AenaNews. Quarterly magazine for airlines, airports, tour-operators and tourism authorities. Issue 17. Bilbao Airport

Transcription

1 AenaNews Quarterly magazine for airlines, airports, tour-operators and tourism authorities Issue 17 Bilbao Airport

2 Index Bilbao Airport

3 Latest News on Spanish Airports New personal shopper service available at Málaga-Costal del Sol Airport Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport inaugurated the new Personal Shopper service in March 2018, where customized advisory service is available in different languages (Spanish, English, French and Russian) to make purchases quickly and conveniently, with recommendations on products and services that can be found at the airport. Passengers can also benefit from assitance with customs formalities and tax management. The service can be requested prior the arrival at the airport in many ways: By Aena s website: By phone: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport among the ten best airports in the World according to edreams The online travel agency, edreams, has published the results of the 18th edition of its study Best airports 2018, in which more than 50,000 travelers have commented on the characteristics and services of the airports around the World. The ranking is led by Changi Airport, and there are eight European airports among the top ten best airports in which Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport ranks 8th. Additionally, airport users consider Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to be among the three best airports in the World in the category of gastronomy, after El Dorado (Bogota) and Zurich. Aena will attend Routes Europe in Bilbao from 22 to 24 April Our Team hopes to see you in our stand number HNS3 in Bilbao.

4 New Routes November 2017 From To Airline Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel Germania Fuerteventura Katowice (via Cologne) Grupo Small Planet Fuerteventura Stockholm Norwegian Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel TUIfly Gran Canaria Aalborg (via Faro) Danish Air Transport Gran Canaria Geneva easyjet Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel Germania Gran Canaria Warsaw Grupo Small Planet Gran Canaria Ostersund Jet Time Gran Canaria Nuremberg Niki Gran Canaria Hamburgh Niki Gran Canaria Aalborg Norwegian Gran Canaria Goteborg Scandinavian Airlines Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel Sundair Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel TUIfly Gran Canaria Lyon Vueling La Palma Dusseldorf Eurowings La Palma Hamburgh Eurowings La Palma Stuttgart Eurowings La Palma Nuremberg Germania La Palma Frankfurt Niki Lanzarote Brussels Brussels Airlines Lanzarote Wroclaw (via Poznan) Enter Air Lanzarote Munich Eurowings Lanzarote Berlin Tegel Germania Lanzarote Warsaw Grupo Small Planet Lanzarote Hamburgh Niki Lanzarote Cologne Niki Lanzarote Munich Niki Malaga-Costa del Sol Helsinki Scandinavian Airlines Palma de Mallorca Frankfurt Eurowings Pamplona Frankfurt Lufthansa Seville Krakow Ryanair November 2017 (cont.) From To Airline Tenerife South Naples easyjet Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Germania Tenerife South Nuremberg Niki Tenerife South Stuttgart Niki Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Sundair Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Sundair Tenerife South Kassel Sundair December 2017 From To Airline AS Madrid-Barajas Caracas Estelar Latinoamericana AS Madrid-Barajas Marrakech Air Europa AS Madrid-Barajas Recife Air Europa Bilbao FGL Granada-Jaen Vueling FGL Granada-Jaen Paris CDG Vueling FGL Granada-Jaen Gran Canaria Vueling FGL Granada-Jaen Tenerife South Vueling Fuerteventura Seville Vueling January 2018 From To Airline AS Madrid Barajas Berlin Tegel easyjet Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel Eurowings February 2018 From To Airline Almeria Brussels Brussels Airlines Source: Aena

