Madrid, Sept 23: For some time Spain has sat as the world`s second most popular destination behind France. But that might be about to change with a decision to promote the benefits of cultural tourism more aggressively.
The move away from the beer and beach tourism of the coastal towns began in earnest around the time Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games.
But now it`s a policy being driven by city and regional governments. You don`t have to look very far, either, to see what is being sold. Or re-sold, as some would have it.
In 2002 Catalonia lived the Year of Gaudi and this year the Catalans have made it the Year of Dali.
It`s no surprise really. Ever since the Games, Catalonia has been remarkably pro-active in promoting its wares to the world. And with Dali, Gaudi, Miro and Tapies at their disposal they`d be foolish not to.
Not to forget Picasso of course. He`s going to be bigger than ever, but to the chagrin of Catalonia, he`ll be starring in his show in Spain`s south.
The opening of the Museo Picasso Malaga marks the spiritual homecoming of Picasso to his beloved home town.
The museum, in the city`s old Jewish quarter in a national heritage Andalusian palace, has 174 donated and loaned works from Picasso`s daughter-in-law Christine Ruiz-Picasso and his grandson (her son) Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.
Bureau Report
