Drop in foreign tourists at Valencia’s Fallas due to Middle East war, three killed in fire in northern Spain, US snubs rare earths investment in Spain amid Trump-Sánchez clash and more news on Wednesday March 11th.
Drop in foreign tourists at Valencia’s Fallas due to Middle East war
The escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the partial closure of Middle East’s air space has started having knock-on effects for Spain’s tourism industry, including for Valencia’s famous Fallas festival.
Hoteliers are reporting an increase in cancellations by international visitors scheduled to come mainly from Asia and Oceania, as they face difficulties to fly to Europe.
Many travellers from countries such as China, Japan or Australia have stopovers in the Middle East’s big airport hubs to get to Spain, throwing a spoke in the wheel of the Spanish travel plans.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Valencia’s Fallas festival in 2026
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Three killed in fire in northern Spain
Three people have died and four others have been injured in the fire that occurred late Tuesday in Miranda de Ebro (Burgos).
The fire broke out in a low-rise building in the old part of Miranda, and according to local sources the cause of the incident cannot yet be determined.
Two of the victims died at the scene, another is in hospital. The injured include an 11-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl.
Spanish frigate arrives in Cyprus to assist in defence against Iranian attacks
Spanish frigate Cristóbal Colón arrived in Cyprus this Tuesday to participate in the European defence mission.
The operation, officially announced by Spain’s Ministry of Defence, comes after the Cypriot government requested assistance following an Iranian drone strike at a military base last week
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will appear before the Spanish Congress on March 25th to report on the government’s position regarding the war in the Middle East.
READ MORE: Spain to send frigate to Cyprus after Iranian drone strike
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US snubs rare earths investment in Spain amid Trump-Sánchez clash
US officials have pulled out at the last-minute from a private event aimed at promoting American investment in critical minerals in Spain.
Until this Sunday, the United States was inviting its investors to invest in the exploration and extraction of rare earths in the country, which Madrid and Brussels are seeking international support for.
The US Embassy in Madrid had organised the private meeting for Tuesday with the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition to explain the potential of the Spanish mining sector.
However, the diplomatic spat between Donald Trump and Pedro Sánchez has meant US participation in the meeting was cancelled hours before it was scheduled to take place.
READ ALSO: ‘No to the war’ – Spain’s PM defies Trump as rift with US deepens
