NEW YORK, NY (October 2, 2007)-The tourist offices of Portugal and Spain announced today the launch of a new promotional campaign. The integrated co-op program is designed to increase awareness for Portugal and Spain as "a must see destination" in Europe.

In creating brand awareness for the two countries that share the Iberian Peninsula, the campaign will generate consumer inquiries for traveling to the countries, along with partnership interest and investment from relevant suppliers. As part of this collective effort, Portugal and Spain will launch a new website that includes a compelling next-generation interactive online experience for prospective travelers, and seamless access for U.S. tour operators and suppliers to generate new travel bookings. The new co-op campaign will also directly help travel suppliers and tour operators to sell both Portugal and Spain to new online travelers.

Portugal and Spain have engaged Travel Spike - a leader in the travel and tourism marketplace - to develop and manage the integrated co-op program. Travel Spike will work with the countries in designing the new site and interactive gaming experience, as well as working with the co-op partners to promote their deals and packages to Portugal and Spain.

"Portugal and Spain are two unique places that together tell a story. Both countries offer travelers numerous cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes and varied cuisine," said Eduardo Souto Moura, Managing Director of AICEP Portugal Global. "So it was a natural fit for Portugal and Spain to work in partnership to promote the Iberian Peninsula."

"The Iberian Peninsula offers two distinct yet culturally-rich travel destinations in one - Spain and Portugal," explained Javier Piñanes, Director of Tourist Office of Spain, "This joint marketing program underscores the spirit of that cooperation and opens up new opportunities for travel suppliers to participate in promoting these two destinations."

"Travel Spike will bring its considerable travel and digital experience to all aspects of the promotions and marketing program for both Portugal and Spain," offers Ryan Bifulco, founder and president of Travel Spike. "We are pleased to be working with both countries and look forward to being an integral part of their success."

After studying current travel trends and realizing Americans' penchant for combining more than one country on a European trip, the governments of Portugal and Spain signed an agreement in 2006. Based on the positive results from this campaign so far, Portugal and Spain will also extend similar joint promotions and marketing efforts into Canada and Japan in 2008.

Located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe, Portugal and Spain border each other to the north and east.

Today's Portugal is home to a thriving culture of fashion, music, food, and art, while remaining a meeting point for people worldwide. Its new nightclubs are some of the liveliest in Europe and its new bistros blend the pillars of Portuguese food with globally inspired new flavors. Modern designers are bringing bold fashions, impressive new architecture to blend with the historic ambiance of the cities, and new museums of contemporary art. Portugal is the closest point in Europe to the United Sates and it's easy to get to and to navigate. Blessed with a mild climate year-round, an excellent range of sports awaits the active traveler. Golf in Portugal is considered world-class, and more courses are frequently being added. Every corner of this country is rich with historical attractions.

So far this year, Spain has seen a 23 percent increase in the number of Americans visiting. They come to experience firsthand the country's art, architecture and its tremendously rich culture. The Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors and Jews all left their marks on the cultural mosaic that is Spain's civilization. Yet beyond the centuries-old castles and cathedrals and charming unspoiled villages, Spain's cities now have a cool, modern vibe with hip new design hotels and trendy restaurants. And throughout the country, architects are designing dramatic airports, stunning new museums, state-of-the-art performing arts centers, spectacular wineries and mega-yacht marinas. For today's travelers, Spain offers a pulsating energy, non-stop nightlife, friendly people and arguably the best cuisine in the world.

Travel Spike is the interactive leader in the travel and tourism marketplace, with core competencies in destination marketing, digital strategy, travel advertising, and social media marketing. The company also provides custom online reservation engines that allow Destinations, hotels, and tour operators to book dynamic vacation packages, lodging, attractions, and event tickets. Travel Spike developed the first and largest all-travel ad network in 2002. Its member sites offer unique targeting options for travel advertisers and Destinations. Travel Spike has worked with over 200 clients and only takes on travel and tourism accounts. For more information on the company's expertise in travel, technology, Internet, and media, visit www.travelspike.com.