Copyright euroweeklynews
Spanish tourism sector is celebrating another strong performance, with hotel occupancy figures for October confirming a solid autumn season across the entire Valencian Community, according to new data released by the Hotel and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community (HOSBEC). Valencia city has recorded the best results in the region, reaching an average occupancy rate of 91.7 per cent in the second half of October and 89 per cent across the whole month, matching last year’s figures. Benidorm continues to perform well, rising by half a point compared with October 2024, closing the month at nearly 86 per cent average occupancy. Why Valencia is outperforming Benidorm and Costa Blanca this autumn The surprise comes from Castellon, where occupancy grew by 1.3 points, approaching 73 per cent in the second half of the month, highlighting a tourism season that is increasingly stretching beyond the summer peak. Across all destinations, the international market has been decisive. In Valencia, 69 per cent of guests were international visitors. In Benidorm, the figure reached 64 per cent, and in Castellon, 63 per cent. During World Travel Market week, HOSBEC confirms that the British market remains the leading international source, especially in Benidorm, where 46.5 per cent of stays were made by UK travellers. Benidorm keeps its winning pace Known as the “New York of the Mediterranean”, Benidorm closed October with strong figures: over 83 per cent occupancy in the second half of the month and 85 point eight per cent overall, outperforming last year’s results. The British market continues to dominate, accounting for 45.7 per cent of all overnight stays, followed by domestic tourism at 36.4 per cent. Belgium and the Netherlands remain stable, each contributing between 3 and 4 per cent. Four-star hotels remain the top choice, reaching 84.1 per cent occupancy mid-month and 86 per cent overall. Three-star hotels followed closely behind. For November, Benidorm forecasts occupancy of around 78.8 per cent, signalling healthy demand and scope for last-minute bookings. Valencia leads tourism recovery in the region Valencia province closed October with an 83 point nine per cent average occupancy, slightly below last year but confirming sustained demand. The city itself reached 91.7 per cent occupancy in the second half of October and a monthly average of 88.9 per cent, reinforcing its position as a consolidated year-round destination. International visitors continue to diversify: the main markets include the UK, Germany, Italy, the United States, France and the Netherlands, with steady flows from Switzerland, Belgium and Ireland. Three-star hotels in the province nearly reached full capacity at 97.5 per cent, followed by four-star (89.4 per cent) and five-star (86.9 per cent) accommodation. November forecasts sit between seventy-six and seventy-nine per cent, strong for the start of the low season. Castellon delivers the biggest surprise Castellon ended October with 67.5 per cent average occupancy, above last year’s figure. Domestic tourism remains the backbone here, with national travellers representing 66.4 per cent of stays. However, international tourism is gaining traction, especially from the UK (10 per cent) and France (7.9 per cent). Other European markets (Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Italy) also contributed. Four-star hotels reached 72.8 per cent occupancy, with three-star properties improving to 72.6 per cent. Forecasts for early November sit at 61.6 per cent, a natural shift into the low season. Costa Blanca and South Alicante soften slightly The Costa Blanca closed October at 75.2 per cent, compared with 81.3 per cent last year, marking a moderate adjustment during a transitional month. South Alicante reflected the same trend, with a second-half occupancy of 67.6 per cent. The Costa Blanca maintains a strong pull among British travellers, alongside growing interest from Nordic countries, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland. Spanish tourists represented 33.6 per cent of stays in the second half of the month. Three-star hotels are losing competitiveness, dropping six points compared with last year, while four-star hotels maintain high occupancy levels. Bookings for November currently stand at 65.5 per cent for the Costa Blanca and 60 per cent for South Alicante.
