Over the last decade, the Spanish economy has enjoyed above-average growth as compared with Europe. As the largest net recipient of European Union funds transfers, the country has succeeded in improving its infrastructure considerably, notably for tourism. The leading Spanish hotel chains have achieved a remarkable rate of expansion and are now ranked amongst the top hotel groups in Europe in terms of growth and capacity. Although the market growth of recent years has not been continued in 2001 and 2002, in the context of difficult international conditions, the fact that it is not declining significantly can be seen as a success.

Over the last decade, the Spanish economy has enjoyed above-average growth as compared with Europe. As the largest net recipient of European Union funds transfers, the country has succeeded in improving its infrastructure considerably, notably for tourism. The leading Spanish hotel chains have achieved a remarkable rate of expansion and are now ranked amongst the top hotel groups in Europe in terms of growth and capacity. Although the market growth of recent years has not been continued in 2001 and 2002, in the context of difficult international conditions, the fact that it is not declining significantly can be seen as a success.

Spain ranks third in the world both in terms of international tourist arrivals and receipts. With almost 5,000 kilometres of coastline, most of which is on the Mediterranean, Spain has become the number one destination for European beach holidays. However, terrorist attacks led by the Basque separatist movement, the ETA, continue to be a thorn in the side of the authorities, and have, on occasion, directly involved tourists.

Hotels in the Spain is part of a series of six Mintel reports. The other reports included are:

- Hotels in France, Leisure Intelligence - European Report, August 2002

- Hotels in Germany, Leisure Intelligence - European Report, August 2002

- Hotels in Ireland, Leisure Intelligence - European Report, August 2002

- Hotels in Italy, Leisure Intelligence - European Report, August 2002

- Hotels in the UK, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, August 2002

Other reports of relevance include:

- Special Report, Holidays - Coping with a Crisis - UK Report, 2002

- Family Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, June 2002

- International Tourism Forecasts to 2015 - Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, June 2002

- Short Breaks Abroad, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, June 2002

- City Breaks Market, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, April 2002

- Visitor Attractions, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, February 2002

- Country Reports - Europe, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Reports, January 2002

and the forthcoming:

- Third Age Travel, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, October 2002

- Pre-family Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence - European Report, December 2002