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Benidorm Mayor Highlights Role of Events in Year-Round Tourism at Menorca Forum

Alaior, Menorca / 12th April 2026

The Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, has underlined the growing importance of major events in driving tourism and reducing seasonality, as industry leaders gathered for the final day of the Menorca Tourism, Events and Celebrations Fair.

Speaking during a high-level roundtable in Alaior, Pérez joined key figures including Marga Prohens, Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism Rosario Sánchez Grau, international consuls and tourism sector representatives.

Events as a Strategic Tourism Driver

Pérez described major events as a “strategic tool” for destinations seeking to extend visitor demand beyond peak seasons.

“Events are planned where there is still room for growth, acting as a catalyst to increase occupancy, attract new audiences and reinforce the image of destinations as year-round locations,” he said.

He highlighted Benidorm’s experience in hosting a wide range of events, from international sporting competitions to cultural festivals, noting their role in strengthening the city’s global profile.

Boosting Economic Impact and Visibility

The mayor pointed to well-known events such as:

Benidorm Fest
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Benidorm
Benidorm Half Marathon

Alongside cultural initiatives like the Skyline Film Festival and Les Ones Festival.

According to Pérez, these events deliver both direct and long-term benefits, including:

Increased hotel occupancy and visitor spending
Greater international visibility
Attraction of new tourism segments
Stronger visitor loyalty and repeat travel

He emphasised that investment in events is not only about immediate returns but also about long-term destination positioning.

Tourism as a Key Economic Sector

Pérez also described tourism as a core economic industry, stressing its role in generating employment, wealth and stability.

“Tourism is an industry that cannot be outsourced. It creates immediate and positive effects on the local economy,” he said.

He added that when properly managed, tourism can also support social sustainability, benefiting local communities as well as visitors.

Final Day Focus on Collaboration

The final day of the Menorca forum has focused on collaboration between public institutions and private sector stakeholders, with discussions centred on innovation, sustainability and the future of tourism in Spain.

The event has brought together international and national leaders, reinforcing the importance of shared strategies to adapt to changing travel patterns and global challenges.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 3rd - 9th Aug 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

Visitor numbers continue to climb as August reaches its peak, with hotels across the region approaching full occupancy ahead of the 12 August Total Solar Eclipse, which is expected to attract thousands more visitors to the Costa Blanca.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity, with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l'Albir Beach remains available until 30 September, with trained staff and adapted equipment helping visitors with reduced mobility enjoy the sea safely.

Things to enjoy:

Guided walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🏰 Guadalest

Recently strengthening its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's must-visit inland attractions.

Explore:

The medieval castle
Mountain viewpoints
Museums
Traditional streets
Local craft shops
Scenic cafés

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes
Summer Cultural Programme

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

🌞 Solar Eclipse Countdown

Hotels across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca are nearing capacity ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August, with tourism officials expecting one of the busiest weeks of the summer.

Visitors planning to stay for the eclipse are advised to book accommodation, restaurants and excursions as early as possible.

🚔 Summer Safety

Following another successful week with enhanced policing, additional patrols remain in place across beaches, promenades, nightlife areas and tourist hotspots.

The high wildfire risk also remains in force across much of Alicante Province. Visitors are reminded not to light fires or barbecues in rural areas and to report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 112.

📅 Coming Up

Total Solar Eclipse – 12 August
Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts
Evening artisan markets
Beach sports
Family entertainment
Nightly live music
Extended opening hours at attractions

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 BENIDORM letters remain a top attraction
♿ Accessible beach at Albir open until September
🏰 Guadalest continues Smart Tourism development
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Arts, music and markets across the Costa Blanca
🌞 Solar Eclipse visitors boost August bookings
☀️ Peak summer season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of classic Mediterranean sunshine is expected.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Warm sea temperatures make conditions ideal for swimming and water sports, although visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon. Local authorities also continue to monitor wildfire conditions, with restrictions possible in some natural areas if the fire risk increases.