Diplomacy&Commerce attended a cocktail reception hosted yesterday by the Embassy of Spain in Belgrade, under the leadership of Ambassador Juan José Sanz Aparicio, at the Aeroklub
The evening was dedicated to celebrating the growing tourism cooperation between Serbia and Spain. In just one year, from 2023 to 2024, as many as 84,630 Serbian tourists visited Spain—a remarkable 27% increase. The trend continued into 2025, with the first quarter alone recording an additional growth of nearly 9%. Direct flight connections from Belgrade to Spanish destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia are giving this cooperation a further boost.
Guests were also introduced to ambitious plans for 2026:
Total Solar Eclipse (August 12, 2026) – Spain will be one of the rare countries where this once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle can be observed. Cities like Oviedo, León, and Burgos will be plunged into total darkness, while in Barcelona and Madrid the Sun will be more than 90% covered.
Gaudí Year – Barcelona will be named the World Capital of Architecture in 2026. A year-long program of exhibitions and events will celebrate the genius of Antoni Gaudí, highlighting his masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell.
Formula 1 in Madrid – From 2026, the Spanish capital will host the Spanish Grand Prix. The brand-new “Madring” circuit, 5.474 km long, is expected to welcome over 100,000 visitors and become a major hub for Formula 1, 2, and 3 competitions.
Luxury Train Al Ándalus – A seven-day journey combining Spain’s history, culture, and gastronomy. Travelers will enjoy gourmet dinners, visits to archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage cities, experiencing an exclusive blend of tradition and luxury.
Sustainable Cultural and Ecotourism Routes – Programs such as Green Spain and the Don Quixote routes will showcase unspoiled nature, medieval towns, vineyards, and cultural landscapes, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and preserving local traditions.
The reception highlighted how such initiatives not only deepen the cultural and tourism ties between Serbia and Spain but also open up exciting new avenues for future cooperation.
