Despite the current global economic slowdown, the Costa del Sol has just experienced record tourist figures for the Easter period, proving that the area remains one of Europe’s preferred holiday spots as well as property investment destinations. According to the Costa del Sol Tourist Board, average hotel occupancy – used by experts to gauge tourism levels –reached 75% along the coast, almost eight points higher than 2008, which also recorded record tourism.
Along with high hotel occupancy, bars and restaurants reported a significant increase (around 15%) in their takings compared to last year. The combination of high occupancy and takings has been widely welcomed by the area’s tourist industry, particularly after a slow start to the year. The excellent figures have taken experts by surprise and were better than those predicted by even the most optimistic.
Figures for Malaga city were even higher with hotels in the capital of the Costa del Sol registering an occupancy of 82%, a record Easter for the city. Malaga also received 11,700 cruise passengers during Easter week, an increase of almost 60% on 2008.
The Costa del Sol’s best Easter ever demonstrates that in spite of the recession, international and domestic tourists still flock to the area’s beaches and attractions. “The latest figures are excellent news,” says James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, “and prove that tourism on the Costa del Sol is enjoying excellent health.” James also highlights that Easter is usually a pointer for the summer high season. “Based on these recent figures, I think that the Costa del Sol can expect to see high tourist figures this summer,” he says.
The Costa del Sol’s tourist infrastructure is already comprehensive, but further improvements are underway. Malaga airport (Spain’s fourth busiest) is already connected to over 120 European and Spanish cities by air and now has twice-weekly direct flights to Moscow and a weekly flight to New York. The new terminal at the airport, currently under construction, is costing €300 million and when complete next year will double the airport’s capacity to 9,000 passengers an hour. Additions to hotels include a luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel due to open in Benahavis in 2010 and the luxury 5 star Vincci Selection hotel recently opened in Marbella.
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