5 New Routes March 2018 From To Airline A.S.Madrid-Barajas Shenzhen Hainan Airlines A.S.Madrid-Barajas Bergen Norwegian A.S.Madrid-Barajas Geneva Volotea Alicante-Elche Stuttgart Eurowings Alicante-Elche Pardubice Ryanair Alicante-Elche Bodo Scandinavian Airlines Alicante-Elche Marseille Vueling Almeria London Heathrow British Airways Barcelona-El Prat Tbilisi Georgian Airways Barcelona-El Prat Boston Level Barcelona-El Prat La Valeta Ryanair Barcelona-El Prat Porto TAP Barcelona-El Prat Alghero Vueling Bilbao La Valeta Volotea Bilbao Vienna Volotea Bilbao Malaga-Costa del Sol Volotea Bilbao Lisbon Vueling Bilbao Jerez Vueling Fuerteventura Dusseldorf Azur Air Fuerteventura Lyon Easyjet Fuerteventura Dusseldorf Grupo Small Planet Fuerteventura Cologne Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Zurich Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Hamburgh Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Stuttgart Olympus Airways Girona- Costa Brava Riga Ryanair Girona- Costa Brava Frankfurt Ryanair Girona- Costa Brava Kaunas Ryanair Gran Canaria Dusseldorf Azur Air Gran Canaria Hannover Olympus Airways Gran Canaria Zurich Olympus Airways Gran Canaria Venice Ryanair La Palma Tenerife North Air Europa March 2018 (cont.) From To Airline Malaga-Costa del Sol Riga Air Baltic Malaga-Costa del Sol La Valeta Air Malta Malaga-Costa del Sol Warsaw Ryanair Malaga-Costa del Sol Aarhus Scandinavian Airlines Malaga-Costa del Sol Malmo Scandinavian Airlines Malaga-Costa del Sol Paris Orly TUIfly Belgium Malaga-Costa del Sol Sofia Wizz Air Menorca London Stansted easyjet Murcia-San Javier Frankfurt Ryanair Palma de Mallorca Dusseldorf Eurowings Palma de Mallorca Warsaw Ryanair Palma de Mallorca Aarhus Scandinavian Airlines Palma de Mallorca A Coruña Vueling Reus London Stansted EasyJet Reus Shannon Ryanair SB - Santander Budapest Ryanair Seville Edinburgh EasyJet Seville Nice EasyJet Seville Copenhagen Ryanair Seville La Valeta Ryanair Tenerife South Zurich Olympus Airways Tenerife South Cologne Olympus Airways Tenerife South Stuttgart Olympus Airways Valencia Rome Alitalia Valencia Bristol Ryanair Valencia Palermo Ryanair Valencia Brussels TUIfly Belgium Source: Aena

6 Statistics Traffic by Airport Q Q Change Change, % Change Change, % Airport Passengers Q Q Q Q Airport Passengers Q Q Q Q AS Madrid-Barajas 12,630,390 1,005, % 2 Barcelona-El Prat 9,927, , % 3 Gran Canaria 3,595, , % 4 Malaga-Costa Del Sol 3,193, , % 5 Tenerife South 2,954,113 50, % 6 Palma De Mallorca 2,756, , % 7 Alicante-Elche 2,375,523 95, % 8 Lanzarote 1,758,162 86, % 9 Valencia 1,533, , % 10 Fuerteventura 1,510, , % 11 Seville 1,388, , % 12 Tenerife North 1,167, , % 13 Bilbao 1,031,030 77, % 14 Ibiza 605, , % 15 Santiago 558,286 47, % 16 La Palma 345,913 26, % 17 Asturias 287,834 12, % 18 A Coruña 268,095 17, % 19 Menorca 245,514 15, % 20 FGL Granada-Jaen 242,038 57, % 21 Vigo 218,548 26, % 22 SB Santander 206,924 47, % 23 Girona 155,321 11, % 24 Jerez De La Frontera 154,049 22, % 25 Murcia-San Javier 151,422 22, % 26 Almeria 123,389-15, % 27 Zaragoza 88,271 1, % 28 Melilla 74,950 3, % 29 San Sebastian 64,117 6, % 30 El Hierro 52,291 16, % 31 Valladolid 47,231 6, % 32 Pamplona 44,295 8, % 33 Vitoria 37,899 35, Reus 29,816 1, % 35 Leon 12,621 6, % 36 Ceuta Heliport 10,590 10, Badajoz 10,295 1, % 38 La Gomera 9,634 1, % 39 Algeciras Heliport 7,028 6, Logroño 4, % 41 Salamanca 1, % 42 Cordoba 1, % 43 Sabadell % 44 Burgos % 45 Madrid-Cuatro Vientos % 46 Albacete % 47 Son Bonet % 48 Huesca-Pirineos TOTAL 49,883,589 4,427, % Source: Aena

