In the global sports tourism sector, India emerges as a burgeoning powerhouse, with a market valuation currently standing at a staggering US$ 10,870.41 million. Expert insights project an astounding growth trajectory, anticipating a surge to US$ 52,967 million at a 17.1 per cent CAGR.
Supporting this growing affinity towards football in India, in a recent development, the “Exploring destination delights and the magic of football in Spain” event unfolded a groundbreaking collaboration between LALIGA, Tourism Office of Spanish Embassy (Turespaña), and Instituto Cervantes. This alliance, transcending mere sports, aims to intertwine the cultural and human threads of Spain and India. Through this initiative, Indian fans are invited to immerse in the rich Spanish culture, bridging language barriers and experiencing football in its most authentic form.
LALIGA’s commitment to leveraging football’s universal appeal for cultural and social enrichment is evident. Their mission transcends sports, aiming to facilitate collaborative growth and forge lasting connections across football, business, and cultural spheres. The efforts position Spain as a multifaceted tourism destination, offering a blend of art, culture, gastronomy, and sports.
Instituto Cervantes plays a pivotal role in this cultural exchange, focusing on the promotion of Spanish language and culture. This collaboration, as highlighted by Elisa Robles, Director of Turespaña, and Oscar Pujol, Director, Instituto Cervantes in Delhi, is more than a sports alliance. It’s a bridge fostering cultural understanding, offering Indian football enthusiasts a gateway to explore Spain’s vibrant culture.
Aakriti Vohra, LALIGA Global Network Delegate in India encapsulates this sentiment, viewing LALIGA as a cultural bridge. This partnership, enhanced by the introduction of Spanish-Hindi and Bengali dictionaries, is not just a sports endeavour but a catalyst for positive change and deeper connections between the Indian subcontinent and Spain.
