Ministry News for 2013

All press releases

Energy | 12/26/2013

La luz subirá un 2,3% de media en la revisión de enero

El Gobierna aprueba un mecanismo transitorio para el cálculo del Precio Voluntario al Pequeño Consumidor de electricidad para el primer trimestre de 2014 tras la anulación de la subasta CESUR que fijaba el componente de la energía de la factura. La subasta invalidada habría supuesto una subida de la tarifa del 10,5% El Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Turismo trabaja en un nuevo mecanismo de cálculo del término de energía de la factura que corrija los fallos estructurales detectados.
Energy | 12/26/2013

The government reforms electric power transmission and distribution to reduce costs and improve efficiency

The changes are designed to reduce costs, make the system more efficient and introduce mechanisms for periodic reviews, objectives that form part of the new Spanish Electricity Sector Act, which introduces reforms to the system to ensure the price of electricity is as low as possible. Asset control and auditing is reinforced. It includes a new incentive for distributors to combat fraud. It sets a maximum annual investment limit. The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the Regional Governments, within their remit, will approve the annual investment plans under the supervision of the regulator. Small distribution companies will have three years to adapt to the new law.
Tourism | 12/25/2013

There was another sharp increase in tourist expenditure in November, which rose 16.4% to 3.344 billion euros

The main issuers experienced a sharp increase in expenditure this month: Germany, 20.1%; United Kingdom, 17% and France, 11.5%. The United States was among the top five issuers, with the highest average spend per tourist for the month at 2,220 euros. Total expenditure for the period January to November - the highest in the historical series - is already 8.7% greater than the total expenditure for 2012 at 55.896 million euros.
Tourism | 12/22/2013

Spain reaches a new historic high: 57.6 million foreign tourists visited up to November, up 5% on last year

The Nordic countries, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Russia are the main countries behind the surge in tourist numbers in the eleven months up to December this year. In November our country received 3.3 million international tourists, up 9.3%, with an additional 280,000 tourists. The Canary Islands and Catalonia were the main beneficiaries this month, with increases of 17.9% and 14.6% respectively. The main issuer markets all recorded increases. The Russian market grew 55.7% in November.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 12/17/2013

El ministro de Industria y el alcalde de Málaga impulsan los contenidos digitales y la innovación en la ciudad con 8 millones de euros

Se creará un punto de encuentro o ‘hub’ de contenidos digitales para impulsar el sector de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) y para facilitar el emprendimiento y la internacionalización.
Tourism | 12/16/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism chairs the Paradores 85th anniversary celebration

Minister Soria praised the Strategic Plan carried out by the state-owned company Paradores which has enabled it to expect a positive operating result for 2013, breaking a four-year trend of negative figures. Paradores is working to introduce new business models, such as franchises, which will bring added value to the network through public-private collaboration. The Minister for Industry, along with the president of the Community of Madrid, Ignacio González, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, and the chairwoman of Paradores, Ángeles Alarcó, opened the exhibition to commemorate the 85th anniversary. They also attended the presentation of the new website and redesigned corporate image of the state-owned company.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 12/15/2013

The Ministry of Industry fosters cooperation with Latin America on telecommunications

The Secretary of State for Telecommunications and the Information Society, Víctor Calvo-Sotelo, gave the closing speech for the fifth edition of this Programme. The goal is to make it possible for Latin American professionals who now work in Latin American Regulators which are members of REGULATEL can provide their services in a body regulating telecommunications in Spain.
Tourism | 12/15/2013

The Minister for Industry takes part in a chat with business owners in Tenerife

Tourism and industry must be the priority sectors in the Canary Islands
Tourism | 12/12/2013

José Manuel Soria opens the 1st Maspalomas Costa Canaria International Tourism Forum

The subjects for discussion include the competitiveness of tourism destinations, and tourism to archipelagos.
Industry | 12/10/2013

The Minister of Industry chairs the Spanish Maritime Cluster Awards ceremony

The Spanish Navy, the Civil Guard and the insurance firm Fremap all received awards.
Tourism | 12/10/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism argues in favour of a more unified market before the Spanish Tourism Council

Two hundred fifty-three standards have been identified in the tourism industry whose disparity could affect the competitiveness of this economic activity. During the meeting, representatives of the public and private tourism sector were informed about the new structure of Turespaña, the implementation status of the PNIT and the tourism innovations developed by the Ministry of Industry.
Industry | 12/10/2013

José Manuel Soria opens the conference "Responsible Care: 20 years of commitment from the chemicals industry"

Spain's chemicals industry generates 11% of its Gross Domestic Product and more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Industry | 12/4/2013

The Government creates the National Council for SMEs

The Council has been set up as a consultative body for all matters related to SME support policies. All public administrations will be represented along with economic and social agents. The creation of the National Council for SMEs comes in addition to a series of measures implemented by the Government to co-ordinate support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the engines of economic activity in the country.
Industry | 12/3/2013

Minister Soria and President Ignacio Diego agree to strengthen industry and SMEs in Cantabria

