Marbella’s Foreign Tourist Market Remains Strong
Marbella continues to be a popular destination for foreign tourists, with over 71% of visitors in July hailing from other countries. The United Kingdom and the United States are the primary sources of these tourists.
African Tourist Numbers on the Rise
Laura de Arce, the Head of Tourism at Marbella town hall, highlighted a significant increase in tourists from African countries. An additional 2,000 visitors from Africa were recorded compared to the previous year. De Arce also mentioned that the national statistics institute of Spain does not specify nationalities, suggesting that this figure includes visitors from the Persian Gulf and Morocco.
Growth and Stability in European Tourist Markets
De Arce also noted that the German, Portuguese, Italian, and Norwegian tourist markets are growing. Meanwhile, the tourist markets from the Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland remain stable.
Hotel Occupancy Rates Increase Despite Decrease in Tourist Numbers
Although hotel occupancy rates have risen by nearly three per cent compared to last year, the number of tourists in July has decreased compared to 2023. This is attributed to the closure of about fifteen accommodations that were open last year. Despite the decrease in the number of guests, the percentages are higher.
Marbella Prioritizes Quality Over Quantity in Tourism
Marbella’s tourism department is more focused on quality than quantity. This approach has proven successful as the town has set a new record in hotel profitability, according to the national statistics institute.
Record-Breaking Hotel Profitability
Marbella has once again outdone itself in terms of revenue per occupied room, with an increase from 220.78 euros in 2023 to 239.90 euros this year. The average price has also seen a rise in July, reaching 304.32 euros, compared to 283.85 euros in 2023.
Marbella’s High-Quality Offerings Attract High-Spending Tourists
De Arce stated that Marbella’s average price is more than double the national average, which has reached 140 euros for the first time in the country’s history. This indicates that Marbella’s high-quality offerings are attracting visitors with high purchasing power and a high average expenditure.
Shortening of Seasonality in Marbella
De Arce also noted that seasonality is being shortened in Marbella, indicating a shift in the town’s tourism trends.
