Why Spain? » Andalusia

Andalusia, a chameleonic region steeped in history, tradition, art and culture, is one of the world's up-and-coming MICE destinations. For whatever the event being planned, there is a staggering variety of impeccable venues, from luxury convention and meeting hotels, spas and state-of-the-art conference and congress centres, marinas and golf complexes to medieval castles, Baroque palaces, haciendas, wineries and botanical gardens.

Despite being the southernmost region of Europe, Andalusia is only 2-3 hours away from most European cities, its five international airports – those of Almeria, Jerez de la Frontera, Granada, Malaga and Seville, in addition to that of Gibraltar – offering a large number of national and international routes. Likewise there is an excellent motorway network linking all of the region's provincial capitals – Almeria, Cadiz, Cordova, Huelva, Granada, Malaga, Seville and Jaen – with the rest of Spain, plus a fast growing high-speed train system.

With nearly 850km of coastline, on which endless white beaches alternate with abrupt cliffs concealing secluded coves, high mountains chains merging with densely wooded sierras and fertile plains, rolling pastures alternating with olive groves and vineyards, lush valleys giving way to wetlands or deserts, Andalusia is a beguiling pastiche of landscapes, its large number of national and natural parks possessing some of the most varied and unique fauna and flora in Europe. This immense natural heritage and the region's mild climate make for the perfect destination for an broad range of outdoor activities – hiking, climbing, water sports, horse riding, golf, and skiing, for example – for pre- and post-event, team building or outdoor training programmes.

For sybarites and hedonists, there are first-rate beach resorts, boutique hotels, exclusive restaurants, luxury yachts, wellness centres, health resorts and spas; for aesthetes, a kaleidoscope of stunning monuments and works of art, of pristine cities, towns and villages steeped in culture and history; for nature lovers and outdoor types, literally hundreds of routes for hiking, cycling and horse riding; for sports enthusiasts, modern facilities and marinas and an enormous choice of golf courses; for the intrepid, all kinds of adventure and extreme sports; for the studious, language and culture courses; for party-animals, casinos, bars, clubs and discotheques, as well as concerts, raves and festivals; and for those who wish to discover the real Andalusia, a land that has been home to many cultures during its 3,000 years of history, its deep-rooted customs and festivals. For these and many other reasons, Andalusia is a unique location.

All this, together with the value added of an efficient, highly experienced tertiary sector catering to all needs, splendid weather almost throughout the year, the friendly, open character of its people and its delicious cuisine and wines, makes Andalusia the ideal event location.