Marbella Hotel Sector Witnesses Record Occupancy Rates
The hotel industry in Marbella has experienced its highest occupancy rates and revenue per available room (RevPAR) since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the tourism sector. The Spanish Statistical Office (INE) reports that the tourist hotspot saw a 15.24% increase in visitors in November 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.
Record-Breaking Occupancy Rates Since 2004
Marbella’s hotels enjoyed a 58.97% occupancy rate in November, setting a new record for the month since 2004, according to Laura de Arce, the general director of Tourism. She noted that tourist arrivals in November were on the rise, reaching the highest level for the penultimate month of the year since records began.
Foreign Client Numbers Surpass Pre-Pandemic Records
De Arce highlighted that November saw very positive occupancy rates and, for the first time this year, the number of foreign clients surpassed even pre-pandemic records.
Factors Contributing to the Spike in Tourism
Hoteliers in Marbella attribute the surge in tourism to the successful vaccination campaigns across Europe and improved economic sentiment. The majority of the visitors were from Germany, with 1,000 more German tourists visiting the Costa del Sol town in November compared to the same period in 2019.
Unstoppable Tourist Arrivals from the Netherlands and France
Tourist arrivals from the Netherlands and France in November were unstoppable and the highest since 2004. However, the number of British holidaymakers is still far from pre-pandemic levels. De Arce noted that British tourists are gradually returning and the year is ending with much more optimism than the previous one.
Unprecedented Levels of Demand Despite Pandemic
De Arce added that the penultimate month of 2021 brought more than positive data for the city’s hotels, with some witnessing unprecedented levels of demand. She acknowledged that European tourism might decline in December due to the ongoing pandemic, but remained positive about the situation.
Marbella’s Tourism Campaigns and Hidden Gems
In related news, tourism chiefs in Marbella have launched campaigns to preserve the resort’s beaches. The city, known as the gem of the Costa del Sol, is also home to one of Spain’s best-kept secrets: The Guadalhorce Valley.
