Spanish Tourism Administration & Key Organizations

Central Tourism Administration

General Secretary of Tourism

• Define, propose, promote, and coordinate the government's tourism policy.
• Decide and implement guidelines for tourism promotion.
• Cooperate with regional governments (CCAA) and the tourism industry to design and plan strategies for maintaining and improving competitiveness and technological development.
• Manage national and international institutional relationships.
• Develop strategies, plans, and budgets.
• Conduct evaluation and quality control.

Tourism Institute of Spain

• Collect and analyze data to support the General Administration's functions, improving competitiveness and technological development.
• Maintain relationships with Public Administration in the tourism sector.
• Plan and promote Spanish tourism, coordinating and developing its promotion abroad.
• Determine guidelines and objectives for the Official School of Tourism.

Tourism Strategy General Address

• Identify new tourism resources and promote and develop new tourism products.
• Diagnose and assess economic, social, and other factors affecting tourism and its competitiveness.

General Address of Tourism Promotion

• Formalize, coordinate, and develop plans for Spanish tourism promotion abroad.
• Develop communication systems and training programs in tourism.
• Encourage the marketing of tourism products and enhance their promotion. Expand the national tourist brand.

Spanish Tourist Office

• Promote tourism both domestically and internationally, and attract investment.
• Analyze markets and policies of other countries.
• Support companies operating or developing tourism businesses.
• Conduct diplomatic missions.
• Cooperate with regional governments (CCAA).

Tourist Study Institute

• Research aspects affecting tourism. Develop and compile statistical data and documentation.
• Promote and advance research and training in the tourism sector, in collaboration with autonomous communities.
• Develop outreach and information sharing initiatives.

Regional Tourism Administration

• Manage tourism resources and tourism activities.
• Promote tourism resources.
• Provide financial grants and awards.
• Offer training programs.
• Control and monitor legislation with powers of sanction.
• Manage tourist activities and professions (non-university level).

City Tourism Administration

• Promote and provide information through councils, boards, and municipal tourism offices.

Key Tourism Organizations

WTO (World Tourism Organization)

Promotes economic, social, and cultural tourism; cooperation programs among countries and organizations; development of information and statistics; and peace, prosperity, and human rights.

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

Resolves differences between states regarding air traffic rights and freedom.

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

• Facilitates cooperation between airlines regarding services, tickets, and fares.
• Regulates passenger traffic, baggage handling, etc.
• Establishes a global code for airlines, airports, and aircraft.
• Manages information.
• Ensures aircraft security.

OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

• Promotes economic development of member countries.
• Conducts economic studies of member countries.

UFTAA (Universal Federation of Travel Agents Associations)

Cooperates with and protects the interests of travel agents.

WATA (World Association of Travel Agencies)

Promotes tourism and package tours. Advises organizations and institutions.

IAI (International Hotel Association)

Studies and promotes progress in hospitality, improves service quality, and facilitates training and student exchange.

HORECA (International Hotel, Restaurant, and Café Association)

Promotes cooperation for the development of the hospitality industry.

AIT (International Alliance of Tourism)

Studies issues relating to international tourism, suggests reforms, boosts tourism, and addresses matters relating to transport and road safety.