FIBA - 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup to be major platform for tourism in Spain

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Spain's national tourist board has unveiled a global campaign that will be attached to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

During a ceremony held at the Spanish embassy in the Argentinian capital on Friday, Turespana - which is responsible for marketing the country around the world and creating value for its tourism sector to stimulate economic sustainability - announced that FIBA's flagship event will serve as a major platform to promote tourism in Spain.

This reflects an objective agreed upon and set out by FIBA, the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) and Turespana four years ago, when the latter was named as a Global Partner for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Spanish ambassador Roman Oyarzun was joined by FIBA President Yvan Mainini and FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann as well as FEB’s President José Luis Sáez and a number of local dignitaries for the ceremony. Members of Argentina's title-winning team at the inaugural FIBA World Championship from 1950 were also on hand for the special occasion.

"Spain is an extraordinary country, with a combination of tradition and trendiness, with a universal language and wonderful historical treasures that turn Spain into one of the best valued countries in the world. It is an incredible destination that we want to offer to everyone during the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup”, said Mr Saez.

Mr Baumann added: "The richness of Spanish culture and cities make the country a perfect tourist destination. The fans from all over the world will have a unique opportunity to discover the Spanish hospitality while at the same time experience live and in person the great performances of their favourite teams."

Turespana has a network that consists of 33 offices around the world and its role is fundamental in world tourist strategy at an international level. It has set out to increase tourism in Spain by 20 percent between 2012 and 2015 and hosting world class events such as the 2014 FIBA World Cup helps towards achieving that target.

The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup will see 24 national teams from across FIBA's five continental zones in action.

The tournament will be supported by some of the biggest global companies, including: Beko (Presenting Partner); bwin, Champion, Intersport, Molten, PEAK, Tissot, Visit Spain (Global Partners); Caixa Bank, Endesa, Iberia, San Miguel 0,0 (Event Sponsors); Halcon Viajes.com, Mutua Madrilena, Vodafone and Sanitas (National Supporters).

FIBA