Seville gradually making its presence felt on the global tourism map
Not only will Spain celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe – the Magellan-Elcano expedition set sail from Seville in 1519 – a three-year programme of activities would also start this year. The WTTC Summit will also take place in Seville this April, helping it raise its awareness among Asia outbound travellers, according to Antonio Jimenez, the managing director of the Seville Tourism Board.
Jimenez expects that the WTTC Summit will help in expanding opportunities for the city, attracting attending companies to invest in the local tourism sector, including those from Asia.
Asia is now a “very important market” that currently represents 10 per cent of Seville’s inbound figures, translating to 3.9 million visitors each year.
A two-pronged strategy has been planned out to attract more visitors from Asia, which will see the tourism board promoting Seville through PR marketing and working with big tour operators. It would also work on attracting direct flights from key hubs like Istanbul and Dubai to improve connectivity with Asia.
There is currently no direct flight linking Asia to Seville, although Jimenez is aiming to change that in the near future. Emirates and Etihad Airways – which are members of WTTC – are looking to launch flights to Seville.
India and China, the two outbound tourism powerhouses, are the topmost targets for Asia for Seville, with different aspects of its tourism offerings – founded on the four main pillars in gastronomy, heritage and culture, flamenco and lifestyle – emphasized for different markets.
Cruise tourism is another area that Jimenez will aim to grow by attracting luxury boats of less than 2,000 people to call at the Seville port.
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