Spanish tourism authority introduces...

Turespaña aims to cater to growing GCC inbound market after receiving 430,000 visitors in 2023

With a total number of tourists arriving in Spain from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reaching 430,000 in 2023, data released by Spanish Tourism Authority ‘Torspana’ shows that visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia were up 92%, while UAE inbound numbers increased by 16% year-on-year.

To cater to the growing number of GGC tourists, Torspana has launched a Muslim-friendly guide to Halal Tourism in Spain, available in both English and Arabic.

With the GCC's Eid and school holidays approaching, Torspana aims to promote Spain's lesser-known destinations in the Belearic and Canary Islands, as well as cities such as Valencia and Seville to Middle East markets, highlighting the culinary and halal offering.

The website states: "In Spain, certain products and services have the Halal Certification awarded by the Halal Institute, which guarantees that they meet the requirements demanded under Islamic law. This certification is particularly associated with food products but is increasingly being awarded to hotels, restaurants, cosmetic companies and Arab baths."

The Alanda Hotel Marbella has become the first to obtain the certificate from the Halal Institute, offering services aimed at the Islamic market, including halal dishes and special areas for prayer.

In Spain's bigger cities, such as Madrid (pictured), travellers can also find hotel chains that have dedicated prayer rooms and indicate the direction of Mecca in their guest rooms.

Travel advisors can find listings on the Halal Institute web page.

For more information, visit www.spain.info/gcc/en/practical-information/halal

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