Marbella tourism figures are highest in five years

According to the latest figures released from the Institute of National Statistics, Marbella’s tourism industry is well on the road to recovery.

This summer, the municipality of Marbella has registered a twelve per cent increase in overnight stays, according to the Institute of  National Statistics (INE).

Fuller figures

Representing 216,643 overnight stays in the area, the statistics demonstrate the Costa del Sol’s annual average increase (2.68 per cent in the same period) has steadily improved.

The INE also released figures showing that hotel occupancy in the  Marbella area rose by seven per cent. Pleased with latest findings, Marbella’s Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz said the report clearly shows ‘recovery’ of  the town’s tourism sector.

Obamamania

At the beginning of August, America’s First Lady, Michella Obama and daughter Sasha enjoyed a 5 day break in Marbella, staying at the  luxurious Villa Padierna Hotel. With them, came national and internation press, generating positive publicity for the area and subsequently, more tourists.

Extra factors

It’s also thought that the summer downpours in countries further  north and the torrential storms in some parts of Spain spurred last-minute  breaks on the Costa del Sol.

As well as the obvious abundance of sunshine, sea and sangria, it’s  also possible that summer events such as the fabulous Björn Again ABBA tribute concert, X-Factor extravaganza, International Festival of Art or  the Food & Sun Festival have played a part in luring holidaymakers to the town this year.

Moving on up

Whatever the reason for this summer’s rise in figures, Muñoz is  excited about the future of Marbella and told the press: “These are the best figures we’ve seen in the last five years”.

With the Andalucía region coming out on top (compared to other regions in Spain), it looks like things are finally looking up for tourism,  something the region’s economy relies heavily upon.