A recent study has identified Spain as the second-best holiday destination for families.

According to the 2008 Country Brand Index (CBI) by FutureBrand, the Mediterranean nation is runner up to Canada, reports La Manga Club.

The index surveyed 2,700 travellers and countries were ranked based on the feedback on a number of different criteria.

Rene Mack, president of Weber Shandwick’s Travel & Lifestyle Global Practive, said: “It’s always fascinating to see which countries come out on top in branding themselves, generating global recognition and fuelling the travel and tourism industry.”

He added that the current economic crisis in the world made the findings particularly interesting.

Spanish tourism is set to receive a boost in the coming years, with the addition of 61 new airbus planes to the fleet of Grupo Marsans.

The company is expected to use the extra carriers to “strengthen and develop their operations” within Spain, according to John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer.