A group of travel notables turned out to welcome Jorge Rubio to his new position as director as suppliers, travel agents and the media met and mingled with representatives of Spain’s Tourist Office.

Rubio took the floor to thank the group for attending and supporting Spain.   He noted that last year tourists visited Spain in record breaking numbers, 58.5 million travellers in 2006 was a 4% increase over the previous year and put Spain in the number two spot as the world’s tourism destination.  

While most visitors to Spain remain Europeans (British and Germans) Rubio will use his five-year stint as director to encourage and promote his country’s numerous and varied advantages and attractions to Canada.  Spain is a large and multifaceted country and the Spanish people are warm and welcoming.  Canadians who experience the diversity of the culture, the cuisine, the entertainment and the attractions, know the Spain of cosmopolitan cities and charming villages, of fabulous beaches and majestic mountains. 

Rubio wants to get Canadians to understand and learn about his country and he is confident that his efforts and that of the Tourist Office will increase Canadian awareness, interest and travel to Spain.

Agents and suppliers were positive and encouraged, and many felt Spain would be a popular European summer destination this year.