Spanish government to spend €200m on infrastructure

The Spanish government said it will spend €200 million this year to upgrade Spain’s tourism infrastructure.

Another €40.5 million has been set aside to promote the country as a tourist destination in 32 markets around the world, it said in a statement.

In the wake of Spain’s recent soccer World Cup victory, the government advertising campaign will for the first time put “special emphasis” on sports, it added.

Spain is the world’s third largest tourist destination after France and the US, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation.

The sector accounts for some 10 per cent of Spain’s economy, which has only just emerged from more than a year in recession.

In recent years, however, Spain’s ageing resorts have seen tourist numbers fall as sun ­seekers head for cheaper destinations in the eastern Mediterranean.