Iberia wants visitors to enjoy more of Madrid and has introduced a new stopover program, encouraging travellers connecting through their Madrid hub to stay for up to six days and explore everything the city has to offer.
Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and Iberia’s Executive Chairman Luis Gallego jointly presented the new Stopover Hola Madrid program this week.
Iberia flies from Madrid to more than 100 international destinations and hopes that stopovers will appeal equally to visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. “This is our flight distribution centre, our hub, and our home, and we want our customers to stay here,” Luis Gallego said.
The Madrid Council and Iberia have designed a comprehensive offering that includes sightseeing opportunities, food, shopping, and nightlife with special advantages and discounts.
“Madrid Council will be always supporting to those whose objective is keeping Madrid as an economic, social and cultural reference among capitals in the world,” said Mayor Martínez-Alameda. “Madrid is a very dynamic city and, thanks to its business network, it is the region with the best GDP. We want to deep in public-private collaboration and enhance business leadership at Madrid.”
Welcome to Stopover Hola Madrid
Travel Guides
Up to 48 hours before they arrive in Madrid, Stopover Hola Madrid customers can obtain a free guidebook with information about local transportation, climate, sightseeing, dining, etc., provided by Biduzz. Once in Madrid, they may wish to hire a Biduzzer, an expert personal guide who can offer insider information on places to go and things to do, from the best choices on a menu to the best seats in a theatre.
Free transportation and discounted data
At the arrivals area in Madrid, travellers enjoying Stopover Hola Madrid can pick up free public transportation cards valid for two days on all municipal buses and the underground Metro.
Alternatively, they can choose a transfer on Alsa or hire a car from Avis. Both companies offer discounts to Stopover Hola Madrid customers.
To help travellers share their stopover journey with friends, Holafly offers discounted data cards for customers’ phones.
Stay in comfort
Stopover Hola Madrid includes discounts for stays at all Meliá hotels. There are additional advantages for members of the Iberia Plus loyalty scheme who make their reservations at any hotel through Booking.
The Golden Mile of Art
Madrid’s top art museums are located within easy walking distance of each other on a central boulevard. Under the Stopover Hola Madrid programme, visitors are offered special tours of El Prado and the Thyssen Bornemisza.
An afternoon of shopping and beauty treatments
The El Corte Inglés department store chain offers stopover visitors a personal image consultant.
Tapas, beer, and flamenco
Madrid offers a wide variety of food and entertainment opportunities. Stopover travellers can also enjoy free drafts of the legendary Mahou-San Miguel beers at La Cervecista, in the city centre. Viator offers a wide choice of gastronomic and flamenco tours for all tastes and at discount prices.
Historic Gems
While in Madrid, visitors can also venture out to explore the jewels of Spain within easy reach of the capital. They can book Alsa coach day-trips to the nearby cities of Toledo, Ávila, or Segovia.
Two destinations for the price of one, plus a 25% discount to a third!
Stopover Hola Madrid is for long-haul travellers on flights operated by Iberia with connections in Madrid Airport. During a long Madrid stopover travellers can venture further afield and explore more of the country by taking advantage of the programme’s 25% discount on domestic flights with Iberia, Iberia Express, or Iberia Regional/Air Nostrum to another Spanish destination.
[Editor’s Note: A quick trip to see the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia would make a great addition to the itinerary.]
Don’t worry about luggage
Stopover Hola Madrid customers also get special discounts for the Bag On Board service. Iberia will collect luggage from the hotel and check it in for travellers at the airport.
Airport souvenirs
The stopover plan also includes discounts for shopping at Madrid Duty Free in Madrid Airport. Members of the Iberia Plus loyalty programme will also get Avios for their purchases.
Stopover Hola Madrid just a click away
More details of the Stopover Hola Madrid offerings are available on the website, where travellers can also book their Iberia tickets and stopover services.