The agreement seeks to increase information, training and funding in the Region of Cantabria, with special attention to the Besaya district. The first action to be taken after signing the agreement is the formalisation of a collaboration agreement between the Empresa Nacional de Innovación (National Innovation Company, ENISA) and the Sociedad para el Desarrollo de Cantabria (Society for the Development of Cantabria, SODERCAN).
Industry | 12/2/2013

Minster Soria defends the fashion and high-end products industry as a sector for reindustrialising and generating employment

The challenges facing the world of fashion and high-end products are the protection of industrial property rights, the struggle against counterfeit goods and finding funding for fashion SMEs. José Manuel Soria has showcased the fashion and high-end products industry because it entails reindustrialisation. This is not only due to its innovative nature, but also because of the high number of quality jobs it creates, its contribution to boosting the Spain brand and because it strengthens tourism and high-end products.
Industry | 12/1/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism promotes the financing of vehicles for SMEs and the self-employed

CERSA, CESGAR, ANFAC, ANIACAM, FACONAUTO, GANVAM and ASNEF will collaborate to help finance SMEs and the self-employed so that they can purchase the vehicles they need for their activities. The organisations will carry out activities and disseminate relevant information so that SMEs and the self-employed can access the new financing instruments, and also so that new financing needs can be detected.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/27/2013

José Manuel Soria and José Antonio Monago push for the use of ICTs in Health and Education with 11 million Euros

The aim of the agreements is to consolidate the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Extremadura, in accordance with the lines of action of the Digital Agenda for Spain.
Industry | 11/26/2013

Minister Soria closes the conference 'Innovation, Productivity, Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in the 21st century'

Organised by the National Federation of Consulting, Bureaux and Offices (FENAC) to mark its 10th anniversary.
Tourism | 11/26/2013

Tourist spending reaches a new historic peak in August, with an increase of 16.8% to stand at €5.476 billion.

Other outstanding figures for the month were the 41.3% increase in spending by French tourists, 24.2% more spending by German tourists and 21.4% by Scandinavian tourists. Cumulative spending from January to October increased by 8.2%, with a total expenditure of €52.551 billion by international tourists in Spain, also the highest ever. In the first ten months of the year, average spending per tourist rose by 3.2% to €970, and average daily spending by 2.7% to €109.
Tourism | 11/21/2013

Spain receives 54.3 million foreign tourists to October and sets another all-time record

In October our country received 5.4 million foreign tourists, a 6.9% increase on the same month last year. Catalonia was the region that most benefited from the increase, with 132,000 more tourists, representing a rise of 11% on the figure for the same month last year. From January to October, the number of foreign tourists rose by 4.8% compared to the same period last year, reaching the unprecedented figure of 54.3 million visitors to our country.
Tourism | 11/19/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism opens the 1st International Congress on Domestic Tourism

José Manuel Soria puts his faith in domestic tourism to help Spain emerge from the crisis.
Industry | 11/19/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism announces the 1st edition of the National Fashion Awards

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism has created the National Fashion Awards in order to honour and guarantee the prestige of the Spanish fashion industry and in turn contribute to the “Spain Brand”. The awards will acknowledge the people, institutions, organisations and industries which have made significant efforts to achieve business excellence in the sector. The deadline for submitting nominations is 15 January 2014.
Industry | 11/17/2013

Minister Soria meets investors in New York to explain the Spanish reform process

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, today met investors to explain the intense reform process undertaken by the Government and the early positive effects these reforms are having on the economy. In recent months there has been an increase in confidence in the Spanish economy, on the part of the markets and entrepreneurs that choose our country as an investment destination. The minister also explained the energy reform, which comes into force in January 2014 and which will achieve a stable and balanced electricity system.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/17/2013

E-commerce in Spain exceeded €12 billion in 2012

According to the report, the number of Internet shoppers has increased by 15%, reaching 15.2 million. More than two million people used a mobile device or tablet to make purchases, representing an increase of 15.1% over the previous year.
Energy | 11/14/2013

Minister Soria meets businesspeople and the Secretary of State for Energy in Mexico

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria, expressed the government's support for businesspeople and their activities and highlighted the importance of the foreign sector for the Spanish economy. Minister Soria also held a meeting with the Mexican Secretary of State for Energy, Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, and the director general of PEMEX, Emilio Lozoya, which reviewed the current situation of YPF and Repsol and the PEMEX tender to award two contracts to Galician shipyards.
Industry | 11/13/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism visits Mexico and the US

In Mexico he will meet representatives of every business sector. He is travelling to the US to attend the US-Spain Council's 18th annual forum in Santa Bárbara. The US-Spain Council, created in 1997, seeks to encourage understanding and cooperation between the two countries in trade, business, science and culture. On Monday he will visit New York, where he will also meet investors to explain the Government's new reforms, particularly energy reform.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/13/2013

Un estudio del Ministerio de Industria muestra un alza del 33% del gasto en TIC de los hogares españoles entre 2004 y 2012

Los servicios TIC que registraron mayor incremento de penetración son la telefonía móvil e Internet. El 30,2% de la población contacta con la Administración a través de la Red. La mitad de los internautas utilizan las redes sociales y la mensajería instantánea.
Tourism | 11/12/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the High Council of Chambers will promote the access and availability of tourism expertise

Both bodies have resources to contribute to positioning Spanish tourism companies better and helping them to internationalise. This agreement establishes the INTELITUR Platform as an instrument supporting improved competitiveness, management and innovation in Spanish tourism companies, especially SMEs.
Industry | 11/11/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism opens the new ThyssenKrupp logistics centre.

