MÁLAGA – With six months to go, the occupancy of holiday homes in rural areas for the month of August 2023 has already exceed 60% in the province of Malaga. That is more than three percentage points more than the same data in 2022.
The city of Malaga and the Costa del Sol are clearly committed to tourism with high purchasing power. The sector and authorities are focusing their efforts on attracting North American tourists. They also promote luxury hotels that complement the culture and sun and beach offer. The number of reservations made so far for this summer it is not limited to the coast.
Malaga has the best occupancy rate in rural tourism
This is confirmed by the market study conducted by the Ruralidays platform. After analysing all areas in the interior of Andalucia, Malaga has the best occupancy rate in terms of rural tourism.
“For the first half of August, bookings are already above 67% for rural properties in Malaga with a private pool. Currently, rural occupancy in Andalucia is reaching 54% for all of August.”
As reported by La Opinión De Málaga, the study shows how American visitors suddenly show a great interest in Málaga. But up until now, this market was not very significant. However, now they have reserved the most luxurious villas. Amongst them are many with a price of more than €100 per person per night.
International travellers spend on average more per day than national travellers: €39 compared to €34.40. While markets such as the Netherlands, the UK or Germany have also increased their bookings, most stays will be conducted by Spanish customers.
Also read: Rural tourism is booming in Spain
Favourite destinations in the province
The favourite destinations in the province of Malaga for this summer are Nerja, Frigiliana, Cómpeta, El Borge, Ronda, Villanueva del Rosario, Alhaurín de la Torre and Torrox.
Trends
For August, customers would mainly look for spacious, bright, modern houses, with privacy and views, as well as jacuzzis, hydromassage baths, fireplaces, barbecues and leisure elements -ping pong or billiards. Families travelling with their pets almost doubled compared to last year, representing almost 10% of the total number of reservations made.
Positive low season
The demand for rural tourism is also strong in the current low season. The report was made at the beginning of February. At that time, reservations in the province of Malaga for the current month were over 52%. The occupancy of the weekend of February 10 to 12 increased in the province by almost four percentage points compared to 2022.
Related post: And the Spanish capital of rural tourism 2022 is..?
