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tourism
Culture
Acústica music festival attracts 80,000 spectators, 25% more than last year
The 12th edition of the Acústica music festival has broken records with the highest amount of spectators ever. The five day music event, located in the town of Figueres in the north-east region of Girona, saw a total of 80,000 spectators – an increase of 25% on last years edition. The annual festival showcased the best of Catalan music and for its duration the centre of Figueres was transformed into a pedestrainised zone with open air stages in the streets. The most popular concerts were those of the groups Chambao, La Pegatina and the municipal band of Figueres and Delafé y las Flores Azules. The director of the event, Xavier Pascual, stated the attendance figures illustrate the “good health” of Catalan music and culture.
Business
International tourists spent €7.68 billion in Catalonia between January and July
A report issued by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism reveal how Catalonia has received €7.68 billion from foreign tourist expenditure between January and July of this year. The figure represents an increase of 9.8% on 2012, and also means that Catalonia received 23.9% of Spain’s total foreign tourist spending, higher than any other area. Meanwhile, each tourist spent an average of €878 during their visit – 4.4% higher than last year’s figures. The average daily expenditure also increased by 1.2% on last year to €123. The Canary Islands received the second highest amount of foreign tourist expenditure with €6.24 billion, while The Balearic Islands were third with €5.67 billion.
Business
Catalonia sees a 2.5% increase in overnight hotel stays among foreigners during July
Business
Catalonia received 2.1 million foreign tourists in July, once again being the most popular destination in Spain
Life & Style
Scuba diving surrounded by Atlantic bluefin tuna is offered at the Costa Daurada in a new ecotourism activity
Business
Barcelona consolidates its position as the world’s 4th largest cruise ship port
Life & Style
A route in southern Catalonia explores the sites that influenced Gaudí, Miró, Picasso and Pau Casals
Business
Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid-Barajas airports both received 3.8 million passengers during last July
Business
Catalonia’s GDP grew by 0.1% during second quarter of 2013 according to Barcelona’s Chamber of Commerce
Life & Style
Foreign tourists spent 10.5% more in Catalonia during the first half of 2013 than last year’s same period
Culture
Barcelona’s Museu de la Música to exhibit one of the world’s most important guitar collections
From July onwards Barcelona’s music museum will give visitors the chance to view 50 guitars from their collection which is considered to be one of the best in the world according to experts. The collection includes historic guitars such as that of internationally renowned Catalan guitarist Miguel Llobet. The museum has undertaken an extensive restoration and research project in order to restore the original sound of many of these unique instruments. The Museu de la Música is part of the L’Auditori complex hall and entrance into the exhibition includes a guided tour of the collection as well as a concert in which two of the historic guitars will be showcased.
Business
The port of Barcelona has received over 1 million cruise line passengers during the first half of the year
Between January and June of this year, the port of Barcelona received a total of 1,040,823 cruise line passengers. This figure represents an increase of 15% over last year. The amount of cruises docking in the Catalan capital for at least one night is also up on last year to 351, an increase of 15% over the first six months of 2012. Of the total cruise line passengers that visit Barcelona, 56% begin or end their journey in the Catalan capital. These travellers make a major contribution to the local economy as they tend to spend a few days before or after their cruises exploring the city.
Life & Style
La Garrotxa: a rough but welcome land
Business