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Benidorm is in the news this week with a mix of cultural events, sustainability initiatives, and positive updates regarding international visitors.

 

Benidorm / 25 March 2026

 

Benidorm is making headlines this week with a mix of cultural events, sustainability initiatives, and positive news for visitors. Benidorm Fest 2027 has opened early submissions for entries, with autotune now permitted, while a new historical exhibition sheds light on over a century of migration from Benidorm to French Algeria.

 

Officials have also released findings from a water-use study highlighting the impact of luxury hotels on the city’s resources, as part of ongoing sustainability planning. In a reassuring turn for international visitors,

 

British tourist Ryan Cullen, previously reported missing in the resort, has been safely located.

 

Meanwhile, Valencian author Myriam Imedio is drawing attention with her new thriller “En el nombre del fuego”, part of which is set in Benidorm, reinforcing the city’s growing profile as a hub for culture, tourism, and community engagement.

 

Benidorm is making headlines this week with a mix of cultural events, sustainability initiatives, and ongoing international human‑interest stories.

 

Benidorm Fest 2027 Launches Early Submissions

Organisers of Benidorm Fest 2027 have confirmed that the call for song entries will open on 6 April and run until 12 July, several months earlier than in previous years, as part of efforts to professionalise the event and attract wider industry participation. A notable new feature this year is the allowance of autotune in submissions, provided singers demonstrate strong vocal ability. RTVE has emphasised the festival’s independence and aims to establish it as a leading platform for Spanish music, even as questions remain about any future link to Eurovision. 

 

Cultural Heritage Exhibition Opens

Benidorm’s history is being spotlighted with a new exhibition at the Archivo Histórico Provincial de Alicante. Titled “Antes, durante y después de la Argelia francesa”, it explores over a century of migration from Benidorm and nearby areas to Orán in French Algeria, where local families maintained traditions such as Sunday beach gatherings and shared meals. The exhibit opened on 25 March 2026, shedding light on this unique chapter of regional history.

 

Focus on Sustainability: Water Use Study

Benidorm officials have released early findings from a study into the city’s water footprint, revealing that 4‑ and 5‑star hotels significantly increase local water use during the summer months. The ongoing project, which runs through 2027, aims to improve efficiency, attract European funding for sustainable infrastructure, and explore long-term solutions such as desalination and recycled water systems.

 

British Tourist Found Safe

In a positive development, the British tourist Ryan Cullen from North Ayrshire, who was reported missing in Benidorm, has now been located safe and well after days of family and public appeals. Earlier speculation on social media had raised concerns about his disappearance, but reliable sources now confirm that he has been found.

 

Family members and loved ones had previously shared details of his disappearance online — including that he was last seen walking towards Benidorm’s Old Town with no phone or money — and urged people in the area to contact authorities if they saw him. The outcome has brought relief to his family, friends, and the local community.

 

Local Culture: New Thriller Novel Set in Benidorm

Valencian author Myriam Imedio has been featured on Spanish radio promoting her new psychological thriller “En el nombre del fuego”, part of which is set in Benidorm. The book, now in its second edition within ten days of release, challenges genre stereotypes and explores themes of crime and female empowerment. Imedio is expected to return to Benidorm in May for a local book club event.