The launch of a new promotional campaign has been announced by the tourist offices of Spain and Portugal. The integrated co-op program is designed to increase awareness for Spain and Portugal as “a must see destination” in Europe. In creating brand awareness for the two countries that share the Iberian Peninsula, the campaign will generate consumer inquiries for traveling to the countries, along with partnership interest and investment from relevant suppliers.

As part of this collective effort, Spain and Portugal will launch a new website that includes a compelling next-generation interactive online experience for prospective travelers, and seamless access for U.S. tour operators and suppliers to generate new travel bookings. The new co-op campaign will also directly help travel suppliers and tour operators to sell both Spain and Portugal to new online travelers.

Spain and Portugal have engaged Travel Spike to develop and manage the integrated co-op program. Travel Spike will work with the countries in designing the new site and interactive gaming experience, as well as working with the co-op partners to promote their deals and packages to Spain and Portugal.

“Portugal and Spain are two unique places that together tell a story. Both countries offer travelers numerous cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes and varied cuisine,” said Eduardo Souto Moura, Managing Director of AICEP Portugal Global. “So it was a natural fit for Portugal and Spain to work in partnership to promote the Iberian Peninsula.”

“The Iberian Peninsula offers two distinct yet culturally-rich travel destinations in one – Spain and Portugal,” explained Javier Pinanes, Director of Tourist Office of Spain, “This joint marketing program underscores the spirit of that cooperation and opens up new opportunities for travel suppliers to participate in promoting these two destinations.”

“Travel Spike will bring its considerable travel and digital experience to all aspects of the promotions and marketing program for both Spain and Portugal,” offers Ryan Bifulco, founder and president of Travel Spike. “We are pleased to be working with both countries and look forward to being an integral part of their success.”

After studying current travel trends and realizing Americans’ penchant for combining more than one country on a European trip, the governments of Portugal and Spain signed an agreement in 2006. Based on the positive results from this campaign so far, Spain and Portugal will also extend similar joint promotions and marketing efforts into Canada and Japan in 2008.