Back in July 2016, a sultry Seville was awaiting a private visit from then-president of the US, Barack Obama, with unbridled excitement. Police presence in the city centre was upped, security agents were scoping out his route, San Pablo airport was ready to receive Air Force One, and everyone was desperately hoping to catch a glimpse.
Former President Barack Obama. Image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Then a shooting in Dallas meant that POTUS had to cut short his visit to Spain at the last minute, cancelling his stop in Seville, and leaving a city bereft. Now he’s coming. And this time, it’s definite. Obama is the headline speaker at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit, being held in the southern Spanish city on 2-4 April. Spring in Seville brings sunshine and the sweet scent of orange blossom – but will he get a chance to soak it in?
Plaza España de Sevilla, Seville. Image by ©Rubén Toquero/500px
The theme of the conference, at Fibes Conference Centre, is “Changemakers”, and tickets cost US$4000. Obama will deliver his speech on the afternoon of Wednesday 3 April to an audience of enthralled international travel professionals.
On the planned first visit, Obama had been scheduled to stay at the Gran Melia Colon hotel, a five-star establishment in the city centre favoured by bullfighters, footballers and other celebrities. The hotel boasts a presidential penthouse suite complete with huge private terrace offering stunning views, where the former president can relax on a Balinese daybed and soak in an outdoor hot tub.
The Alcázar of Seville. Image by ©Cristian Balate/Shutterstock
Another speaker at the conference will be Obama’s former Ambassador to Spain, James Costos. A VP at HBO before his appointment, Costos was responsible for bringing TV series Game of Thrones to film in Spain, among others. One shooting location for the fantasy historical drama was Seville’s Alcazar royal palace, which Obama had been due to visit in 2016.
Will Michelle Obama accompany her husband to Seville? The former FLOTUS will be in Europe on 9-17 April during her book tour to promote best-selling autobiography Becoming, including dates in London, Paris and Amsterdam. So who knows?
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