Spain: The Top Destination for Company Seminars

Whether you organize your seminar in summer or winter, it is relatively warmer in Spain than in France. Indeed, depending on the chosen destination, even in the middle of January you don't need to pack a heavy coat in your suitcase. However, depending on the city chosen for your seminar, it may still be quite cold, so it is preferable to find out in advance about the temperature differences between cities in Spain in order to best organize your professional event. Indeed, whether you go to the Canary Islands, Madrid or San Sebastián, the climate will be quite different and so will your event.

Spanish sunshine is one of the factors why a large number of French companies choose this country as a destination for their seminar, thanks to its contrast with the grey weather of some cities such as Paris. As a point of reference, the sunniest city in Europe is Alicante, on the Costa Blanca in Spain, with around more than 349 hours of sunshine per month. In this ranking of 15 cities, only 2 cities from the South of France are found: Nice & Marseille, compared with 10 located along the entire Mediterranean coast of Spain. 

Thus, if your company is based in a region where the sun is not necessarily very present, organizing your seminar in Spain will allow your employees to top up their vitamin D and, above all, offer them a real break from their usual routine. From this perspective, Spain is a relevant destination for a residential incentive seminar, set in an incredible setting.

All major Spanish cities have at least one airport connecting them to a French city or more by direct flights. Naturally, some destinations are served more easily and more frequently than others.

For example, Paris is connected by a direct flight to most seminar destinations in Spain, which makes this country very easily accessible for companies with offices located in Île-de-France. Nationally, as long as you can access an airport with international flights, it will be very simple to get to Spain, with at most one stopover in some cases. 

Another advantage is that the majority of Spanish airports are located very close to the cities, with a transport network that can easily be booked through your host venue or directly through transport agencies specializing in professional groups. 

However, flying is not the only mode of transport you can use to organize a seminar in Spain. For some time now, Renfe and the SNCF have created a train route offer connecting Paris, Lyon and Marseille to Madrid and Barcelona. However, the journey is longer (6h29 for Paris–Barcelona, 10h for Paris–Madrid), so you will need to plan differently with these longer travel times. It is thus a more eco-friendly option for enjoying a seminar in Spain while staying in line with your company's CSR values.

Spain remains a country where prices in many sectors are lower than in France, including the business tourism and MICE sector. Overall, the cost of living is lower there, so the prices of accommodation establishments adapt to receive local businesses at consistent rates. 

These rates are therefore on average lower than those of establishments in France. 

From a budgetary point of view, by organizing a similar seminar in France and Spain, the budget difference will be on transport, however the establishments costing less will allow you to balance the budgets on the accommodation, activities and catering aspect. In addition, even if you book a seminar in France, you may have high transport costs, depending on your destination and the proximity between your premises and this place. 

As in all countries, there are price differences within the country itself, depending on the cities and regions. Indeed, if you go to Madrid or a very Europeanized major city like Barcelona, the budget difference will be smaller than if you go to more typical regions such as the Costa Blanca, towards Alicante or even in Andalusia to Seville or Granada. In addition to offering lower prices, these destinations will allow you to offer your employees a total change of scenery and a discovery of traditional Spanish cultures. 

Thus, Spain is a country with a very good value for money, knowing that the establishments receiving groups for stays such as residential business seminars are very qualitative. They have adapted infrastructures, numerous meeting rooms and dedicated spaces, and also offer all the services necessary for the success of a seminar in Spain.

There are certain cities in Spain that are more appreciated by French companies, whether it is a question of accessibility, setting, climate or accommodation capacities. 

Barcelona 

Barcelona is one of the most important cities for French business tourism. More and more French companies are even deciding to settle there. Its proximity to France gives it privileged access, and thus many establishments on site have interlocutors who speak French fluently. Its typical Catalan culture and its Sagrada Familia are two elements that appeal to companies. 

Madrid

The Spanish capital and its more modern infrastructures are very popular. There are many establishments, some with a very large reception capacity capable of receiving a company for a seminar. Many activities are possible, and the culture of this city is very rich. 

Seville 

One of the southernmost cities in the country, it is the largest city in Andalusia. There, your employees will be able to discover flamenco, in a warm and friendly setting surrounded by the marked history of Andalusia. There is also a very large business district, in which many rooms are available for your conferences and study days. 

The Canary Islands

These 7 islands located off the Moroccan coast are all different from each other. Most of them being volcanic islands, the setting is really exotic. There are several hotels and complexes specialized in business seminars, ideally located on certain islands. You can easily discover the island on which you will be and its surroundings with your work colleagues. 

Ibiza and the Balearic Islands

Another known Spanish island group, they are however very different from the Canary Islands. Located off Valencia in the Mediterranean Sea, several companies choose Ibiza for its postcard-worthy scenery, and its turquoise waters to be able to dive between two meetings.