7 Statistics Airlines Ranking Q Q Airline Passengers Passengers Market Share Change Q Q Change % Q Q Number of Aena airports operated 1 Ryanair 8,033,723 9,091, % 1,057, % 23 2 Iberia Group 7,294,555 8,200, % 905, % 29 3 Vueling 6,167,191 7,329, % 1,161, % 27 4 Air Europa 3,409,736 3,725, % 316, % 23 5 easyjet 2,653,815 2,875, % 222, % 18 6 Lufthansa Group 1,634,332 2,238, % 604, % 17 7 Norwegian 1,856,809 2,046, % 189, % 11 8 TUI Group 1,779,142 1,878, % 99, % 11 9 Binter+ Naysa 1,246,436 1,493, % 247, % 8 10 Thomas Cook Group 1,398,421 1,340, % -58, % 9 11 Jet2.com 549, , % 367, % 8 12 Transavia 609, , % 16, % British Airways 456, , % 62, % TAP 356, , % 63, % Wizz Air 350, , % 65, % 9 Other Airlines 7,659,381 6,766, % -893, % Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883, % 4,427, % Iberia Group: Iberia, Iberia Express and Air Nostrum TUI Group: Thomson Airways, TUIfly, TUIfly Belgium, TUIfly Nordic, TUIfly Netherlands and Corsair Lufthansa Group: Lufhtansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and Austrian Airlines Thomas Cook Group: Condor, Thomas Cook UK, Thomas Cook Scandinavian and Thomas Cook Belgium Note: Monach, Air Berlín and Thomas Cook Belgium ceased operations on October 2017 and Niki ceased operations in December 2017 Source: Aena

8 Statistics Market Ranking I Q Q Country Passengers Passengers Market Share Change Q Change. % Q Q Q Spain 14,907,297 17,084, % 2,176, % 2 United Kingdom 7,066,955 6,974, % -92, % 3 Germany 4,585,645 4,938, % 353, % 4 Italy 2,616,676 2,903, % 287, % 5 France 2,290,747 2,484, % 193, % 6 Holland 1,496,983 1,622, % 125, % 7 Switzerland 1,138,773 1,171, % 33, % 8 Belgium 1,137,062 1,202, % 65, % 9 Portugal 851, , % 138, % 10 Sweden 847, , % 71, % Top 10 Countries 36,938,350 40,291, % 3,352, % Other Countries 8,517,435 9,592, % 1,075,005 12,6% Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883, % 4,427, % Source: Aena

9 Statistics Market Ranking II Q Q Region Passengers Passengers Market Share Change Q Change. % Q Q Q Europe 26,641,197 28,423, % 1,782, % 2 Spain 14,907,297 17,084, % 2,176, % 3 Latin America 1,894,561 1,996, % 101, % 4 Africa 690, , % 85, % 5 North America 542, , % 156, % 6 Middle-East 605, , % 72,556 12% 7 Asia-Pacific 175, , % 52, % Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883, % 4,427, % Source: Aena

10 Potential Routes Bilbao - Hannover Aena s Marketing Team would be glad to provide your airline with a tailor made business case, so please do not hesitate to contact us at airlinebox@aena.es Indirect traffic by year 25 Indirect Passengers (K) 36,096 pax Maximum Historic Traffic in ,800 searches (2017) TUI Group used to operate the route until A new route from Bilbao to Hannover would benefit from the new route to a new destination incentive 45% 55% 0% 50% 100% Bilbao-Hannover Hannover-Bilbao Own processed data based on information provided by Skyscanner in Traveller Accommodation Hotels and similar 5 Housing relatives/friends 0 Y 2012 Y 2013 Y 2014 Y 2015 Indirect Traffic: MIDT 2017 (round trip), Sabre Y 2016 Y % 3% 1% 20% 13% Other Housing rent Second residence 101,100 German tourists visited Basque Country National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data) National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data)

11 Potential Routes Bilbao - Moscow Aena s Marketing Team would be glad to provide your airline with a tailor made business case, so please do not hesitate to contact us at airlinebox@aena.es Indirect traffic by year 15 Indirect Passengers (K) Unserved Route 87,500 searches (2017) A new route from Bilbao to Moscow would benefit from the new route to a new destination incentive 36% 64% 0% 50% 100% Bilbao-Moscow Moscow-Bilbao Own processed data based on information provided by Skyscanner in Traveller Accommodation 3 0 Y 2012 Y 2013 Y 2014 Y 2015 Indirect Traffic: MIDT 2017 (round trip), Sabre Y 2016 Y2017 Hotels and Similar 69% Housing relatives/friends Other 17% 14% National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data) 10,000 Russian tourists visited Basque Country National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data)