With a surface area of over 12,000 m2, it will supply more then 50 countries.
Tourism | 11/11/2013

Ministers García-Margallo and Soria meet with the secretary general of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai

The ministers discussed recent efforts to streamline Spain's visa policy, which has led to a 22% increase in visas over the last year. García-Margallo, Soria and Rifai demonstrated their willingness to work together to promote the "Spanish brand" in the United Nations as well as the "United Nations brand" in Spain.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/10/2013

José Manuel Soria and Mª Dolores de Cospedal will back the use of ICTs in companies and services, with more than 11 million euros

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, and the president of Castile-La Mancha, María Dolores de Cospedal, signed several agreements for promoting the application of ICTs in health, education, youth employment, tourism and companies. This will improve the connectivity of non-university public institutions in Castile-La Mancha . It will boost the competitiveness of companies formed by women and will support the Youth Employment Plan through training courses and the creation of corporate excellence centres.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/10/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism presents a campaign against online grooming of children

This initiative is encompassed within the Digital Agenda for Spain plans, within the objective of reinforcing trust in the digital environment and specifically in the protection of children on the internet. The campaign provides instruments and measures so that parents and educators can act in situations of child grooming. Children and adolescents are intensive ICT users. The starting age is 10 years on the internet, 11 on mobile telephones and 13 on smart phones.
Industry | 11/5/2013

Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria Presents Entrepreneurs Award

The panel unanimously agreed to present the award to “Aisoy Robotics”, which combines artificial intelligence and robotics to create autonomous personal robots that can make decisions and produce emotional reactions. A runners-up prize went to “Heart Genetics”, which has developed an innovative diagnosis method based on advanced genetic analysis. This project is intended to support clinical decisions by healthcare professionals and improve early detection of diseases.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/4/2013

Ministers Soria and García-Margallo Promote New Technologies for Development NGOs

The initiative has a budget of 3.3 million euros. Around 135 Non-Governmental Organisations working in development cooperation (Development NGOs) will have access to a complete solution for project management, accounts and reporting, worth 25,000 euros. Applications will be presented through the electronic office of the publicly owned company Red.es.
Tourism | 11/3/2013

Soria remarks that advance bookings point to a record year for tourism

Spain is present at the WTM, the world's most important tourism trade fair, with 334 exhibitors in a 2,000 square metre space. The 1,001 square metre Turespaña stand includes 26 companies and 14 tourist destinations. From January to September, the UK has been the main country of origin of Spain's tourism market. More than 11.7 million British tourists visited the country; an increase of 4.4% and 24% of total tourism. The positive trend is continuing into the winter season (October-March). There has been an 11.65% increase in air travel capacity between the UK and Spain, with 720,000 more seats.
Tourism | 11/2/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism visits World Travel Market 2013

José Manuel Soria will support Spain at the London fair, now in its 33rd edition with 189 countries participating. The UK was the main source of tourism to Spain in 2012 with more than 13.6 million tourists, 23.7% of the total visiting our country.
Tourism | 10/31/2013

Soria conveys to the President of the Dominican Republic the commitment of Spanish companies in the country

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, met with the President of the Dominican Republic, with the ministers of Industry and Tourism, and with Spanish entrepreneurs in the country. The minister discussed the positive bilateral economic relations and underlined the importance of facilitating business investment, eliminating obstacles and encouraging competitiveness and security. Spain is the third largest investor in the country, especially in tourism, where Spanish companies provide over half of all high-end tourism services. Soria invited the Dominican Tourism Minister to visit Spain to share his experience on the subject.
Tourism | 10/30/2013

Minister Soria visits the Dominican Republic to strengthen bilateral economic relations

The visit includes a meeting with the President of the Republic and several government ministers. He will also meet with Spanish companies with interests in the country. Spain is the third largest investor in the Dominican Republic, especially in the tourism industry, and the sixth largest source of tourists to the country. The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean destination of choice for Spanish tourists. In trade, Spanish exports to the country have doubled in the last three years to reach the 400 million euros recorded in 2012.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/29/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism analyses the increased broadband coverage in Spain

99% of the Spanish population has access to 3.5G mobile broadband. The report also shows that 52% of Spaniards have access to 100Mb broadband, a 5% increase from 2012 thanks to the growth of fibre optics. 4G technology, which began to be rolled out at the end of the first half of 2013, will be covered in the next edition of the report. This report is one of the measures in the Telecommunications and Ultra-fast Networks Plan of the Digital Agenda for Spain.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/28/2013

The Prince of Asturias presides over the event held to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of RedIRIS

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the Ministry of the Economy and Competitiveness highlighted the role of this Spanish network in driving the development of advanced communications in Spain's academic and scientific community. Since its creation in 1988, more than 450 academic institutions and affiliated research groups with more than 150,000 researchers and approximately 2 million potential users have joined RedIRIS.
Tourism | 10/27/2013

