PROPERTY SEARCH
Benidorm hotels nearly full as October season stays strong
The resort recorded 89.8% occupancy in the first half of the month, with British visitors leading the market
Benidorm’s hotels were almost full during the first half of October, with 89.8% of rooms occupied, according to figures from hotel association HOSBEC.The result confirms the resort’s strength outside the summer months. Across the Valencian Community, hotels recorded average occupancy of 85.1% in the first fortnight, 3.3 points higher than a year earlier.
British tourists made up 45.2% of Benidorm’s hotel guests, ahead of Spanish visitors at 34.8%. The Netherlands accounted for 3.5%, Belgium 3.2% and Ireland 2.7%.
Two-star hotels performed best in Benidorm, reaching 92% occupancy. Three-star hotels recorded 91.1% and four-star establishments 89.5%.
The outlook for the rest of the month is also strong, with 84.2% of Benidorm’s rooms already booked for the second half of October.
Costa Blanca and Alicante South
Elsewhere on the Costa Blanca, excluding Benidorm, hotels recorded 82.3% occupancy during the first two weeks of the month.
Spanish guests were the largest market there, at 32.8%, followed by British visitors at 20.3%. Belgium accounted for 7%, Norway 6.7% and Ireland 6%.
Four-star hotels led the way with 87.5% occupancy, compared with 73.5% for three-star properties. Bookings for the second half of October stand at 73.7%.
Alicante South recorded 69.6% occupancy. Half of its guests were Spanish, while the United Kingdom accounted for 16%. Germany, Italy and Belgium each contributed 4.3%.
The difference between hotel categories was pronounced in Alicante South. Four-star hotels reached 86.8% occupancy, while three-star hotels recorded 52.6%. Confirmed bookings for the second half of the month stand at 64.1%.
A longer season
HOSBEC said the figures show the region is becoming less dependent on the summer peak.
“This data confirms something the sector has been building for years: the Valencian Community is now almost a year-round destination. Having hotels at this level in the middle of October is no coincidence,” the association said.
HOSBEC general secretary Nuria Montes said the extension of the season also benefits the wider economy.
“Seasonal adjustment isn’t just good news for hotels. It also means more stable employment, more activity for retail and restaurants, and a better distribution of visitors throughout the year, which is the most sustainable way to grow,” she said.
The association warned that the momentum is not guaranteed. It is calling for better air connectivity, consistent promotion in key markets and a regulatory framework that gives businesses greater certainty as the sector looks to extend tourism further into winter.
Image: Martijn Vonk and Manuel Bechis/Unsplash
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