Tourism in Gibraltar
Encyclopedia
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
and is one of the three pillars of the Gibraltar economy
Economy of Gibraltar
The economy of Gibraltar is managed and controlled by the Government of Gibraltar. Whilst being part of the European Union, the British overseas territory of Gibraltar has a separate legal jurisdiction from the United Kingdom and enjoys a different tax system....
, the other two being the British military and financial services
Financial services
Financial services refer to services provided by the finance industry. The finance industry encompasses a broad range of organizations that deal with the management of money. Among these organizations are credit unions, banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, consumer finance companies,...
.
Gibraltar attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2005, more than three times its population. There are a large number of attractions in Gibraltar, such as beaches, marina
Marina
A marina is a dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats.A marina differs from a port in that a marina does not handle large passenger ships or cargo from freighters....
s, the famous Barbary Macaques
Gibraltar Barbary Macaques
The Barbary Macaque population in Gibraltar is the only one in the whole of the European continent, and, unlike that of North Africa, it is thriving. At present there are some 300 animals in five troupes occupying the area of the Upper Rock, though occasional forays into the town may result in...
, the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park is a small wildlife park situated in the Botanic Gardens in Gibraltar.-History:The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park began in 1994 as a collection of parrots, tortoises and monkeys all confiscated from illegal traders who were passing through Gibraltar...
, the Moorish Castle
Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is the name given to a Medieval fortification in Gibraltar, made up of various buildings, gates, fortified walls and its most dominant features, the Tower of Homage and the Gate House. The former is clearly visible to all visitors to Gibraltar, not only because of its striking...
, Main street
Main Street, Gibraltar
Main Street is the main arterial street in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.Main Street is recognised today as Gibraltar’s main commercial and shopping district...
and the town, with its squares, tree lined streets, colonial architecture and buildings. The Great Siege Tunnels and the military history of Gibraltar
History of Gibraltar
The history of Gibraltar portrays how The Rock gained an importance and a reputation far exceeding its size, influencing and shaping the people who came to reside here over the centuries.-Prehistoric:...
attract many visitors, along with St. Michael's Cave
St. Michael's Cave
St Michael's Cave is the name given to a network of limestone caves located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar, at a height of over 300 metres above sea level...
, the 100 ton gun
Napier of Magdala Battery
Napier of Magdala Battery is a coastal battery on the south-western cliffs of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, overlooking the Bay of Gibraltar near Rosia Bay.-History:...
, Europa Point
Europa Point
Europa Point, also called Great Europa Point, is the southernmost point of Gibraltar. At the end of Rock of Gibraltar, the area is flat and occupied by such features as a playing field and a few buildings...
and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque
Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque
The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, also known as the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Mosque or the Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is a mosque located at Europa Point in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, a peninsula connected to southern Spain...
.
Nonetheless, most visitors are attracted by Gibraltar's relatively low-priced and VAT
Value added tax
A value added tax or value-added tax is a form of consumption tax. From the perspective of the buyer, it is a tax on the purchase price. From that of the seller, it is a tax only on the "value added" to a product, material or service, from an accounting point of view, by this stage of its...
-free goods, particularly duty free tobacco and alcohol.