Would you like a change from the Caribbean Calypso or the Hawaiian Hula?

You can always try the Spanish Flamenco. With tourism numbers up in Spain in recent years, many continue to do just that.

Visits to Spain increased in 2006 and 2007 over previous years and the forecast is for continued growth. What is spurring the influx of tourists into this European country?

One reason is the predictable, pleasant, summer weather Spain enjoys. This is especially attractive to Northern Europeans who must tolerate damper climes. The chance to escape to days filled with sun, sand, and afternoon beach snoozing is very attractive.

Another reason travelers come to Spain is that it’s an affordable travel destination. Tourists receive value for their money because of competitive pricing for travel and accommodations.

Hotels are upgrading their facilities and their services as well. This is because many tourists seek private homes as their Spanish holiday abodes away from traditional hotels. Therefore the hotels have to offer better value to keep the customers coming.

The 1992 Barcelona Olympics planted the seeds for future tourism growth in Spain. A worldwide audience received a fresh introduction or re-introduction to this Mediterranean hotspot, which got the ball rolling. It hasn’t stopped.

It rolled into Valencia in 2007 for the 32nd America’s Cup yachting spectacular. One million people came to this city, the third largest in Spain, for this event. There’s the spin-off effect, too as some of these people choose to visit other areas of Spain while in the country. Again, the stature of this event gave the country exposure, which in itself leads to more growth in tourism down the road.

In fact, Valencia has the highest increase in tourism of any European city in recent years. Madrid and Barcelona still rank higher in number of tourists who visit Spain.

One fantastic futuristic tourist attraction in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences.

This attraction, with its modern white buildings, is a complex of museums, an aquarium, and a planetarium. It also has an opera house and the Palace of the Arts. This ‘city’ sits in Turia Gardens, a drained river turned park.

Four types of tourism are contributing to the healthy growth of visitor numbers to Spain. They are:

* Internal tourism: Spaniards are traveling within their country more. They are retiring earlier and spending more.

* Eco-tourism: This is different from a typical beach holiday. The lure here is to get back to the country. Tourists are staying in farmhouse accommodations or quaint small hotels.

* Language tourism: Every year there’s an invasion of those who come to Spain to learn…well…Spanish! Especially with the beautiful summers, it seems sunny leisure time and language lessons go well together.

* Business tourism: Spain is popular as a destination for business conferences. The travel industry reports that business travelers spend more money than people on holidays spend. Attracting business conventions is lucrative for Spain’s tourism industry.

There are always Spain’s traditional charms to get people coming back for more. The arts heritage is rich with the history of Goya, Picasso, and Dali. There is the romance of the language and of the dance form of the Flamenco; there’s the spicy Spanish music. There are the coastal charms with areas like Costa del Sol.

There is also the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, built in 1997, and its magnificent architecture and collections.

It’s easy to understand why people are flying to Spain in droves – and driving and railing and sailing there as well.

Spain’s tourist industry has a bright future ahead- as sunny as its splendid summers and glorious winters on islands like Lanzarote.

Ireland residents are already booking their holiday spots for 2008. They are seeking out places such as Majorca and Menorca in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and other places located across the Mediterranean, as well as South America. It seems that with unreliable weather conditions in Ireland during the summer months, residents would prefer to go out of the country for their holidays.

No More Weather Worries

When weather conditions made a turn for the worse in the summer of 2007, many Irish residents tried to book holidays to different locations overseas. Because many of the package deals were already booked, however, they were stuck at home. So that won’t happen again, they are booking their holidays early for peace of mind. Now they have better choices of accommodation, along with guaranteed flights.

Holiday Hot Spots for the Irish

Most Ireland residents are also very concerned when it comes to environmental issues. For this reason, they are choosing holiday destinations that are eco-friendly and also offer kids options for having fun. To this end, the hot spots that are being booked early this year include:

Madagascar – This destination proves a favorite among kids! The wildlife is unmatched in any other place in the world. Madagascar teems with unusual plant life that is a wonder to behold. You can go whitewater rafting down obscure rivers, stroll sandy white beaches, trek up mountains, and even spelunk through caves infested with crocodiles.

Guatemala – This country has more than 19 different ecosystems that are sometimes separated only by small rivers. Guatemala has its own unique varieties of flora and fauna, as well, which are a sight to see. Because of its diversity, Guatemala offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures, including:

* Fishing
* Caving
* Horseback Riding
* Hang Gliding
* Mountain Trekking
* Volcano Climbing
* Bird-watching
* Pilgrimages
* Bicycling
* Rafting
* Diving

Nicaragua – This destination has it all. It can please any traveler in one way or another. Activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and many other outdoor adventures. You may even catch a glimpse of some fresh-water sharks. Landmarks include Isla de Ometepe, an active volcano that last erupted in 1957, the main plaza, and caves filled with over 20,000 bats. Plenty of adventure can be found in Nicaragua.

Honduras – Places to visit in Honduras include Pulhapanzak Falls, which is 43 meters high. If you check out the ruins of Copan, you can learn about King Great Sun Lord Quetzal Macaw, who ruled Honduras from AD 426 to 435. Other popular places to visit in Honduras include Lago de Yojoa, the largest lake in Honduras, as well as Iglesia de los Delores, which is a huge white church featuring pieces of religious art on the inside of the building.

Colombia – Also on the list of hot places to travel this summer is Colombia, the only South American country with coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. You will find marvelous beaches, grand colonial cities, and many archaeological treasures to keep you in awe.

The capital of Colombia is Bogota, a city rich with history and culture, including old cities and beautiful churches. Cartagena, a fortress to keep pirates away in the old days, is now a place to go for nightlife entertainment. Isla Gorgona was once a prison, and now tourists are welcomed to view the ruins. You will also see scores of monkeys, snakes, whales, and other wildlife while you are visiting the prison. This especially intrigues the kids!

If Ireland’s summer weather conditions prompt travel urges, the winter weather on the opposite side of the world might prove to be just the right ticket.