International tourists spend 47.076 billion euros up to September, a new historic maximum

The cumulative spending figures from January to September show an increase of 7.3%. In September, expenditure by international tourists was 6.603 billion euros, an 8% increase, which is also a record. Russia, Scandinavia and France were the markets with the largest year-on-year increases. International tourists spent €6.603 billion in September, an increase of 8%. Average expenditure per tourist rose by 3%, to 1,018 euros.
Industry | 10/24/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism earmarks 20 million euros to fund young entrepreneurs

It is estimated that this sum will fund 400 participatory loans with an indirect investment of more than 48 million euros, and the creation of more than 2,500 jobs. ENISA, part of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, has funded 1,130 companies, thereby contributing to the maintenance of 3,228 existing jobs and creating 5,856 new ones.
Industry | 10/24/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism increases the PIVE for efficient vehicles by 70 million euros

This increase hopes to lead to 70,000 vehicles being replaced by more efficient models. The three previous editions helped replace nearly 300,000 vehicles. As in the previous plan most purchases will be supported by a minimum of €2,000, provided in equal proportions by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and by the manufacturer or point of sale. The purchase of certain vehicles for large families or people with disabilities will be subsidised by a minimum of 3,000 euros.
Tourism | 10/24/2013

Following proposals from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, the Council of Ministers has announced the recipients of the Touristic Merit medals and plaques

The Internationalisation Medal acknowledges the work of Amancio López Seijas, the Chairman of the Hotusa Group, and that of the owners of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo on the island of La Palma in the Sustainability and Quality category. Alfredo Bataller Parietti at Altea's SHA Wellness Clinic received the Medal for Touristic Merit in Promotion. The Medal for Touristic Merit for services to Tourism was awarded posthumously to María Magdalena Pol Colom for her work as Chairwoman of the Palma Hoteliers' Association, and later as president of the Mallorca Federation of Hoteliers.
Energy | 10/24/2013

La madrugada del domingo 27 de octubre se retrasan los relojes una hora con el fin de la “Hora de Verano”

A las 03.00 horas se atrasarán los relojes una hora y serán las 02.00 horas. Se trata de una directiva comunitaria de obligado cumplimiento. Según estimaciones del IDAE, el potencial de ahorro en iluminación propiciado por esta medida podría alcanzar el 5%, equivalente a 300 millones de euros, a los precios actualmente vigentes.
Industry | 10/22/2013

Minister Soria says that competitiveness in Europe depends on unifying the market and reducing taxes and charges and red tape

In his meeting with his French counterpart and the European Commissioner Mr. Tajani, the Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, advocated non-dogmatic discussions so that Europe should not be outstripped by its competitors. He proposed reducing red tape and tax burdens on companies, thereby enabling them to reduce energy costs. He suggested discussing the future of nuclear energy and increasing the level of interconnection between European countries.
Energy | 10/21/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism officially opens Spain's first marine wind turbine

This is an offshore turbine run by the company Gamesa
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/21/2013

The Spanish Ministries of Industry and Interior opened the 7th edition of the International Meeting on Information Security

The Spanish Secretary of State for Telecommunications and the Information Society, Víctor Calvo-Sotelo, highlighted the increase in INTECO's operating capacities: “The technical strengths are rounded off with a powerful technology platform for generating intelligent cyber security, the solvency and experience of its response services, and the dissemination of its research, development and innovation activities”. The Spanish Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, underscored the role played by the State's Security Forces in the field of cyber-security: “when it comes to safeguarding citizens' rights and freedoms, also in cyberspace, close co-operation between the security forces and the public is the key to success”. Over 500 participants attend the official opening of Spain's main annual event on cyber-security. The Confidence Plan for Digital Environments, which is included in the Digital Agenda for Spain, set the theme for the opening day's debates.
Tourism | 10/21/2013

Spain marks a new historic high, having received 48.8 million foreign tourists up to September, up 4.6% on last year

It is mainly tourists from Nordic countries and the United Kingdom who raised the figure for the year to date, with Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands proving to be the most profitable tourist destinations. International tourism brought in 6.5 million travellers, up 4.7% on last year, the highest ever figure for September on record. This month saw 294,000 more tourists visiting Spain than in the previous year, thanks to arrivals from the United Kingdom, Russia and Nordic countries.
Energy | 10/16/2013

The Government increases competition in island and extra-peninsular electricity systems

Parliament has passed the Law on Security of Supply and Increased Competition in island and extra-peninsular electricity systems. This law includes the amendments made by Parliament and the Senate. The bill passed seeks to ensure the supply and quality of electricity at the lowest possible prices, as well as greater competition and transparency in electrical systems. Moreover, it regulates the island and extra-peninsular natural gas supply in consideration of the specific nature of the territorial situation of these locations. Among other measures, the installation of new, more efficient generation and the entry of new operators into the electric market will be promoted. The Law, which is to be published in the Official Gazette, will enter into effect on the day following its publication in the latter.
Energy | 10/15/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism attends the 22nd World Energy Congress

