Banderas, Alonso named envoys for `Brand Spain'

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Actor Antonio Banderas and Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso are among those who have been named as honorary ambassadors for "Brand Spain" by the Leading Brands of Spain Forum.

Also selected to be honorary envoys for their work to strengthen Spain's image abroad were businessman Isak Andic, the founder and main stockholder of the Mango fashion retailer group, economist Pedro Nueno, chef Jose Andres, cancer researcher Maria Blasco and the National Transplant Organization.

The awards are aimed at publicly recognizing people, businesses or institutions that have contributed greatly during their professional careers to strengthening the international image of the Iberian nation.

Banderas was honoured in the Culture and Communication category for being one of the "best-known and admired" Spanish artists internationally, having pursued an "extensive" film career in the US.

Alonso was selected in the Sports category for being one of the Spanish athletes to be enjoying "great success and international projection, admired and respected throughout the world".