Public Awaiting a Procession in Marbella Amidst Rainy Weather
Spectators are waiting with umbrellas for a procession in Marbella. The Holy Week in the province of Malaga is expected to conclude with a hotel occupancy rate of 75.98%, according to data provided by the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos).
Hotel Occupancy Rates Drop Compared to Previous Years
These figures represent approximately a 10% decrease compared to the data recorded in 2023, when the hotel occupancy rate was 84.23%, and even 12 points lower than in 2019 (86%). Despite the fact that Holy Week has not yet ended, and the holiday weekend has not even begun, the hotel association of the Costa del Sol has already provided a balance with the figures it has on hand.
Rainy Weather Negatively Impacts Reservations
These data are conditioned by the rain, which is considered to have had a “very negative” impact on reservations, causing “many travelers to back out”. This was pointed out by the president of Aehcos, José Luque Manzano, in a statement.
Analysis of Hotel Occupancy During Holy Week
The hotel association analyzes the occupancy during Holy Week with reference to two date ranges. The first one, from March 22 to April 1 (10 nights), where the occupancy will be 75.98%. And the holiday weekend, from March 27 to April 1 (5 nights), the key dates, where the occupancy will be 74.58%. In the last two years, 2022 and 2023, more than 80% occupancy was exceeded in the province of Malaga.
Last-Minute Reservations and Weather Forecast Impact Occupancy Rates
However, not only last-minute reservations have influenced the drop in hotel occupancy figures, but also the increase in cancellations in hotel accommodations due to the rain forecast for the coming days. “These three factors have served as a breeding ground for the poor data this Holy Week,” they add.
Hotel Occupancy Rates by Municipality
By municipalities, and in the range from March 22 to April 1 (10 nights), only two municipalities are above 80% hotel occupancy. These are Benalmádena, with 85.48%, and Ronda with 81.45%. Other locations such as Nerja have a hotel occupancy of 79.48%, followed by Axarquía (71.93%) or Frigiliana-Torrox (70.09%).
Hotel Occupancy Rates During the Holy Week Holiday Weekend
As for the Holy Week holiday weekend, from March 27 to April 1 (5 nights), Benalmádena leads the occupancy with 81.26%, followed by Ronda (77.75%), Nerja (76.86%) and Axarquía (75.76%). The Aehcos association has not provided data on Marbella.
