the needs of the private sector and provincial governments, and proposing markets . That is to say, they conduct surveys and compile reports . It is a very specialized organizations for conducting various forms of research. Their basic functions are, one, to investigate demand and supply, and to study the economics of tourism. Two, they compile statistical information on tourism. Three, they assist the private sector by providing them with information. Four, they conduct various forms of research into tourism in cooperation with international organizations .
The Hotel Network is a network composed of more than 80 national hotels (parador). The hotels themselves are old castles, monasteries and palaces which the central government renovated and, though this may seem as self-flattery, they are wonderful places to stay.
This network was set up for various reasons. For one, to develop and promote tourist areas around these hotels. Two, to introduce the regional cuisine of diverse areas to visitors. And three, to make Spain look good. In this way, we are trying to utilize our tourist resources more rationally and in a better way.
Then, there is the National Tourist Office. They, basically, cooperate with and coordinate matters with provincial governments, the private sector and international organizations. They also do various promotional activities and, in the process, are enhancing the competitiveness of Spain's tourist industry on the global market. To do this, they fund new projects and new promotional projects, and provide assistance in various ways. Their budget is 5 billion pesetas.
Through this activity, they try to match Spain's tourism supply to world demand. To do this, they organize tours for people working in the tourist industry. They have 29 offices abroad and each is conducting promotional activities of its own.
This concludes my presentation on tourism in Spain. Thank you very much.
