Spain to spend 200 million euros on tourism infrastructure

The government said Friday it will spend 200 million euros this year to upgrade Spain's tourism infrastructure.

Another 40.5 million euros (52 million dollars) has been set aside to promote the country as a tourist destination in 32 markets around the world, it said in a statement.

In the wake of Spain's recent soccer World Cup victory, the government advertising campaign will for the first time put "special emphasis" on sports, it added.

Spain is the world's third largest tourist destination after France and the United States, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation.

The sector accounts for some 10 percent of Spain's economy, which has only just emerged from more than a year in recession.

In recent years, however, Spain's ageing resorts have seen tourist numbers fall as sun seekers head for cheaper destinations in the eastern Mediterranean.