The strong bilateral relationship between Spain and Qatar is poised for sustained growth, particularly in the sectors of tourism and gastronomy, according to Spanish ambassador Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the “Festival of Spain 2025”, Dr Zalba said cultural affinity and strong air connectivity are driving a mutual exchange of visitors between the two nations. The festival, which showcases Spanish products, will run across all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar until October 15.
The envoy highlighted the already “very high number of Qatari visits to Spain”, noting that direct flights to major destinations, Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona, significantly aid travel.
“We have a very close friendship socially and culturally. Qataris love Spain, Spaniards love Qatar,” Dr Zalba said, adding that the relationship is reciprocal, with Spain also seeing increased tourism to Qatar, particularly during the winter months.
He acknowledged major recent events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022, for strengthening Spain’s visibility and appeal in the region.
“The World Cup of course did a lot to underscore the popularity and to really disseminate all that Qatar has to offer. A truly fascinating country,” Dr Zalba said. “I do believe that tourism will continue to increase both from Spain to Qatar and from Qatar to Spain.”
Apart from travel, he cited Spanish cuisine as a key factor in the nation’s international appeal, expecting a significant increase in the presence of Spanish restaurants in Doha.
“I do (expect more restaurants), because it’s truly a cuisine that is deeply appreciated by the Qatari public,” he pointed out.
To underline the popularity of Spanish fare, the envoy pointed to a recent culinary event, noting the impact of visiting Spanish talent. “Just today I have welcomed in Doha very prestigious chefs coming from Spain for a very particular event, and the expectation that their visit to Qatar had generated was very significant,” he said.
Dr Zalba sees the popularity extending beyond the Qatari market, attributing the success to cultural and historical proximity within the Middle East generally.
He stressed that gastronomy acts as a form of “soft power”, saying it is a political science term referring to a country’s international appeal. He estimates that the opportunity to enjoy authentic Spanish food is a major draw for international visitors.
“I am convinced that the close to 100 million people that visit Spain annually do so with the enticing perspective of being able to enjoy Spanish cuisine like the one that is being offered to the Qatari public today by LuLu,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the “Festival of Spain 2025”, Dr Zalba said cultural affinity and strong air connectivity are driving a mutual exchange of visitors between the two nations. The festival, which showcases Spanish products, will run across all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar until October 15.
The envoy highlighted the already “very high number of Qatari visits to Spain”, noting that direct flights to major destinations, Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona, significantly aid travel.
“We have a very close friendship socially and culturally. Qataris love Spain, Spaniards love Qatar,” Dr Zalba said, adding that the relationship is reciprocal, with Spain also seeing increased tourism to Qatar, particularly during the winter months.
He acknowledged major recent events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022, for strengthening Spain’s visibility and appeal in the region.
“The World Cup of course did a lot to underscore the popularity and to really disseminate all that Qatar has to offer. A truly fascinating country,” Dr Zalba said. “I do believe that tourism will continue to increase both from Spain to Qatar and from Qatar to Spain.”
Apart from travel, he cited Spanish cuisine as a key factor in the nation’s international appeal, expecting a significant increase in the presence of Spanish restaurants in Doha.
“I do (expect more restaurants), because it’s truly a cuisine that is deeply appreciated by the Qatari public,” he pointed out.
To underline the popularity of Spanish fare, the envoy pointed to a recent culinary event, noting the impact of visiting Spanish talent. “Just today I have welcomed in Doha very prestigious chefs coming from Spain for a very particular event, and the expectation that their visit to Qatar had generated was very significant,” he said.
Dr Zalba sees the popularity extending beyond the Qatari market, attributing the success to cultural and historical proximity within the Middle East generally.
He stressed that gastronomy acts as a form of “soft power”, saying it is a political science term referring to a country’s international appeal. He estimates that the opportunity to enjoy authentic Spanish food is a major draw for international visitors.
“I am convinced that the close to 100 million people that visit Spain annually do so with the enticing perspective of being able to enjoy Spanish cuisine like the one that is being offered to the Qatari public today by LuLu,” he said.