Jose Manuel Soria recalled that Spain is one of five countries, along with Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom, that hold a "Triple A" rating, the highest classification the World Energy Council (WEC) awards in this area. Soria met with the Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who welcomed the Spanish minister's visit to Korea and expressed his support to the Spanish delegation for increasing air links between the two countries.
Industry | 10/14/2013

José Manuel Soria meets executives from Korean Air, Samsung and Hanjin Shipping to boost investment in Spain

The Spanish minister opened a business centre in Seoul to provide support for Spanish companies. Hanjin Shipping has been one of the foremost Korean investors in Spain since 2010, building and operating a container terminal in the port of Algeciras. The Spanish government has expressed a keen interest in increasing the number of flight routes between Spain and South Korea. In his talks with Samsung, the minister conveyed the development potential of the digital economy in Spain after the approval of the Telecommunications Law and the Digital Agenda.
Industry | 10/13/2013

Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria is travelling to South Korea to strengthen bilateral economic relations and attend the 22nd World Energy Congress

His trip follows the recent visit by the Spanish prime minister in March 2012, when he attended the Nuclear Security Summit. In 2012, South Korea was the largest Asian investor in Spain with more than 300 million euros.
Energy | 10/7/2013

Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria, and Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel García Margallo, along with the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, visited the Castor underground storage facilities

The minister made a statement in the l'Eliana Emergency Coordination Centre (Valencia) after visiting the plant José Manuel Soria said on Tuesday that "there will be no permission to reopen" the Castor gas storage project until there is a convincing report "that gives full security guarantees for the population".
Energy | 10/6/2013

José Manuel Soria notifies Administration departments that Castor will remain closed until safety is guaranteed

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, has chaired a meeting with the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Interior Minister at the Generalitat de Cataluña, government representatives in Valencia and Catalonia, the President of Castellón Provincial Council, the Deputy President of Tarragona Provincial Council and the Mayors of Benicarló, Vinarós and Peñíscola. The Castor underground storage test site will remain closed with no gas being pumped in or out while technical experts establish the cause of the seismic tremors recorded in the area. The facility will not re-open for operations until safety has been fully guaranteed. The Minister described the action taken by the Ministry and the work currently underway on drawing up technical reports. The Ministry will continue to be in touch with the various Administration departments to keep them informed and coordinate activities.
Energy | 10/2/2013

The Secretary of State for Energy meets with the Government Delegations of Catalonia and Valencia

The meeting forms part of the contacts the Government is maintaining to coordinate actions relating to shutting down the underground storage project Castor and the seismic activity detected in the Castellón area.
Tourism | 9/30/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport sign a protocol to promote Spain as a cultural tourism destination

The aim of the agreement is to extend Spain's tourist attractions to include new population sectors, break the seasonal concentration of tourism and attract cultural tourists with higher spending power.To tap into the tourism potential of Spain's cultural wealth we need to promote awareness of our heritage assets abroad and promote the cultural events that take place in our country.
Industry | 9/26/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism will allocate €106 million in grants to SMEs, technology companies and young entrepreneurs

The National Innovation Company (ENISA), dependent on the Ministry, will manage the funds through participative loans for SMEs, technology companies and entrepreneurs in the digital economy. These three funding lines are expected to reach to some 500 business projects, which will lead to induced investment of €850 million and the creation of 6,000 jobs. For the first time, ENISA will be offering a funding line for entrepreneurs working in the digital economy.
Tourism | 9/26/2013

Total international tourism expenditure reaches a record high in August growing by 12.2% to 8.263 billion euros.

Average expenditure per tourist rose by 4.7%, to 997 euros. Average daily expenditure was 101 euros, up 2.8%. The United Kingdom, France and Germany were the biggest spenders in August, although the Nordic countries saw the sharpest increase at 36.6%. The increase in tourism expenditure between January and August stands at 7.2%, reaching 40.473 billion euros for the first time ever.
Energy | 9/25/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism orders the cessation of activity at the Castor gas storage facility.

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism has ordered the company operating the Castor underground gas storage facility to cease carrying out any gas injection or extraction work at the facility, following seismic activity detected in the area. The Ministry of Industry has asked the National Geographic Institute for detailed information on the latest seismic movements.
Industry | 9/23/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism opens the International Nautical Trade Fair in Barcelona

This is the most important fair for the nautical sports and leisure industry in Spain.
Tourism | 9/22/2013

August sees new tourism record with 8.3 million foreign tourists; a 7.1% increase

The French market made the largest contribution to the net increase in tourists in August. The United Kingdom, Germany and the Nordic countries also recorded noticeable growth. Between January and August, Spain has been visited by a total of 42.3 million inbound tourists, racking up a year-on-year increase of 4.5% for the first time since 1995. Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Andalusia were the leading tourist destinations in the first eight months of the year.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 9/19/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism will allocate up to 3.2 million to using ICTs to improve the quality of life of the elderly

Spain will provide €?1.75 million — with the possible addition of a further €?1.5 million — to the EU programme Ambient Assisted Living, which aims to improve the quality of life of elderly persons though ICTs. The programme fosters a new ICT industry for ageing well and drives R&D&I financing for SMEs.
Energy | 9/19/2013

The Government approves a law to stabilise the electric power industry and avoid tariff deficits

