14 Nov 2023
The Spanish Tourist Office has announced key news for 2024 and the end of 2023.
2023 VISITOR NUMBERS TO SPAIN
From January up until the end of September 2023, Spain received 66.5 million international arrivals, up 18.8% year-on-year, and 0.6% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The main inbound tourism markets were the United Kingdom, representing around 13.8 million arrivals, France with almost 9.4 million arrivals and Germany, with almost 8.5 million arrivals.
VALENCIA: EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2024
Valencia has been named the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. This prestigious award underpins the city's commitment to environmental sustainability and its ongoing efforts to address the challenges of climate change.
2024: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE ANNIVERSARIES
The oldest five World Heritage Sites in Spain are approaching their 40th anniversary, having been designated in 1984. These include:
- Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
- Burgos Cathedral
- Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
- The Historic Centre of Córdoba
- Works of Antoni Gaudí
THE PREHISTORIC SITES OF TALAYOTIC MENORCA BRING SPAIN'S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE COUNT TO 50
In September 2023, the prehistoric sites of Talayotic Menorca were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, bringing the total number of sites in Spain to 50.
FINALISTS OF SPAIN'S 2024 CITY OF GASTRONOMY REVEALED
The four finalist cities for Spain's Capital of Gastronomy (CEG) have been announced and include Alicante, Antequera, Castellón and Oviedo. The prestigious award, decided jointly by travel journalists and the Hospitality Association of Spain, was awarded to Cuenca, Castilla–La Mancha in 2023.
SEVEN NEW VÍAS VERDES BUILT IN 2023
In Spain, there are more than 3,300 kilometres of disused railway infrastructure that have been converted into cycle and hiking routes within the framework of the Greenways Programme, coordinated by the Spanish Railways Foundation. They are known as Vías Verdes – Green Ways.
In 2023 seven new greenways were added to the network.
2024: 100 YEARS OF THE MODERN BARCELONA METRO
In 2024, the Spanish city of Barcelona will mark the anniversary of the full opening of its Metro train system (Metro de Barcelona).
2024: A JUBILEE YEAR FOR CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, MURCIA
Every seven years since 2003, the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz, located in the region of Murcia, celebrates a Jubilee Year which attracts thousands of pilgrims to the city seeking plenary indulgence.
ANDALUCIA FLAMENCO MUSEUM TO OPEN IN JEREZ
In 2024, Jerez de la Frontera is set to unveil the highly anticipated Andalucia Flamenco Museum. Recognised as one of the primary strongholds of Flamenco, Jerez's cultural identity is intricately intertwined with the art of Flamenco, wine, and horses.
BARCELONA TO HOST 37TH AMERICA'S CUP IN 2024
America's Cup, the most important regatta in the world, will take place in Barcelona between August and October 2024. It is the 3rd sport competition with the highest economic impact on the host country, after the Olympic Games and the World Cup.
SPAIN ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN PROMOTING THE COUNTRY AS A TAX-FREE SHOPPING DESTINATION FOR BRITISH TRAVELLERS
On Monday 06 November 2023, Turespaña launched a new advertising campaign aimed at British young people, families, couples, and seniors to promote Spain as the perfect shopping destination. The campaign reminds UK residents that, since the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, they can recover VAT on their purchases in Spain.
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