Madrid, a bullish stand to the crisis

-* Population: 3.3 million -* Surface Area: 604.3 sq. km -* Number of Hotels: 881 -* Number of Rooms: 34.934 -* Tourism statistics 2011: 8.3 million tourist arrivals and 16.4 million overnight stays -* Primary supply markets: United States, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Portugal, Japan, NetherlandsSpain’s economic and political capital, Madrid is the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula with a surface area covering over 600 kilometres squared. With 3.3 million inhabitants, it is home to twice as many people as Barcelona and within the European Union is the most populated city second only to Berlin. Situated within the Comunidad de Madrid, Europe’s third biggest agglomeration (behind Greater London and Ile-de-France), the city of Madrid represents almost 12% of Spain’s GDP. Its services sector accounts for almost 85% of all its economic activity and it hosts numerous insurance companies, banks and private equity firms. 24 of the 35 companies listed on Spain’s stock market (IBEX) have their headquarters here and so do many international corporations including the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). Business creation in the Comunidad de Madrid in 2010 was up 8.2%, four times the national average, making it the autonomous community with the most companies created. The agglomeration receives more than 65% of all Spain’s FDI, this increasing by 4.7% in 2010 following a 37% fall in 2009. FDI is not alone to bounce back; Madrid’s tourism industry has been showing signs of recovery since the summer of 2009.Madrid’s tourism industry is fuelled by its sites of interest, which include the Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, Retiro Park and Cibeles Fountain, as well as Madrid’s international reputation as a cultural hub. With around 350 museums, art galleries, exhibitions and fairs, amongst which are the renowned Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums, the city’s permanent art collection...