12 Public Holidays in Spain May 2018 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su June 2018 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su July 2018 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Labor Day 2 Day of Madrid Region 17 Galicia Region Literature Day 30 Day of the Canary Islands 31 Day of Castilla-La Mancha Region 9 Day of La Rioja and Murcia Regions 25 Day of Santiago the Apostle in Galicia 28 Day of Cantabria Region National Holiday Local Holiday

13 Did you know? Pintxos in the Basque Country In the Basque Country you can eat very well out of counter dining. The so-called poteo or txikiteo is well-rooted in the Basque Country eating-out tradition. It consists in going out with friends from bar to bar, drinking a small glass of txakoli wine (named txikito ) or beer (named zurito ). This culinary ritual includes food in the form of small bites or pintxos. Usually a pintxo is a small slice of bread with a small amount of food on top, held together by a toothpick. However pintxos have evolved to become true culinary treasures that can be considered as haute cuisine in the Basque gastronomy, prepared with typical local products: cod, mushrooms, hake, baby squid, etc A traditional pintxo bar offer a wide variety of such small portions of food that fill the place with colours, flavours and smells which invite visitors to try authentic small-size culinary delights. All the Basque capitals have pintxo bars gathered in certain areas, especially in the Old Towns. Walking the streets in any Old Town and coming into a pintxo bar can make a yummy experience.

14 Discover Bilbao Airport Ready to connect with European cities Bilbao city has become an important business and tourist centre, encouraging economic growth in the area. Bilbao Airport, located 12 kilometres from the Biscay capital, in the municipality of Loiu, handles mostly domestic scheduled flights, altough is well prepared for the arrival of new airlines opening new European routes. General Airport Facts Passenger Profile Timetable S 04:45-21:30; PS1 HR 10 MIN PPR W 05:45-22:30; PS1 HR 10 MIN PPR 53% 47% Runways 10/28 (1,910 x 45 m.) 12/30 (2,600 x 45m.) Nationality Man Residence Woman Commercial Aviation Parking stands 21 parking stands 6 air bridges 32% Biscay Region Terminal Services 36 check-in counters 14 boarding gates 7 baggage claim belts 1 VIP lounge 8 Restaurants and cafeterias 6 Shops and Duty Free 100% 77% Spanish Age 23% Foreign 44% Rest of Spain 100% 24% Foreign Reason of the Journey Potential routes Check the unserved routes at The Route Shop Profile (anna.aero) by clicking here 80% 60% 40% 80% 60% 40% 20% 20% 0 4% 19% 49% 21% < % > % 13% 43% Business Visit Holidays Family/Friends 6% Other Source: Aena

15 Basque Country, opportunities for new routes Business and tourism looking for access to a wide variety of European destinations Bilbao, the largest city of the Basque Country region, gives its name to the airport, which is the main airport in northern Spain. Well-known for its manufacturing industries and stunning gastronomy, the Basque Country is making a special effort to increase the number of visitors that come purely for pleasure and recreation, something that was very unusual a couple of decades ago. Due to its dynamic business environment, Bilbao Airport is historically linked with the main industrial areas of Western Europe, including Germany, London or Paris. But being well-connected with the main European hubs is not enough for a vibrant territory that can offer foreign visitors the great landscapes of the valleys, San Sebastian, with its unique bay, or the vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. The number of passengers passing through Bilbao Airport reached almost 5 million in 2017, but the airport has enough capacity to grow with new European and domestic flights. The operating hours at Bilbao Airport allows airlines to fly to any place in Europe at convenient times. Aena, the airport operator, offers an Incentive Scheme that rewards airlines that open new routes with up to 100% discount in the passenger charge and support the opening of new routes with Marketing Support. The Basque Country leads the top Spanish Regions, together with Madrid, Catalonia and Navarre. It has always been an economy based on the industrial sector. Trade and finance have benefitted from the intensive industrialization that began in the 19th century with the iron mines in Biscay and the big factories that produced the steel needed for car and ship manufacturing. Nowadays the industrial sector is predominant, with almost 24% of the Basque economy dependent on it. Inside the industrial sector, the automotive and machine tool sectors concentrate the highest number of leading companies. This is also the case in other related activities, as, for example, train manufacturing, where local and foreign companies invest heavily in their Basque plants. But the image of a grey and boring industrial country is gradually changing in the Basque territories, thanks to efforts in Research and Development, Tourism and Services, which are changing the Basque model. The change of the industrial image after the boom of Bilbao city, known in Europe and America when the Guggenheim Museum was opened, in 1998, is setting a new standard to create a Basque experience, something that is far from the sun and beach formula and that is much appreciated by certain target travelers in Europe and also in Asia and the Middle East. Water cannon salute at the opening flight (Vueling, Bilbao-Jerez) Source: Basquetour

