Latest news with #SpanishTouristOfficefortheGCC
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Spain welcomes over 200,000 visitors from UAE in 2024
Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, including both Emirati nationals and residents, stated Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, reported WAM. He noted that this figure reflects an increase of approximately 17% compared to 2023, signalling a continued gradual recovery in tourist movement between the two countries following the pandemic years. Speaking to the media during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, González highlighted that the spending levels of tourists from the UAE, and the Gulf region in general, surpass the average spending of tourists globally. He pointed out that visitors from the UAE and the broader GCC are among the highest spenders, with the average expenditure per tourist estimated at around €3,000 per trip, roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who make up the majority of Spain's visitors. González further explained that about 90% of Spain's tourists come from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France. However, spending by GCC visitors significantly exceeds that of other tourists. González emphasised that Spanish interest in the region, particularly in the UAE, is steadily increasing, despite the fact that most Spaniards traditionally spend their holidays within Spain or in neighbouring European countries. He underscored the growing importance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism, both in terms of visitor numbers and visitor quality.
Hi Dubai
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Spain Sees 17% Rise in UAE Visitors in 2024
Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year. The growth reflects a steady recovery in tourism between Spain and the UAE, as travel resumes following the pandemic. Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, shared the news during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, held in Dubai. He highlighted that the UAE, alongside the broader Gulf region, is one of Spain's top sources of high-spending tourists, with an average expenditure of €3,000 per visit—nearly double that of European tourists. While Europe remains the dominant source of Spain's visitors, with the UK, Germany, and France leading the way, González noted that the spending habits of GCC tourists far outstrip those of their European counterparts. This significant economic impact positions the UAE as a key player in Spain's tourism strategy. González also observed that Spanish interest in the UAE is on the rise. Traditionally, most Spaniards vacation within Spain or in nearby European countries, but the appeal of the GCC market is growing, especially in the UAE. Looking ahead, González expressed confidence in the region's potential for further tourism growth. He concluded, 'We are committed to further developing our relations in the region and believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years.' News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Spain welcomes over 200,000 visitors from UAE in 2024
Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, announced that Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, including both Emirati nationals and residents. He noted that this figure reflects an increase of approximately 17% compared to 2023, signalling a continued gradual recovery in tourist movement between the two countries following the pandemic years. Speaking to the media during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, which concluded on Saturday in Dubai, González highlighted that the spending levels of tourists from the UAE, and the Gulf region in general, surpass the average spending of tourists globally. He pointed out that visitors from the UAE and the broader GCC are among the highest spenders, with the average expenditure per tourist estimated at around €3,000 per trip, roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who make up the majority of Spain's visitors. González further explained that about 90% of Spain's tourists come from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France. However, spending by GCC visitors significantly exceeds that of other tourists. González emphasised that Spanish interest in the region, particularly in the UAE, is steadily increasing, despite the fact that most Spaniards traditionally spend their holidays within Spain or in neighbouring European countries. He underscored the growing importance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism, both in terms of visitor numbers and visitor concluded, "We are committed to further developing our relations in the region. We believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years." WAM
