State Secretary for Tourism closes Spain-Russia Dual Year of Tourism in Saint Petersburg

The Spain-Russia Dual Year was launched in April 2016 at a gala event by the Russian Ballet at the Teatro Real in Madrid. It is now concluding in Saint Petersburg, at the Peterhof Museum specifically, which will dedicate its fountain season opening ceremony to Spain.

Together with the Deputy Minister for Culture of the Russian Federation, Alla Manílova, Matilde Asián chaired the meeting of the tourism work group of the Spain-Russia Mixed Inter-governmental Committee and stressed that the year was an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries, foster the exchange of tourism flows and consolidate the promotion of both destinations.

Results from the Dual Year

156,000 Russian tourists visited Spain in the first quarter of 2017, which is an increase of 15% on the same period last year. Furthermore, they spent 223 million euros, an increase of 8%. Russian tourism in Spain is a priority for the country and plays a major role in the planning of Spanish tourism policy. Russia has become the main emerging emitting market for Spain in recent years. The level of spending by Russian tourists, their interest in culture and a quality product, and the longer nature of their family-orientated visits mean they are a source of tourism that Spain seeks to encourage.

The meeting was also used to review the almost 50 activities implemented by the two countries. Matilde Asián highlighted the extensive Spanish presence at tourism fairs held in Russia (Moscow International Travel & Tourism exhibition, Intormarket, etc.) and the promotional activities aimed at Russian citizens such as the increased content in Russian on the official website for tourism in Spain (spain.info), the actions on social media networks, the extensive programme of press trips and the organisation of Spain-Russia forums at which the development of direct links between the tourism organisations of the two countries and the exchange of information played an important role.

Finally, the two countries expressed their wish to continue promoting tourism flows by tackling air connectivity, given that there are options to increase the number of flights and open new direct routes.

In the afternoon, Matilde Asián is due to attend a Spain-Russia business forum, where she will offer Spain's extensive experience in the tourism industry to Russian business leaders, both in terms of sharing Spanish knowledge and helping large Spanish tourism companies engage in the market.