16 Discover Euskadi Nature, architecture, innovation and tradition The unmistakable greens and blues draw your gaze to a country filled with tradition and identity, where, for aeons, the sea and the land have brought together common centres of custom and innovation. The language, Euskera, is one of the most cherished treasures that has even been speculated that, given its remote origin, it may be the oldest known language to date in Europe. Over its mountains and landscapes, an infinite number of links between the past and present are woven among its people. From the marine plateaus which have defined its fishing character to the exuberant and rugged lowlands which have borne witness to its farming and industrial activities, Euskadi continues to grow without losing sight of its origins. Proof of this is its solid and highly qualified industrial sector, where areas such as the automotive, aeronautical, environmental, technology, industrial design, engineering and machine industries flourish to remain in a leading position in terms of sustainability, avant-garde and innovation. The inland and coastal zones, together with the three capital cities sum up to perfection the wealth and diversity of the country: Bilbao, with the transformation of a city of industrial renown to an avant-garde urban metropolis; Donostia/San Sebastian, always exquisite and unique with its French architectural influences, its coastline and top-quality cuisine, and Vitoria/Gazteiz, surrounded by natural passable zones full of green, combined with an urban planning which is of reference at global level. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Bermeo, Vizcaya) Source: Basquetour

17 Discover Euskadi Infrastructure and Industry Infrastructure Although Euskadi is a small region, it has successfully adapted to new social and business challenges, improving its competitiveness to maintain its leading positions in a steadily progressing and globalised economy. Euskadi is a region characterized by its highly industrialised and increasingly improved connections to the world. Moreover, thanks to its firmly-rooted history based on tradition, the Basque Country has, on a daily basis, a meaningful commitment with its people, language and ancient customs, in order to keep its history and integrity alive. Euskadi enjoys a strategic position as a key link in the European Atlantic corridor and as the natural entry point from the continent towards the southern part of the country. Euskadi is also in the transit zone between the Spanish and Portuguese markets and the rest of Europe, within an area of influence of more than 2,000 km connecting more than 10 EU regions, with 80 million inhabitants, 25% of the population of the Euro zone. Aware of this privileged location, Euskadi has created a first-rate system with its logistics and transport network, perfectly coordinated and interconnected within the country and with the major European networks, providing it with an incomparable multi-modal Logistical Platform for the accessibility of people and the transport of goods in the south-west of Europe Basque Industry The Basque Country Industry, a leading model of solid industrial development, represents a conscious commitment to efficiency, quality, technical excellence and internationalization. Due to its major impact on the country s wealth, employment, technological development and the development of other sectors, industry has always been a strategic target for investment and incentives. In consequence, the success of the Basque industry policies lies in the firm commitment of the Basque Government to support businesses on the path to competitiveness. With more than 5,000 companies willing to hold the highest quality certificates and standards, and thanks to a wide and rich experience and tradition in this sector, the Basque Country has set forth on the road to competitiveness as a key factor of a globalized and highly industrialised economy. These are the most remarkable industrial sectors of the Basque Country that make up the image of economic progress and excellence in this open country: advanced machinery, automotive, aeronautical, energy, maritime industry, rail industry, and ecoindustries, among others. Bridge (Portugalete, Biscay) Source: Basquetour

