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Gibraltar makes WTM return
Gibraltar is returning to World Travel Market for the first time in four years.
The move to exhibit again at this year’s show in London in November follows a thawing in relations between the UK and Spain over sovereignty of ‘the Rock’.
Britain and Spain set aside many of their differences over Gibraltar last September by signing the ‘Cordoba agreement’.
WTM managing director Fiona Jeffery said: “Significantly, the deal now allows Spanish flights to fly direct to the British Overseas Territory – previously visitors from Spain were routed via London.”
Gibraltar Tourist Office UK spokeswoman Tracey Poggio said: “Iberia and British Airways have begun flights and the route is already proving a tremendous success. A new Barcelona route is also promised.
“In addition, the new agreement now includes Gibraltar in European aviation regulations, allowing carriers from the rest of Europe to fly in. What it has done is open up Gibraltar to a new international audience.
“Malaga has become a viable hub, and as a result there has been significant marketing of Gibraltar in Spain. Importantly, we are hopeful of spreading the word across Europe at World Travel Market – we can sell Gibraltar like a new destination across the continent.”
To cater for the expected increase in visitors by air, the territory’s government has unveiled a major redevelopment programme for Gibraltar airport, due to be completed by the end of 2008.
Up to 11 hotel projects are currently under consideration by planners with the potential to treble the existing bed stock by 2014.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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