Chinese join tourist rush to Spain

Spain has seen a steady increase in tourists from Asia in the past 15 years with many eager to see the art in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid while shopping and eating, making them a welcome contrast to the sun and fun crowds.

That's according to data presented at the International Congress on Asian Tourism in the Mediterranean city of Barcelona where Director General of Tourspain Marta Blanco said Asian tourism reached 3 percent of all international arrivals in 2014, up steadily from just 0.7 percent in 2000.

The visitors are particularly welcome, Blanco said, because the interests of those from China, Japan and South Korea - the top three - are varied and not focused on coastal resorts.