of the big changes we can all see has been the renovation of the hotel sector. The Costa del Sol now offers some 435 Hotels with over 145.000 beds, the quality of the hotel has undoubtedly increased with this major renovation.

Although there was in fact a small drop in the number of Hotel occupancy rates due to the increase in residential tourism it has in now gained some ground as the do it yourself property rental market is slowing down.

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