The Council of Ministers has issued the Electric Power Industry Bill for approval in Parliament. The bill sets out the basic regulations governing the industry to guarantee that electricity is supplied under minimum quality standards and at the lowest possible cost; it also ensures economic and financial sustainability and allows for effective competition within the sector. The bill sets the framework for solving the tariff deficit problem and avoiding future financial imbalances such as those arising in the last decade. The regulations provide greater protection to consumers and set a service payment scheme under objective and standard criteria to ensure agents receive a reasonable return on their investment.
Tourism | 9/16/2013

El ministro de Industria, Energía y Turismo y el presidente de la Xunta de Galicia impulsan el Camino de Santiago como destino inteligente

El convenio promueve el desarrollo de acciones de innovación, tecnología y consultoría para la consolidación del Camino de Santiago como referente de ‘Destino Turístico Inteligente’. El presupuesto del proyecto asciende a un millón de euros aportados en un 95% por el Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Turismo y el 5% restante por la Xunta de Galicia.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 9/12/2013

The Government approves the new General Telecommunications Act, which promotes investment and simplifies network deployment

The draft bill restores market unity and establishes the terms for investment in ultra-fast landline and mobile networks. Users will see improved coverage, faster internet speeds and reduced prices and costs. User protection will also improve. The minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, Jose Manuel Soria, schedules a new structural reform to foster competitiveness, create jobs and consolidate the investments of telecommunications operators, which could amount to 25 billion euros in the next few years.
Industry | 9/11/2013

Minister Soria meets with Chinese tour operators and the Minister of Industry and Information Technologies.

In his opening speech at the 7th Spain-China Forum, the Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, stressed that China is a priority country for Spain in areas such as tourism, bilateral investment, business internationalisation and trade. Minister Soria and his counterpart Miao Wei made a commitment to promote trade and reciprocal investment. The minister told the tour operators and Chinese authorities that the Government is working hard to increase Chinese tourism in Spain. Soria also met with the CIC sovereign wealth fund, which highlighted its improved perception of the country's economy.
Industry | 9/9/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism travels to China to open the 7th Spain-China Forum

The Spain-China Forum, now in its 7th edition, seeks to strengthen the strategic bilateral relations between both countries, by consolidating increased exports, supporting the expansion of Spanish companies in China and encouraging Chinese investment and tourism in Spain. The Minister is accompanied by the Secretary of State for Tourism, the Secretary of State for Trade, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for Social Services.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 9/1/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism opens the 27th Telecommunications Meeting in Santander

The minister supported the initiative of the European Commission to move towards a single digital market in Europe, on order to enable greater competitiveness compared to our main competitors in Asia and the US. José Manuel Soria stressed how important it is for operators in the sector to have stable and predictable regulations so as to eliminate obstacles and stimulate investment and the development of the digital economy, one of the cornerstones of the reindustrialisation process the country needs. In this regard, the minister announced that the new General Telecommunications Act will soon be studied in the Council of Ministers.
Tourism | 8/26/2013

Foreign tourists spent 32.21 billion euros from January to July, a 6% increase

The biggest increase was in visitors from the Nordic countries, with 18.5% more tourists, and France, which increased by 16.4%. Spending on hotel accommodation until July was up 6.4%, to 21.098 billion euros. Total spending in July was up 4.3%, to 7.794 billion euros.
Tourism | 8/21/2013

Spain sets a new tourist record: 34 million people have visited the country since January, an increase of 3.9%.

July has also been the best month on record for tourism with more than 7.9 million international tourists visiting the country, a year-on-year increase of 2.9%. The Nordic countries, the United Kingdom and Russia were the markets that made the biggest contribution to the net increase in July 2013, with visitors from Britain, Germany and France coming in the greatest numbers.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/30/2013

El Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Turismo apoya con 10 millones de euros el asesoramiento a pymes en comercio electrónico

Las pymes recibirán ayudas para servicios de asesoramiento especializado y para la implantación de soluciones tecnológicas de comercio electrónico. En Ministerio multiplica por 2,5 el presupuesto de la primera convocatoria, en la que se concedieron 4 millones de euros a 89 empresas. Más de 350 pymes podrán beneficiarse de esta segunda convocatoria. El programa se enmarca dentro del Plan TIC en Pymes y Comercio electrónico” que prevé la Agenda Digital para España, orientado a conseguir que las empresas realicen un uso más eficiente e intensivo de las tecnologías digitales.
Tourism | 7/28/2013

In La Palma, Minister Soria presents the Special Action Plan for the island with a budget of €2.4 million

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, has presented a Special Action Plan designed to boost the island's tourism and business. The programme includes measures to promote tourism, help for SMEs and entrepreneurs, and a pilot programme of electric vehicles for tourism companies. As part of this plan, today the Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the German tour operator FTI to increase air links to the island of La Palma.
Industry | 7/25/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism will launch PIVE-3, which will support the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles with €70 million

