One of Spain`s most accomplished tourism professionals has been named to head the Tourist Office of Spain in New York…
One of Spain`s most accomplished tourism professionals has been named to head the Tourist Office of Spain in New York. In the space of only ten years, Javier Pinanes has been Director of the Tourist Office of Spain in Germany, Deputy Director of Marketing in Madrid and later, Director of Turespana. He is now charged with promoting the country in the U.S., a market with excellent potential for Spain.
Last year Spain received over 53 million visitors of which over 49 million were Europeans, said Mr. Pinanes. We believe there is tremendous untapped potential in this country, and the Ministry of Tourism has designated the U.S. as one of its most important targets for the coming years, he explained. We actually receive about a million visitors from the U.S. and we hope to increase this number in the future, Mr. Pinanes continued. Spain is the world`s second most important tourism destination in terms of visitor arrivals and tourism revenues. As the country`s second largest industry, tourism represents 12 % of the GDP (gross domestic product) and provides one and a half million jobs.
Mr. Pinanes began his career in tourism in 1994 as Deputy Director of the Tourist Office of Spain in Frankfurt and three years later was named Director of Spain`s Tourist Office in Berlin. During that time he was also Tourism Attache for the Spanish Embassies in Warsaw and Moscow. He has extensive marketing and advertising experience which he gained as the Deputy Director of Marketing in Turespana and most recently, as Director of Turespana in Madrid. (Turespana is the organization in charge of the worldwide marketing and promotion of Spain`s tourism.) In his new position, he will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of Spain`s three other tourism offices in Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles and directing all of Spain`s marketing efforts in the U.S.
At a reception on November 30 to introduce him to leading members of the tourism industry, Mr. Pinanes remarked on some of Spain`s attributes Both our traditional and new innovative cuisines are being recognized internationally. Our chefs, wines and gastronomic products are obtaining international awards and global recognition. And Spain continues to be a warm and friendly destination and one that offers a very positive lifestyle experience. Thanking the travel industry professionals, Pinanes ended by saying, Spain is confident in finding its place in the United States, because you are a priority market for us. And your efforts, the support and loyalty that professionals like you traditionally show towards our country, will play no small part in this achievement.
Before beginning his career in tourism, Mr. Pinanes held several prominent positions in the Spanish Ministries of Industry, Transportation and the Interior.
Mr. Pinanes received a doctorate in law from Madrid`s Universidad Complutense. He enjoys traveling and sports. He and his wife have two children.
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