Barcelona Tourism Update for Insiders

November 30, 2008
Issue #05

Table of Content

NEWS & WHAT´S ON?

1. Barcelona, headquarter of the Mediterranean Union

2. Barcelona Bicycle sharing

3. High speed train to Costa del Sol

4. Barcelona projects itself in China

5. Christmas in the Fantastic City

HOT DEALS!

1. Santa Lucia Festivities

2. Christmas in Barcelona

3. Family Deals

1. Barcelona, headquarter of the Mediterranean Union

Barcelona became the headquarters for the Mediterranean Union. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Aboul Gheit announced the location of the new union's main office on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Marseille.

The agreement among the 43 members of the union was reached during two-day meeting of foreign ministers and other representatives from European Union members and Mediterranean states. This, undoubtedly, will bring status and jobs to the Barcelona city.

More details here

2. Barcelona Bicycle sharing

The eighteen month old bike-sharing program "Bicing", offers 6,000 bikes distributed on 375 stands which are scattered around the city every few blocks apart.

Customers buy a yearly membership and get a smart card that allows them to release a bike from a mechanized dock. The first 30 minutes are free, with a charge thereafter of some cents for each half-hour. Bikes must be returned within two hours to any bike rack in the network.

City of Bikes

3. High speed train to Costa del Sol

The Minister for Development, Magdalena Álvarez, has said at the World Travel Market, that soon the high speed train (AVE) by pass will be in service. This will mean new high speed train services from Barcelona both to Sevilla and Málaga, with a travel time of five hours 40 minutes.

Related topics: Barcelona Transport

4. Barcelona projects itself in China

"On Monday 10 November, Barcelona Mayor Jordi Hereu inaugurated Barcelona's first Consulate of the Sea in Shanghai, with the aim of establishing the Barcelona brand as an innovative label.

The city's aim is also to have a real presence in a number of cities around the world in the shape of Area Managers, who will play the role of expert observers, and Honorary Members, who will be more honorary representatives."

More details here

5. Christmas in the Fantastic City

'Smile! You are in Barcelona' is the slogan of the advertising campaign designed to attract tourists from Asia and the main European countries to Barcelona.

Until mid-December, the citizens of China, South Korea, Italy, Germany, France and Britain will see adverts in their press and digital media presenting Barcelona as the perfect destination to spend a few days at Christmas.

More details here

1. Santa Lucia Festivities

One of the most important fairs of Christmas products in the city, the Fira of Santa Llúcia, has a long history that goes back at 1786. This year they have grouped 265 stops that will receive the visit of children and not so children that want to buy or to admire the most typical objects in this time.

Barcelona offers a range of other events this winter - such as the procession of the Three Kings on January 5th, starting at the Moll de la Fusta aboard the Santa Eulalia. Children can also enjoy a toy fair from December 27th to January 4th, which also includes cooking and karaoke as well as sports and games.

For those who prefer architecture, Barcelona Cathedral itself may offer seasonal charm as well as a long history.

Book your Last Minute Flight

Book your Last Minute Hotel

2. Christmas in Barcelona

If you are planning to stay some days in a city with a nice temperature, Barcelona is your choice. Please rush and make your last minute reservations!

Enjoy of the Barcelona´s festivities and all the attractions that this fantastic city offers to the visitor.

Book your Last Minute Flight

Book your Last Minute Hotel

3. Family Deals

There are good deals for those families who will visit Barcelona during the Christmas festivities. Very nice and well located apartments for the whole family are really a good option.

You will find last minute apartments at a reasonable rate. So, please rush and make your reservation!

Book your Last Minute Apartment

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