pounds 4M SPAIN HOLS BLITZ

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jun 21, 2009 | by STEPHEN HAYWARD

DESPERATE Spanish tour bosses are starting a pounds 4million marketing blitz in the UK after families' fears over the recession have seen bookings slump.

Figures for last month were down 20 per cent on last year and firms have been left with more than a million unsold package trips weeks before the peak season.

One in four of Spain's visitors are British, generating pounds 10billion a year - but cash-strapped families have been taking cheaper options such as Egypt and Turkey.

Tour firms have already slashed prices in a bid to woo Brits back.

Spanish Tourist Office boss Ignacio Vasallo said: "The UK market is 25 per cent of our tourism so supporting the industry is vital."

John McEwan, of the Advantage network of independent travel agents, added: "Spain is much more familyoriented in terms of package holidays and it's families who are holding back from committing expenditure."

Spanish tourism chiefs have linked up with Britain's big operators for a pounds 2million TV and travel agency ads campaign plugging the mainland and Balearic and Canary islands under the slogan: "Smile, you are in Spain."

A further pounds 2million will be spent in the autumn promoting individual locations including Benidorm.

Bargains include 14 nights' half-board at the Golden Taurus Resort on the Costa Brava for pounds 360 per person, down from pounds 535, with First Choice Holidays in July.