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Carlos Mazón appeals to unity to demand the expansion of the airports of Valencia and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández and affirms that delaying it “is irresponsible”

Carlos Mazón appeals to unity to demand the expansion of the airports of Valencia and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández and affirms that...It underlines the leadership of the Valencian Community in tourism forecasts and points to the need to “resolve now” these infrastructures “because every day that passes is a loss of employment, competitiveness and economic impact”

He points out that on May 8 the study of the need for the second runway at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport will be presented “with rigor and solvency.”

Claims the tourism industry for its contribution to economic and social development and reiterates the Consell's commitment to defending it and a model compatible with sustainability
It highlights the tourism policies that this Council has implemented, such as the elimination of the tourist tax “in which the sector goes from resignation to ambition”

The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has appealed to the unity of the tourism sector to demand the second runway of the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport, as well as the expansion of the Manises airport during his participation in the General Assembly of Hosbec (Hotel Business Association and tourism of the Valencian Community) and has stated that delaying it “is irresponsible.”

The head of the Consell has pointed out in his speech the leadership of the Valencian Community in tourism forecasts and has highlighted the 25% increase in foreign tourists in our territory between January and February 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, when the Spanish average It stands at 16%.

In this sense, he has pointed out the need to “resolve now” the expansions of the airports and has advanced that on May 8 the study of the need for the second runway will be presented at the Alicante fair institution and together with the Chamber of Commerce. of the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport “which will prove the need and urgency” of this infrastructure because “every day that passes is a loss of employment, competitiveness and economic impact.”

Defense of the tourism industry

During his speech, Carlos Mazón reiterated the commitment of this Council to the defense of the tourism industry of the Community and praised its “drive, complicity and rigor”, its contribution to the social and economic development of our territory and the joint work carried out. with the sector.

Thus, he has defended tourism as “another industry in our territory in which other different things are manufactured, with the same dignity and quality as the rest of the productive sectors”, while stating that “the Valencian Community does not even want, "You cannot, nor should you, give up any activity." Likewise, he has advocated for “rigor, common sense and balance” with a growth model compatible with sustainability.

Along these lines, he stated that in the Community "we have cured ourselves of the allergy to tourism" and has referred to the change in tourism policies that the Consell has implemented "with work and ambition, with guarantees and legal security", as well as to the integration of environmental, socioeconomic and territorial sustainability criteria in our tourism offer.

Likewise, he stressed that the elimination of the tourist tax by this Consell “was not just a regulatory action or tax measure” but “a declaration of intentions in which tourism went from resignation to ambition.”

Likewise, he has pointed out that at international fairs in the sector "the Consell no longer goes to promote it with small mouths because we believe we are the model and we are never going to put it under surveillance."

🌴 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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Carlos Mazón appeals to unity to demand the expansion of the airports of Valencia and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández and affirms that delaying it “is irresponsible”

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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