The Council of Ministers has approved the third round of the Efficient Vehicle Incentive Programme (PIVE -3), which is intended to replace 70,000 private cars and light commercial vehicles, and foster the purchase of vehicles which lower fuel consumption. The purchase will be supported by up to €3,000, as in the previous plan, provided in equal proportions by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and by the manufacturer or point of sale. The success of PIVE-2, which ran out of funds this month, has enabled the replacement of nearly 150,000 vehicles, annual savings of 78 million litres of fuel, and a reduction of 262 thousand tonnes in CO2. The Government has allocated nearly €300 million to the three editions of the Efficient Vehicle Incentive Programme (PIVE, PIVE-2 and PIVE-3).
Tourism | 7/25/2013

International tourists spent 24.416 billion euros in the first half of the year, an increase of 6.6%

From January to June 2013, average daily expenditure rose by 2.4% and average spending per person by 2.2%. The markets with the biggest increases were Russia, France and Scandinavia, rising by 26.2%, 18.5% and 15.4%, respectively. For the first time, Russia is among the main markets generating spending in Spain. In June, total spending by tourists to Spain rose by 2.6%, to 5.983 billion euros.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/23/2013

Minister Soria presents the new FICOD, with a new focus on business and jobs in digital content

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, Jose Manuel Soria, highlighted that FICOD's programme will include a space for companies where they can enter into commercial agreements and network. It will be a meeting point for investors and entrepreneurs, an area for training and a final event awards ceremony. This international forum has become one of the tools of the Plan to Drive the Digital Economy and Content, part of the Digital Agenda for Spain, and has a budget of 94.43 million euros. FICOD will be held in Madrid in May 2014.
Energy | 7/23/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism visits the main Enagás Control Centre

The Chairman of Enagás, Antonio Llardén, explained to the Minister how this facility coordinates the Spanish gas system in real time.
Tourism | 7/22/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism will promote innovative entrepreneurship in tourism in partnership with the IE and the Consejo Superior de Cámaras

The lines of action planned in the agreement include implementing a support system for seeking funding and identifying investors to help launch innovative tourism businesses. Cooperation will be given to seek synergies and generate transfers of tourism knowledge through support for entrepreneurs directly or indirectly linked to tourism.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/22/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism to cooperate with São Paulo on electronic administration

With the signature of the agreement, the Brazilian state of São Paulo plans to implement Spanish software for local government, with the participation of Spanish businesses in the rollout and maintenance of the system. This agreement forms part of one of the development plans of the Spanish Digital Agenda, which drives the internationalisation of Spanish IT companies.
Energy | 7/22/2013

The Ministers Soria and Guindos meet with investors to explain the energy reforms

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, and the Minister for the Economy and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Energy, Alberto Nadal, are holding several meetings in London today with investors and analysts. The Ministers will discuss the content and effect of the changes to regulations in the area of energy, the latest major reform undertaken by the Government which balances the electricity sector and prevents future imbalances, thereby ending the serious tariff deficit problem.
Industry | 7/21/2013

Minister Soria meets with naval sector Regional governments, companies and unions

Soria explained that it has still not been decided whether to ask for cautionary measures while the appeal is under consideration, and added that initiatives need to be developed in order to make the current fiscal aid system more useful.
Tourism | 7/21/2013

Spain is visited by more than 6 million international tourists for the first time, with growth of 5.3% in June.

A total of 26.1 million international tourists visited Spain in the first half of 2013. This is up 4.2% on the previous year and the second highest total ever recorded. The Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, France and Russia were the main markets contributing to the growth in the first six months of the year, and the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and the Region of Valencia were the most popular destinations.
Industry | 7/17/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, takes part in the business meeting organised by the Brand Spain Office

During the meeting four sectoral working groups on industry, tourism, agriculture and infrastructures discussed the current problems faced by businesses.
Industry | 7/15/2013

The Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Health sign an agreement to support the innovative projects of young entrepreneurs

The agreement was signed by the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, Enrique Hernández Bento and the Secretary of State for Social Services and Equality, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla.
Industry | 7/15/2013

The minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, participates in the Spain-Morocco business meeting

During the meeting discussions were held on business opportunities between the two countries and collaboration in areas such as energy, transport, new technologies and infrastructures.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/14/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism makes it easier and simpler for amateur radio fans to use frequencies

There are more than 30,000 authorised amateur radio fans in Spain who use radio for intercommunication or for conducting personal, unfunded studies on the propagation of electromagnetic waves. The new Regulation will make it simpler for radio fans to carry out these activities, facilitating relations with the Administration and removing requirements and administrative tasks.
Tourism | 7/14/2013

The minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism joins H. R.H. Queen Sofía at the opening of the Parador Monasterio de Corias

Incorporated into facilities of the new parador are the archaeological remains of an 11th century foundation church, discovered during the renovation works to adapt the monastery to its current function. The establishment has 86 guest rooms, a spa, relaxation area and meeting rooms. Its built area measures more than 22,600 square metres and it is one of the largest in the Parador network.
Energy | 7/11/2013

The Government approves the energy reform, which finally balances the electricity system

The Government hopes to finally balance the electricity system, avoid new imbalances and guarantee consumer supply as cheaply and transparently as possible. Despite the measures already in place, the imbalance in the system will reach 4.5 billion euros this year. To correct it, the costs of the electricity system will be cut by 2.7 billion euros, 900 million euros will be supplied by the Budget and electricity surcharges will be raised by 900 million euros. The electricity bill will be simplified and clarified, and more competition will be introduced in domestic charges to encourage competition for the public, while maintaining subsidies. All the measures taken by the Government have avoided a 42% increase in electricity prices.
Industry | 7/10/2013

