From stained glass to stylists, Spain bids to be global shopping hub

Tourist arrivals in Spain have reached record highs for 4 years in a row, growing to 75.6 mn in 2016

Restorers of vintage stained glass are enjoying a new lease on life in Madrid these days, bringing their artisanal skills to a luxury retail and hotel complex in the centre of Spain’s capital.

The old-but-new leadlights are destined to shine on what business and government cheerleaders see as the epicentre of a wide movement to propel Madrid into the big league of global shopping destinations. 

Alongside revamps of tired beach resorts, Spain is attempting to lure tourists with shopping city breaks to widen its appeal to the biggest spenders — and not coincidently to keep its economic recovery on track.

Regional governments, construction