Akhom Consulting to promote El Corte Inglés among Spain and Portugal travellers

Spanish luxury department store El Corte Inglés has appointed Akhom Consulting as its official representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Founded in 1940 in Madrid, El Corte Inglés has over the past 80+ years grown into a much-visited shopping destination for high-end shoppers. The company’s stores in Madrid, Barcelona; Marbella and Lisbon offer shoppers products including luxury fashion, jewelry and watches, fragrances, cosmetics, and more – combined with an ‘experience’ that includes customer excellence, gastronomy, and entertainment.

Under the agreement with Akhom Consulting, the Middle East-based hospitality consultancy will work with its Spanish client to built out its branding awareness in the GCC region, and entice Middle Eastern luxury shoppers visiting Spain and Portugal to consider El Corte Inglés as a prime shopping destination.

“We are delighted to work closely with El Corte Inglés Department Stores in the GCC region,” said Mouhamed Abdulkhalek, Managing Director of Akhom Consulting. “Our goal is to provide Middle Eastern shoppers with an exceptional and personalized luxury shopping experience in some of Spain and Portugal most iconic cities.”

“The flagship stores of El Corte Inglés in Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella and Lisbon should be a must-visit for those in search of a luxury shopping destination,” he continued.

Among the benefits El Corte Inglés offers to international luxury shoppers include Instant Tax Refund for non-EU residents (shoppers can save up to 15% of the value of their purchases with no minimum spend), a loyalty program including a 10% reward scheme, and personal shopper service for the big spenders, which includes personalized advice in stores.

According to data from Spain’s Ministry of Tourism, the number of GCC travellers that hit Spain’s shores reached a record high in 2023, with a total of 434,000 GCC residents making the trip. This figure represents an increase of 33% from the previous year and a significant increase of 56% compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Spain’s allure is attributed to several factors, including its favourable weather, familiarity, and deep cultural resonance, particularly with its rich Arab heritage.

Notably, GCC visitors spent around €1.1 billion during their visits in 2023, meaning they on average spend more than European tourists – the catch El Corte Inglés is keen to welcome.