Spain is still the leading winter destination for Europeans, with traditional package tours maintaining their market share, while giving way at the same time to more specialised types of tourism, such as wellness, active tourism and golf.
Moderate optimism
According to the findings of trends survey for the 2006-2007 winter season conducted by Turespaña through its tourist office network, there are reasons for moderate optimism since present trends are similar to those of the summer season and market behaviour determined in previous reports on the winter tourist market drafted by the agency has been confirmed.
Online sales and greater flexibility
Online sales and the greater flexibility are the main factors transforming the winter package tour market. Although a marginal drop in arrivals has been forecast, as in other destinations, it is hoped that Spain will maintain its market share and even increase it in relation to other destinations such as Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Italy and some Eastern European countries.
Wellness, active tourism and golf
Specialised tourism, such as wellness, active tourism and golf, will gain weight, and Spain will keep its market share despite the fact that the winter tourist market is more competitive. Nevertheless, an increase in American, Japanese and Latin American tourists is expected.
Short breaks and city tourism
Increased low-cost flights to Spanish airports, above all from Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, and UK, have given a boost to short breaks and city tourism. However, competition from emerging destinations like Morocco, Turkey and Croatia is on the increase. Prospects are however good, the outcome of the 2006-2007 winter season depending chiefly on the behaviour of the French and British markets.
