The Spain Tourism Board appoints Monica Sanchez to head its office in Singapore as the new Director in charge of Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

"The markets in which the office works are very diverse in terms of interests and preferences. The aim is to attract travelers interested in unique experiences, off- beaten tracks, the local culture, gastronomy and values of Spain. A tourism marked by quality and not quantity.", Ms. Sanchez said.

When asked about her plans as she starts her term, she shares that the focus at the moment is to maintain Spain's positioning and to highlight the measures taken by the Spanish tourism sector to adapt to the new situation.

"The Spanish tourism industry is well prepared to welcome tourists while ensuring their health and safety. The sector has made a huge effort to adapt to what we call is the "new normal" and has succeeded in implementing effective measures. There is no improvisation by administrations or private sector when it comes to welcoming tourists. Spain and its hospitality sector is ready to offer its best tourism products and services with the maximum guarantees of safety and protection as we wait for normal travel flow to return.", she said.

She also aims to support and work very closely with operators, agents and airlines within the market who are keys in the tourism industry as it gradually recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.

Ms. Sanchez has more than 25 years of experience in tourism, branding, market research and public management and has also held various leadership and cabinet level positions within the tourism board of Spain— both in America as well as in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism's headquarters in Madrid.

She has also served as Chief of Staff for successive Directors General of the Spanish government's official tourism organization, Turespaña, as well as for the Secretary General for tourism.