Spain urges more tourism exchange with Bangladesh for mutual benefit

Dhaka : Spain is the second most visited country in the world by tourists, after either the USA or France, making its tourism sector one of the country's biggest industries by contributing 11 per cent to the nation's GDP. However, there is much room to increase the tourist or business traveller arrivals to the country from Bangladesh as the Spanish Embassy in Dhaka facilitates hassle free visa processing in 15 days. 

Ambassador of Spain in Bangladesh Francisco Benítez said this during a press meet at his official residence in the capital on November 30. 
Prior to the pandemic, Spain welcomed around 80 million visitors a year. As of now, already the European country recovered 80 per cent of its pre-pandemic tourism numbers, he added. 

Potential host for BIE specialised expo 
Benitez further mentioned the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) visited the Spanish city of Malaga to discuss preparations for a potential bid to organise a Specialised Expo in 2027. 

The theme considered would be focused around the challenges of modern cities, ensuring that sustainability matches with quality of life, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The area earmarked for the Expo project covers an 80-hectare zone in the Buenavista area of Campanillas, located in the east of Malaga. 

"To win the bid, Spain wishes for Bangladesh's vote and if won, it would be a great opportunity for Bangladesh to attend the expo in Spain as the country needs effective marketing and branding efforts in the global stage to increase inbound tourist arrivals," noted Benitez. 
Tourism exchange 

Not only that but also Spain has offered Bangladesh to help develop its tourism industry, infrastructure and connectivity as the European country has immense success and expertise in these respective areas, mentioned the Spanish envoy.  

For this purpose, the Spanish envoy, mentioned, "We are already in talks with the government to help develop the country's railways", which can be a key driver to increase the domestic and inbound tourism in Bangladesh as better rail and road connectivity is crucial for the development of tourism to the areas that have no airports but great tourism potentials. 

Already many Spanish companies are working in Bangladesh in transport projects such as underground metro rail and alleviated highway that are very important for the development of the country, mentioned Benitez.  

"Sports tourism and exchange is also another area that we are eyeing to work on between Bangladesh and Spain," added the envoy. 

Air traffic management is another area Spain masters, said Benitez, adding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh will benefit from Spain's next generation air traffic technology and systems, noted the Spanish Ambassador. 

Tourism export . 
Spain's tourism exports to Bangladesh can be a game changer benefiting both of the countries as it is probably the only export which does not have as much tariff as other exports," claimed Benitez. 

The recent opening of a commercial office at the Spanish embassy in Dhaka, the existence of a Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce in Dhaka and support from the media would play vital role in diversifying the commercial relations between Spain and Bangladesh, concluded the Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh.