Positive Tourist Data in the Province
The Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS) highlighted today that hotel occupancy in the province during August reached 88.4%. Among the four destinations that exceeded 90% occupancy, the municipality of Marbella was not included. The organization also estimated an occupancy rate of 84.52% for September and 76.27% for October.
Hotel Occupancy in Malaga Province
AEHCOS reported an 88.44% hotel occupancy in the province of Malaga during August 2023. These figures are in line with those recorded in August 2022 (88.08%). Despite lower figures in July and August compared to 2022 and 2019 respectively, AEHCOS President José Luque expressed satisfaction with the gross impact per guest, which allowed tourists to spend more.
Increased Average Gross Income per Guest
The Average Gross Income per Guest (IBCA) reached 143.51 euros, an increase of almost 10 euros per guest, representing a 6.6% increase from the previous year. Luque noted a decrease in domestic demand due to inflation, interest rate hikes, and other factors that have reduced families’ purchasing power and domestic demand.
Looking for New Market Niches
Luque emphasized the need to not only enhance and increase promotion in the domestic market, but also to seek new demand niches and alternative markets such as Latin America, India, Japan, South Korea, and other European countries where demand is currently marginal.
Occupancy Expectations for Upcoming Months
The association expects an occupancy rate of 84.52% for September and 76.27% for October. In September, the percentage is expected to be the same as in August: 60% international tourism and 40% domestic, with international tourists increasing to 65% in October.
Most Demanded Destinations
In August, several municipalities exceeded 90% occupancy, such as Torremolinos (94.95%), Fuengirola (94.18%), Estepona (91.84%), and Mijas (91.84%), with Marbella not among the favorite destinations. For September, Torremolinos is currently the most demanded municipality with 92.59%, while in October, Malaga Capital is the most demanded with 80.44%.
Future Demand Trends
These latest figures are still indicative as we need to see how demand evolves in the current availability of air seats among other references, and the autumn slope in tourist behavior, concluded the Executive Committee.
