Declaring India as its most prominent market in the Asian region, Spain Tourism has revealed its plans of entering the Indian market by 2007. On their recent visit to India, officials of the National Tourist of Spain based in Singapore - namely Enrique Ruiz De Lera, director, SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India and Vien Cortes, market anaylst, SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India - highlighted the importance of the India market vis-a-vis Spain tourism.

They introduced various tourist attractions across the country, highlighted the regions strong elements with respect to being a favourable MICE destination, which hosts 245 golf courses. Promoting Spain as a niche destination is also part of the plan.

Speaking about their plans and their definite entry into the India market, Enrique Ruiz De Lera said, " India is the next big thing on our mind in terms of tourism promotions and marketing and we are looking forward to our entry into the region. We are hopeful of setting up a full-fledged office of the tourism board in India in the coming two years. As of today India is part of the regional office operating out of Singapore. Interaction with the travel trade and the media is high on our agenda. We also intend to come again in early 2006 along with other Spain tourism players for road-shows across five cities namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad."

When asked about direct air connectivity between India and Spain, Enrique revealed that the bilateral permits traffic from Mumbai and New Delhi into both Madrid and Barcelona. He further added, "We intend to meet the Indian civil aviation authorities to speak about further developments on the sector.”

(www.expresstravelandtourism.com )