Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, has dismissed concerns that the country's record-breaking visitor numbers may be a cause for worry, as the nation prepares for another year of unprecedented growth. With foreign visitors expected to reach a historic 100 million for the first time, Hereu is instead focusing on diversifying Spain's tourism appeal, moving away from the traditional "sun and sand and coast" model that has long defined the industry. In an effort to combat the growing issues of overtourism and the climate emergency, Hereu is pushing to attract tourists to less frequented areas and promote off-season travel, in a bid to spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the country. As Spain's tourism sector continues to boom, the minister's efforts aim to ensure that the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty are preserved for future generations.
Exclusive: Tourism minister says another likely record year of visitor growth is not a worry amid move to welcome tourists out of season and market less frequented areasSpain is redoubling its efforts to push its tourist appeal beyond the familiar “sun and sand and coast” model as it prepares for another record-breaking year in which the number of foreign visitors could reach 100 million for the first time, the country’s tourism minister has said.Speaking to the Guardian, Jordi Hereu rejected suggestions that Spain was now saturated with tourists but said it had become clear that the “old formulas no longer work”, especially amid growing concerns about overtourism and the effects of the climate emergency. Continue reading...
