The future of Britain’s quarantine rule for returning tourists might still be uncertain, but travel preferences remain just as clear as they were pre-coronavirus. First of all, Spain is UK holidaymakers’ preferred destination. Second, Alicante and its attractive Costa Blanca resorts are at the top of many Britons’ ideal getaway lists, And third, Spain will still have the same timeless allure for tourists when regulatory matters return to normal – or at least a “new normal”.
This is the message being sent out by Spanish tourist authorities, as they try to convince the UK government that – even though there are new outbreaks of COVID-19 in localised areas (such as Aragón and Cataluña) – popular international tourist areas are just as safe (and maybe even safer) than staying at home.
Earlier this summer, Spain’s minister for industry, trade and tourism, Reyes Maroto, presented an international advertising campaign with the slogan “Back to Spain” and the new Spain tourism portal (Spain.info). The objective was to recognise the “new times we live in following the COVID-19 pandemic” while stressing the government’s commitment to restoring confidence in Spain as a tourist destination over other competitor countries.
“The special circumstances of this summer make it necessary to launch an advertising campaign to remind inbound tourists that holidays in Spain are a safe bet,” said Maroto. “The campaign reinforces the reasons and emotions that have made our country their favourite destination in a year when the competition to attract tourists that decide to travel abroad will be very strong.
“To that end, Turespaña (the official national tourism board) has committed to emotional creativity that sets out products and places from all around the country that evoke sensations to encourage tourists to come back to Spain.”
The campaign is especially prioritised for European tourists “who see Spain as their second home, who have emotional ties with Spanish destinations where they have enjoyed unique and unforgettable experiences”.
Reyes Maroto said it was important to convey to inbound tourists a message of confidence. “Spain is a safe destination and we are waiting for you; the time has come to return.”
The new Spain tourism portal maintains the same domain (Spain.info) but after 19 years it has been completely renewed. According to the tourism ministry, “The page has been modernised with a more dynamic web page and a great visual impact, with noteworthy new tools that focus on facilitating the planning of trips with interactive maps and better information, with downloads of digital brochures and the possibility of making reservations from among the 2,000 tourist experiences that are advertised to book on the portal.”
Check out our comprehensive Area Guides to discover why the Costa Blanca is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
