Marbella Sees Increased Tourist Numbers but Decreased Shopping
Marbella has experienced a surge in tourist numbers this summer, but this has not translated into increased shopping, according to a survey conducted among the town’s old centre traders. The annual survey, carried out by the association of traders and business professionals in the area, revealed that while there were more tourists this year, they spent less in the local shops.
Impact of Tourist Flats on Local Economy
The traders attribute this trend to the rise of tourist flats. They argue that these tourists are less likely to shop, resulting in a significant expense for the public coffers and little benefit to the local economy. The association also expressed concerns about the town’s planning, cleaning, maintenance, and waste collection services, which they feel have been neglected.
Concerns Over Public Road Footpaths
Another issue raised by the traders is the overcrowding of public road footpaths. They claim that the high foot traffic and the number of tables and chairs from bar and restaurant terraces make it difficult for passers-by to browse or see shop windows. The association has objected to a new council order that allows for an increase in occupation of up to 50%.
Summer Season: A Mixed Bag
Despite these concerns, the survey revealed that 65% of the shops in Marbella’s old town believe the summer season has been good. A further 10% rated it as very good, while 25% said it was average. Among those in the hotel sector, 80% believe it has been a good summer season.
Tourist Nationalities: A Diverse Mix
The survey also shed light on the nationalities of the tourists visiting Marbella. The most popular nationalities were Arab, English, Spanish, and Nordic, followed by French, Irish, Dutch, Belgian, and Italian.
