British tourists are returning to Benidorm for a break in the sun. Hotels are starting to fill up. UK visitors are top international arrivals in the region.
The Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm has long been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers. Even though Spain has remained on the UK government’s amber list this summer, many Brits have taken the hit of Covid test costs in order to return there.
Hospitality workers thrilled to see Brits back
Hospitality workers have said they are thrilled to see British tourists back in Benidorm. A busy September season could help the hospitality and tourism sector recover. To date, hotels in Benidorm have filled seven out of ten beds in September. This is a vast improvement on the summer season.
However, it’s not just the British holidaying in Benidorm. The domestic market is strong with almost 75% of the visitors being Spanish. Belgians, French and Dutch holidaymakers follow the British in terms of international visitor numbers.
Toni Mayor, president of the hotel association HOSBEC, said: “If the escalation of international tourism continues, we could be facing an acceptable month of September in Benidorm.”
Restrictions lifting in Benidorm
Hotels, restaurants and bars have been hard hit over the last 18 months. Restrictions both in Spain and the UK, discouraged Britons from travelling abroad. Internal restrictions also prevented Spaniards from travelling between regions at some points.
However, authorities now allow nightclubs to open. Similarly, rules on table numbers are also more relaxed, with up to eight people allowed to sit together indoors. These moves reflect in the increase in the number of bookings from British travellers.
