Costa del Sol Poised to Break Tourism Records with Over 10.4 Million Stays by August

The Costa del Sol is experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourism, with projections suggesting over 10.4 million stays by August. This trend is evident at Malaga Airport, where the steady influx of tourists, along with the bustling atmosphere in hotels, restaurants, and beach bars, highlights the region’s growing popularity.

A Strong Start to the Summer

The summer season has kicked off with remarkable momentum, echoing last year’s record-breaking high season. Couples, friends, young people, and families are flocking to the Costa del Sol, signaling a promising start to June. Tourism bookings have surged, with many sectors reporting a more intense start to the year compared to 2023. Industry insiders are buzzing that “The Costa del Sol is on fire,” capturing the high expectations for the summer.

Diverse Attractions and Rising Nature Tourism

While the region’s beaches remain a major draw, there’s growing interest in nature tourism. Campsites and rural tourist sites are preparing for a busy season, as the sector aims to surpass last year’s 2.6 million visitors during June, July, and August. The goal is to break the previous summer’s record of 10.4 million stays.

Occupancy Rates and Pricing Trends

The accommodation sector expects to exceed last year’s average occupancy rate of 74% from June to September. A modest price increase of 5-8% is anticipated, reflecting the region’s continued appeal.

International Tourism and Employment

International tourism is thriving, with double-digit growth rates. Last year’s high season saw nearly 3.5 million arrivals at Malaga Airport, with 2.9 million of those being international visitors. Key markets include the UK, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Germany. However, finding enough workers to meet tourist expectations remains a challenge. The Association of Hotel Businessmen of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos) is working to fill 3,000 to 5,000 positions across 340 accommodations.

Optimistic Projections for the Season

Aehcos forecasts a hotel occupancy rate of 87.1% for June, five points higher than last year. July is expected to see an 85% occupancy rate, slightly above last year’s 84.6%. The focus remains on monitoring profitability and guest spending, key indicators of the region’s economic impact.

Increased Spending and Rural Tourism Growth

Early bookings for summer are two points higher than last year, with an increase in the average stay to nearly five nights. Average spending in the first four months of the year rose by 12%, with a projected 16% increase for summer. Rural tourism in Malaga province also shows strong potential, despite a slight dip in occupancy due to new accommodations entering the market and more last-minute bookings.

Broader Tourism and Economic Impact

Locals are eager to travel, with June sales up 5% compared to last year. Popular destinations include Andalucía, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and European capitals. The Costa del Sol’s tourism engine is expected to drive a significant economic impact, with a focus on surpassing the €8.1 billion in revenue generated during the record summer of 2023.

Source: Iberialiving