THE Spanish minister of industry, energy and tourism has urged airlines to set up more direct links between Spain and growing markets in Asia to stimulate inland tourism.
Speaking ahead of the opening of FITUR in Madrid yesterday, José Manuel Soria López said Spain’s inland tourism sector is lagging behind seaside holidays, traditionally popular with Europeans.
“We are seeing that in some emerging markets like China, (inland tourism) is being asked for rather than the sun and beach,” he revealed.
Soria pointed out that connectivity is still an issue, with fewer flights to countries like China and South Korea than Germany. “Each time I have the opportunity to speak with air operators I tell them this, not only the Spanish ones but also those of other countries.”
The minister noted that while visa approvals for Asians are “working better than before”, there is divergence in policy across the European Union. Within the Schengen area, Spain is one country pushing for a “laxer, more flexible” stance in issuing a common visa to foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, Soria said there is a need for Spanish hotels to cater for the “specific demands of Asian tourism” by providing for their dining customs, an area in which “hoteliers are making a growing effort”.
