Westin Hotel, Valencia |
Ever since the early 1960’s
Spain’s tourism industry has seen constant
growth.
Although historical sites and unique
cultural features had always made Spain attractive
to foreign visitors, the tourist takeoff began in
the mid-1950’s. This shooting off was based
primarily on the recreational assets of the Mediterranean
seashore areas. The country had fewer than 1 million
tourists in 1950, but this number has been increasing
steadily, reaching more than 34 million in 1973,
and more than 50 million in 2003.
In 2003 Spain has received more than
50 million foreign visitors, and this figure constituted
12 percent more than those who arrived in 1999.
Most of them came from the European Community, with
France, Portugal, Britain, and West Germany leading
the statistics. American tourists represented less
than 2 percent of the total, but they spent more
per person than their European counterparts, making
the United States the second source of tourist receipts
after the United Kingdom. Spain Tourism was projected
to remain strong in 2003, with an increase of visitors
of 5 percent, but the average expenditure per foreign
visitor increased only 2.4 percent during this year.
The seaside resorts continued to
dominate the tourist industry, despite a considerable
effort from the government to stimulate interest
in visiting historical and cultural sites. Nevertheless
more and more people are realizing that Spain is
not just sea sun and sangria destination, but a
country with a rich history and a deep cultural
heritage.
Massalvi |
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Inns
Hotel construction and renovation of existing infrastructure
continues both in the cities and rural areas of
Spain. From Paradores, Spain’s famed government
run hotels to international hotel chains, expansion
and consolidation are the key words.
Starwood in particular is making
extraordinary strides throughout Spain. It already
has been in Spain with flagship properties like
The Palace in Madrid and the Maria Cristina in San
Sebastian. It is attracting considerable attention
with its new property located in La Rioja (Wine
growing region). The Hotel Marqués De Riscal,
designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, is
his second masterpiece in Spain after driving Bilbao’s
urban revival with the Guggenheim Museum.
Another architectural wonder, also
urban and more of a loving renovation is The Westin
Valencia, located in Valencia site of unprecedented
growth.
The hotel was spearheaded through
a plan initiated by Mayor Rita Barberá, Valencia’s
dynamic and popular mayor. The aim was to renovate
the old "Tabacalera" building in the heart
of Valencia. Westin has worked hard to give the
entire project the flavor and feel of Valencia.
Managing director Frank de Weerdt says that 90%
of what hotel guests will see is produced nationally
and 80% of the furnishings amenities and decoration
have been ordered directly from Valencian companies.
With 2007 the Year of The America’s Cup, the
hotel is already been requisitioned by one of the
teams as its Valencia Headquarters.
Also in Valencia and closer to the
water, in fact directly on the beachfront is Las
Arenas. Opened last year, the hotel has been popular
with the conference and incentive market.
Hotel Las Arenas-Balneario, is a new luxury property
emerging from the old "Balneario" or covered
swimming pool.
Once upon a time it was a turn of
the century rendezvous for Valencian’s, when
a trip to the beach was a weekend affair. Now the
entire beach front area is getting a face-lift in
preparation for the America’s Cup.
This excellent resort, Las Arenas,
combines a hotel with spa and adjacent convention
center.
The center has 11 meeting rooms for up to 2000 persons
as well as an auditorium with a capacity for 500
and is a perfect venue for smaller meetings and
seminars.
Best to book in now for the 2007
America’s Cup; the races will be visible from
the sea front rooms.
Keeping with a tradition of renovation and restoration
The Massalvi Hotel, is an excellent choice if driving
down to Valencia from France and it’s located
inland from the Costa Brava.
The Hotel, just outside the town
of Pals, is a restored 17 century "mas"
and provides excellent luxury accommodation with
a restaurant to match.
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