Hosted by Antonio Martin-Machuca Ales, Tourism Andaluz, and Gonzalo Ceballos, Spanish Tourism Office Dublin, the annual Andalucia Tourist Board ‘educational event’ at Trinity College Dublin was a truly momentous occasion.
The evening commenced with a workshop with 13 Andalucian suppliers and was attended by more than 50 members of the trade and media.
The workshop was followed by dinner in the Dining Hall of Trinity College. Antonio thanked the trade for their continued support – 300,000 Irish people went to Andalucia in 2015 – and he looked forward with confidence to the remainder of 2016 and into 2017.
Gonzalo Ceballos, who, sadly, is leaving Ireland at the end of July, reported that nearly 1.5 million Irish people will visit Spain in 2016 and that figure will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
A very well earned presentation to Gonzalo was made by Pat Dawson, ITAA Chief Executive, for his outstanding contribution during his tenure as Director of the Spanish Tourism Office here in Ireland for the past five years, during which Gonzalo made many new friends for Spain. The very special moment was marked by a well-deserved standing ovation.
The Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Jose Maria Rodriguez Coso, who was guest of honour, is delighted by the number of Irish people who continue to make Spain the number one destination for Irish holidaymakers.
The evening finished with magnificent music led by tenor and double bass Miguel Sanchez and musicians, pianist Bernardo Jimenez and guitarist Adriano Lozano. The wonderful sound of the classic Spanish song Granada resonated through the Dining Hall and drew great applause from the audience.