18 Discover Euskadi Tourist Destinations: Bilbao Bilbao is the capital of Biscay, as well as a metropolis and economic and financial centre of the Basque Country. The largest city (1,000,000 inhabitants) in the province of Biscay, it is the beating heart of the Basque Country. Bilbao is divided into eight district areas, and the green hills surrounding the city are a relief to the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Given its proximity to the sea, the climate is mild, perfect weather for exploring the beautiful walkways and bridges along the river. Along the Ría (estuary) of Bilbao, the backbone of the metropolis, you will find the unmistakable Guggenheim Museum, a must-see, both inside and out. Frank Gehry s spectacular twisting titanium-clad modern art museum is evocative of the ships that used to be moored alongside the docks of Bilbao. Seventeen bridges span the banks of the estuary inside the city limits. Among the most interesting ones are the Zubizuri, designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Princess of Spain Bridge, also known as La Salve and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Bilbao is a captivating contradiction of the old and new. Explore the old quarter and get lost in the so-called las 7 calles (the seven streets) of the original medieval town, which is a very lively and dynamic mixture of heritage, stores and hospitality establishments. Here you can explore the beautiful façades of buildings such as the Bidebarrieta Municipal Library. The unique columns that hold up the Alhóndiga are a perfect example of the new modern face of Bilbao. Bilbao is sophisticated and humming with action, a gateway to the Basque culture. It is Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Biscay) a city that is an example of a dramatic urban transformation and has so much charm to offer to all of its visitors. Internationally renowned for its urban regeneration, Bilbao won the Nobel Prize for Cities in 2010: Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Source: Basquetour

19 Discover Euskadi Tourist Destinations: San Sebastian San Sebastian is the capital of Gipuzkoa and the major city of the Basque Coast. A city open to the sea, historically regarded as the tourist capital of the Basque Country, and located close to France. It boasts one the most beautiful bays in the world, La Concha, and three city beaches. San Sebastian is surrounded by mountains and viewpoints: Igeldo, Urgull, Ulia and the Isle of Santa Clara, lie on either side of the River Urumea. San Sebastian reveals a dynamic cultural scene, where grass-roots initiatives based in different parts of the city and the arranged private and public synergy have paved the ground for a rich range of possibilities and catering events. For taking a stroll, there are highly recommended walks and nature-related activities on foot and/or by bicycle along the promenade from the Peine de los Vientos magnificent sculptures by Chillida to the Kursaal, up urban mountains, the parks and gardens and for enjoying the delightful pace of life by the sea or going to the beaches to surf. The city was selected as European Capital of Culture in 2016, with the slogan, Waves of people s energy, summarizing a clear message: people and movements of citizens are the real driving force behind transformations and changes in the world. It is also known for the slightly sparkling wine Txakoli and for the bars springing up all over the old part of the city, being the place in the world with more Michelin Stars per square meter. This makes San Sebastián a premium gastronomic destination. La Concha Bay (San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa) Source: Basquetour

20 Discover Euskadi Tourist Destinations: Vitoria-Gasteiz Vitoria/Gasteiz is the capital of Alava, and Vitoria is the administrative capital of the Basque Country. It also boasts the most important logistics center in the north of Spain with its green natural surroundings. Vitoria has a lot to offer. It boasts the best preserved medieval center of all the Basque Cities and an important renaissance architecture. Many buildings there date back to the 1,500s or earlier. The almond-shaped center is also partly surrounded by an 11th century wall along with several impressive watchtowers such as the one in San Miguel Arcángel church. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is also an example of the particularly outstanding city architecture. Moreover, it was selected European Green Capital in 2012 for its commitment to sustainability, which makes Vitoria a perfect place for nature sports along The Green Belt with paths, lakes and reservoirs integrated into a fabulous scenery full of flora and fauna, through the towns and villages of Vitoria (Estibaliz, Armentia, Foronda, etc.). Its large selection of bars and restaurants, serving high quality food and the famous pintxos made Vitoria-Gasteiz the Spanish Gastronomy Capital in Medieval Wall (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava) Source: Basquetour