Minister Soria meets the Commissioner for Competition, Joaquín Almunia, to discuss aid for Spanish shipyards

Minister Mr. Soria was accompanied in the meeting with the European Commissioner by the regional presidents of the Basque Country, Iñigo Urkullu; Galicia, Alberto Núñez Feijoo; and Asturias, Javier Fernández, and by the president of PYMAR, Álvaro Platero, and the general secretaries of UGT, Cándido Méndez, and Comisiones Obreras, Ignacio Fernández Toxo.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/9/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism publishes the first seven specific Digital Agenda plans for Spain

The plans, which include 102 measures and envisage an investment of some 2.1 billion euros from 2013 to 2015, seek to encourage investment in ultra-fast broadband, the use of ICT for SMEs and e-Commerce. It will also boost the digital content industry, internationalisation, R&D and cybersecurity, and will look for ways to drive digital inclusion and ICT employability. The plans are available on the new website of the Digital Agenda for Spain, www.agendadigital.gob.es
Tourism | 7/8/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism allocates 75 million euros to fund innovative tourism projects

The entry submission period has begun for the second edition of Emprendetur, which will allocate 25 million euros to young tourism entrepreneurs, and 50 million to innovative tourism projects and initiatives. Up to 100% funding will be provided for projects by young entrepreneurs, with a limit of one million euros, without guarantees. R&D projects will receive up to 75% funding. The two lines of funding are to be repaid over five years, with a two-year grace period, at an interest rate of 3.74%. Emprendetur seeks to stimulate the capacity for innovation in the tourism industry, as part of the 2012-2015 National Integrated Tourism Plan.
Industry | 7/7/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, visits the headquarters of the Catalan employers' association, Foment del Treball Nacional

Audio files of the statements by the Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, in the context of his visit to the headquarters of the Catalan employers' association, Foment del Treball.
Industry | 7/5/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, meets with the CEO of Renault-Nissan, Carlos Ghosn

During the meeting they discussed the situation of industry in general and the automobile sector, in particular, especially in Spain.
Industry | 7/3/2013

Germany and Spain sign an agreement for loans to Spanish SMEs

The German KfW and the Instituto de Crédito Oficial, ICO, will each contribute 800 million euros.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/3/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism improves transparency in billing for 118 phone numbers

The measure forms part of the Digital Agenda for Spain and seeks to increase transparency in users' bills. Access is restricted to additional charge numbers (prefixes 803, 806, 807 and 905) via 118 calls. Users of the 118 consultation service must be informed twice of the cost of the call, the cost of the consultation, and the cost of the subsequent connection to the destination number.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/3/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism will allocate 200 million euros until 2015 for the extension of ultra-fast broadband

In 2013, 5 million euros in subsidies and 50 million in loans will be allocated for the extension of ultra-fast broadband. This call for applicants seeks to drive investment in ultra-fast broadband operators, thereby reducing the digital divide and improving the quality of digital services. Beneficiaries can obtain subsidies of up to 15%. Loans will be granted at an interest rate of 0.484%, which is better than market conditions. Preferred areas for action will be industrial estates and business parks, in order to increase the competitiveness of Spanish companies, and seven Autonomous Communities with ERDF funding (Andalusia, Asturias, the Canaries, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, Galicia and Murcia).
Tourism | 7/2/2013

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism chairs the first meeting of the Turespaña Advisory Board

José Manuel Soria chairs the session to constitute the Turespaña Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board responds to one of the most notable measures in the 2012-2015 National Integrated Tourism Plan with a view to including the private sector in the agency which makes decisions on Spanish tourism policy, in general, and particularly as regards promotion. In this first meeting, the Board discussed the forthcoming reorganisation of the network of Spanish Tourism Offices abroad. The objective is to improve their effectiveness and develop initiatives to help attract the expected increase in tourists in the next few years.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/2/2013

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism extends mobile telephony frequency concessions

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism extends the period of validity of the concessions of Telefónica Móviles, Vodafone and France Telecom in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands. With these measures it achieves the double goal of completing the reconfiguration of the spectrum by establishing a long-term homogeneous framework, until 2030, while providing a stable framework for long-term investment in Spain by the operators. This process, which has brought in 85 million euros additional revenue, has enabled more efficient use of the radio spectrum, in line with the goals set in the Digital Agenda for Spain.
Industry | 6/30/2013

Institutional declaration in defence of the Spanish naval sector

The Minister and the presidents of the Autonomous Communities have approved an institutional declaration in defence of the Spanish naval sector, requesting reconsideration of the proposal put forward by the Commissioner for Competition.
Tourism | 6/26/2013

International tourists spent €18.433 billion up to May, an increase of 7.9 %

Tourist spending in May was 5.095 billion euros, 8.9% more than the same month last year. The British and German markets were the main contributors to this figure. Most of the emitter markets showed increases. Average spending per person per day also rose.

Ministry News for 2013

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