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Costa Blanca Defies National Downturn as Hotel Occupancy Reaches 72.6% in Early February

 

Valencian Community / 23 February 2026

 

Hotel occupancy across the Valencian Community closed the first half of February 2026 at 72.6%, delivering a strong performance in what remains the off-season. While most Spanish destinations are experiencing a downward correction compared to 2025, the Costa Blanca has emerged as the clear exception — driving tourism growth in an otherwise contracting national market.

 

Across Spain, February began with lower occupancy figures than the previous year, mirroring January’s trend. However, the Costa Blanca (excluding Benidorm) recorded a historic performance, surpassing 75% occupancy, consolidating its position as one of Spain’s most resilient winter sun destinations.

 

Costa Blanca Leads the Way

The Costa Blanca reached 75.2% occupancy, more than four percentage points higher year-on-year. The area’s diversified positioning — particularly its strength in sports tourism and mid-stay European segments — has been key to this success.

 

The British market continues to play a fundamental role in this growth. Alongside the UK, Belgium, Nordic markets (especially Norway), Poland, France and the Netherlands all posted gains, while the share of the domestic Spanish market decreased significantly. This growing internationalisation has strengthened resilience during a period of national correction.

 

Southern Alicante recorded 69.3% occupancy, slightly below 2025 levels, reflecting its stronger reliance on domestic demand.

 

Forward bookings for the second half of February remain strong, with 73.7% already confirmed on the Costa Blanca, suggesting a stable close to the month.

 

Benidorm: Stable and Supported by the UK Market

Benidorm closed the first half of February at 72.5% occupancy, slightly below last year (-1.7 points).

 

The United Kingdom has now become the leading source market, accounting for 41.5% of total occupancy, surpassing the domestic Spanish market (40.5%). The Netherlands and Belgium remain stable, while Ireland saw a decline.

 

Despite a modest correction, Benidorm remains highly resilient thanks to its international infrastructure and loyal British customer base. Confirmed bookings for the second half of February already stand at 73%, indicating stability for the remainder of the month.

 

Wider Regional Context

Other provinces recorded moderate adjustments:

• Province of Valencia: 71% occupancy
• City of Valencia: 71.2% (matching 2025 levels)
• Province of Castellón: 69.1%

 

The decline across several destinations is primarily attributed to a contraction in the domestic market. Weather alerts, travel disruption following the recent train accident, and a sombre national atmosphere have influenced travel decisions, particularly among short-haul and proximity markets where postponements are easier.

 

Nevertheless, an average occupancy approaching 73% during the off-season demonstrates the Valencian Community’s strong structural demand and international appeal.

 

Statement from Nuria Montes, General Secretary of HOSBEC

“The Costa Blanca has once again demonstrated its strength and international positioning, particularly in diversified European markets. In a context of national correction, maintaining nearly three out of every four hotel beds occupied in February is a very positive result.”

 

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