21 Discover Euskadi Mountains, coast and vineyards The Basque Mountains and Valleys The Basque Mountains and Valleys with their green landscapes and villages full of ageold traditions which continue alive today, are the most representative symbols of Basque history and tradition. The Basque Mountains and Valleys are our natural scenario, where a profound reflection of the most ancient Basque culture and customs lives on: Gernika and the General Assembly Hall, the montes bocineros (beacon mountains), the myths and legends of Euskadi, the farm and its way of life, rural sport. Natural parks and routes are also a highlight, as well as the Camino de Santiago and other religious sites, attracting thousands of travelers and pilgrims every year: Loyola, Arantzazu, La Antigua, Zenarruza, Estibaliz and Urkiola, among others. The Basque Coast The Basque Coast displays the most abrupt and diverse reliefs of the Basque landscapes, full of charm and beauty: fishing villages and seaside towns with beaches both near cities and breathtaking locations, big estuaries and magnificent cliffs with views to the everchanging oceans. Among its emblematic towns and areas, Hondarribia, Zarautz, Getxo, Lekeitio, La Concha Bay in San Sebastian, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Getaria Muse, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the Geopark must be highlighted. Rioja Alavesa Rioja Alavesa is a land of ancient vineyards and villages, where a unique wine from the tempranillo grape is produced. Watered by the river Ebro and surrounded by the Sierra of Cantabria, this emblematic region boasts the most spectacular wineries, many of them designed by great architects: Ysios, Baigorri, Riscal, Viñarreal-CVNE. This region offers its wines under a certificate of origin that is recognized as one of the best in the world. Waterfall (Sobron, Álava) Marqués de Riscal vineyard and hotel (Álava) Zumaia beach (Guipúzcoa) Source: Basquetour

22 What to do in the Basque Country Thanks to an internal commitment to its people and to the constant improvement of its products and services, year after year Euskadi is host to a variety of events, at local, national and international level, with the aim of leading a tourist and cultural agenda of quality, while strengthening its opening and visibility. MAY 2018 Fantasy Film Festival (Bilbao, 4-11 May) Basque Cheese Festival (Idiazabal, 5-6 May) 16th International Marathon Martin Fiz (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6 May) European Rugby Champions Cup (Bilbao, May) Txakoli Day (Amurrio, 20 May) Bilbao Triathlon (Bilbao, 26 May) Maz Festival Basauri (Basauri, 31 May-3 June) Musikaste, Basque Music Week (31 May-3 June) JUNE 2018 Kaldearte (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6-8 June) Triathlon Zarautz (9 June) Puntaik Punta (Aretxabaleta, June) 17th Azkena Rock Festival (22-23 June) Bonfires of Saint John (San Sebastian, 23 June) Semana Grande del Pintxo (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 30 June) Open Day vineyards (Salinillas de Buradón, 30 June) The World s 50 Best Restaurants (Bilbao, 30 June) JULY 2018 Donosti Cup, International Football Cup (San Sebastian, 1-7 July) Getxo Jazz Festival (Getxo, 4-7 July) 12th Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz (8 July) XIX Sailing Regata (San Sebastian, July) Hondarribia Blues Festival (Hondarribia, July) 42nd International Jazz Festival (Vitoria- Gasteiz, July) 53 Heineken Jazzaldia, International Jazz Festival (San Sebastian, July) AUGUST th Music Festival (San Sebastian, 2 August - 1 September) White Virgin Festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 4-9 August) San Sebastian cyclist race (San Sebastian, 4 August) The landing of Juan Sebastian Elcano (Getaria, 7 August) Senana Grande San Sebastian (11-18 August) Semana Grande Bilbao (18-26 August) Getxo Photo (Getxo, 30 August - 30 September) Euskal Jaiak (San Sebastian, 31 August - 9 September) SEPTEMBER Jazz Bilbao Festival (Bilbao, September- December) Kutxa Kultur Festival (1-2 September) La Concha Ocean Race (San Sebastian, 2-9 September) Atlantikaldia (Errenteria, September) 66th Zinemaldia Film Festival (San Sebastian, September) Cross Euskal Kosta, half marathon (29 September) Harvest Festival (Rioja Alavesa, 29 September) 30th Magialdia Festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 29 September) Getxo Folk BBK (Getxo, 29 September) Ja! Bilbao, International Festival (Bilbao, 29 September) OCTOBER 2018 Donostikluba (San Sebastian, 4-6 October) Gastronomica Congress (San Sebastian, 7-10 October) Invisible Cinema Festival (Bilbao, October) Bilbao Night Marathon (Bilbao, 20 October) XXIX Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (San Sebastian 27 October - 2 November) International Theatre Festival (Vitoria- Gasteiz, 29 October) NOVEMBER 2018 Behovia-San Sebastian (11 November) Getxo Arte (Getxo, November-December) DECEMBER 2018 Ardoaraba, wine festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6-8 December) Durango Azoka (Durango, 6-9 December) Source: Basquetour

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