Yes, Culture Really is the Main Draw of Andalucía
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| Andalucía continues to attract tourists |
Official data shows that cultural tourism was responsible
for 28.8% of all the visits to the region in southern Spain across 2016, which
marked the first year that “good weather” wasn’t the top dog in the fight.
Of course, the cultural aspects of the region are only
enhanced by good weather, meaning that the weather is always going to be part
of the reason people visit Andalucía. Even so, it’s impossible to deny that the
region is home to some incredible sights that belong on any travel itinerary.
But what’s different? The history of Andalucía is of course
rich, but it’s also ancient. The region offers no truly new attractions. Some
data would suggest that the reputation the region has for being a popular
property hunting ground and beach destination has increased interest in the
culture of the region. The tourists coming to the area come from a wide global
pool, and each tourist has their own opinions on what makes a holiday
memorable.
The Chinese are Coming
Chinese tourist represent the largest tourist group in the
world, and are known to be big spenders. That means that tourism bodies the
world over are looking to attract them. Spain is yet to crack the top 20
tourist destinations for Chinese visitors, but this continues to change as the
Spanish economy recovers and Chinese tourists are willing to be more
adventurous.
Chinese tourists will typically travel as part of a large
organised group, being taken from place to place without exploring much in
between. The tours would usually bypass Spain, but now many Chinese holidaymakers are making independent trips and Spain is benefiting. The China
Tourism Academy shows an increase of 60% in Chinese tourists travelling alone
in 2016, and this group is coming to Spain.
Chinese tourists are also known for bypassing beach
holidays, choosing instead to visit historical sites and cities. They tend to
come during the low season to avoid the Spanish summer heat and to take
advantage of Chinese New Year; when many Chinese middle-class workers get time
away from work to go on vacation.
The Leading Attraction
The Chinese aren’t the only ones coming to the country.
Spain is welcoming more British, German, French, Irish, and American travellers
to Andalucía as destinations such as the Alcázar in Seville, the Alhambra in
Grande, and the Mezquita in Córdoba report seeing an increase in tourism across
recent years.
Other sights worth a look are the famous bridge in Ronda,
Cádiz old town, and the bodegas and sherry trails of Jerez. Don’t forget about
Malaga either, which is quickly garnering a reputation for being one of the
most hip and happening cities in Spain.
There’s more to Andalucía than just fun in the sun, and now
it looks like word has spread.
