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Benidorm strengthens public-private partnerships at 5th Business Forum on local alliances

Benidorm / 6 May 2026

Toni Pérez has reaffirmed Benidorm’s commitment to sustainable growth, social cohesion, and economic resilience during the closing of the 5th Business Forum organised by Veolia and Red Cross.

Held at the city’s Dinapsis innovation hub, this year’s forum focused on the theme “The Success of New Local Alliances,” highlighting the growing importance of collaboration between public institutions, private companies, and social organisations.

A model built on collaboration

During his closing address, Pérez stressed that Benidorm’s key challenge is to remain a leading tourist destination while ensuring:

Equal opportunities for residents
Strong social cohesion
High quality of life

He described partnerships between businesses, NGOs, and local government as essential to achieving these goals, particularly in a city with a high level of tourism-driven economic activity.

Sustainability and economic resilience

Speakers from Veolia and the Red Cross outlined ongoing initiatives in:

Environmental management and water sustainability
Social inclusion and community support programmes
Corporate responsibility and local engagement

The mayor highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those linked to water management, noting that Benidorm has successfully reduced water consumption despite rising population and tourism numbers—a key benchmark often cited in sustainability reports about the city.

Business sector engagement

The forum also brought together major players from the local economy, including representatives from:

Hospitality and tourism associations
Hotel groups and leisure parks
Restaurant and business organisations
Discussions focused on future challenges such as:
Maintaining competitiveness in tourism
Workforce development and employment
Adapting to sustainability and digital transformation trends

Benidorm continues to stand out for its employment levels, with local unemployment rates remaining below the national average—something Pérez described as “the strongest form of social policy.”

Benidorm’s wider strategy

The event reflects a broader trend in Benidorm’s development model, which has been widely recognised for:

Data-driven urban management
Efficient water usage systems
Strong integration between tourism and local economy
Public-private collaboration frameworks

Organisers and participants highlighted that these types of forums are increasingly important as cities adapt to post-pandemic tourism demands, climate challenges, and social inequality pressures.

Looking ahead

Closing the forum, Red Cross representatives described Benidorm as an example of a “solidarity-based society”, where collaboration can drive more inclusive and sustainable growth.

Pérez concluded by emphasising that the city’s long-term success lies in its ability to reinvent itself while keeping people at the centre of its strategy.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Benidorm strengthens public-private partnerships at 5th Business Forum on local alliances

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