The Costa Blanca is poised for a record-breaking autumn in tourism, with hotel bookings surging by 21% compared to the same period in 2023.
Recent data from Hosteltur and TravelgateX reveal that the region, along with the broader Comunitat Valenciana, is experiencing an unprecedented increase in reservations, signaling a strong off-season for the local tourism industry. This growth is part of a wider trend across Spain, where tourist destinations have seen a significant uptick in bookings. From August 19 to 25, all major tourist regions in the country reported double-digit growth in hotel reservations compared to the previous year.
In the Comunitat Valenciana alone, hotel bookings increased by 16% in the last week of August, reflecting the ongoing seasonal adjustment, or extension of the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months.
Costa Blanca leads with impressive occupancy rates
The province of Alicante, a key area within the Costa Blanca, has seen remarkable hotel occupancy rates this year. Over the long weekend from August 14 to 18, the province reported a 93.8% occupancy rate, surpassing initial projections of 87.5%. While this is slightly below the 94.2% recorded during the same period in 2023, the figures remain robust across the region.
Specific areas within Alicante also performed exceptionally well. The city of Alicante achieved a 95.8% occupancy rate, with Playa de San Juan and Dénia both reaching 98.6%. Santa Pola followed closely at 98.0%, and El Campello posted a strong 95.4% occupancy. However, more modest rates were observed in smaller towns like Alcoy (79.5%), Ibi (64.0%), Guardamar del Segura (55.0%), and Villena (50.0%).
Rising demand fuels new hotel developments
The increase in demand has spurred plans for new hotel developments across the region. According to the latest report from Colliers on Spanish hotel investments, Alicante is set to see a 20% increase in its urban hotel offerings by 2026, with 803 new rooms planned. The vacation segment is also expected to grow, albeit at a more moderate pace, with 823 new rooms to be added along the Costa Blanca.
This trend is underpinned by a steady rise in overnight stays in the Comunitat Valenciana, which grew by 4% in July 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, totaling over 3.6 million stays. The British market remains the dominant international force in the region, particularly in hotspots like Benidorm.