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HOSBEC Calls for a 21st-Century Mobility Strategy for the Valencian Community

Valencian Community / 28 February 2026

The HOSBEC (Business Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Valencian Community) has issued an urgent appeal to public administrations and mobility sector stakeholders to lead a transition towards a modern, efficient and forward-looking transport model.

The call follows news of potential mobilisations by various groups involved in urban and interurban mobility — disputes that could impact the competitiveness and tourism image of the Valencian Community.

HOSBEC President Fede Fuster stressed that confrontation cannot define the future of transport in one of Europe’s leading international destinations.

“We cannot adopt a passive attitude,” said Fuster. “Taxis and ride-hailing services cannot be enemies but essential pieces of the same puzzle.”

In a region that prioritises public transport, promotes low-emission zones (LEZs) and welcomes millions of international visitors each year, HOSBEC argues that the debate must focus on the user — not on licences or labour disputes.

“The 21st-century resident and tourist is looking for safety, immediacy and quality,” Fuster added. “It is pointless to demand millions in airport investment or high-speed rail if we cannot guarantee efficient onward transport without long waits.”

HOSBEC believes both the taxi sector and ride-hailing platforms are necessary components of a modern mobility ecosystem. The association points out that coexistence models already function successfully in hundreds of cities worldwide.

“While autonomous vehicles are already operating in some countries, here we remain locked in sterile conflicts that leave only one loser: the user,” said Fuster.

The tourism body is calling for smart regulation that allows transport supply to adapt in real time to demand — particularly at airports and railway stations — while maintaining excellence in service, sustainability through ECO and zero-emission fleets, and strong customer care standards.

For the tourism sector, mobility is not a secondary issue but a key pillar of destination reputation.

“A destination’s image is built from the moment travellers arrive,” Fuster concluded. “21st-century mobility means putting residents and tourists at the heart of every decision. We want efficient services, exemplary coexistence and transport that strengthens our tourism competitiveness.”

🌴 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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HOSBEC Calls for a 21st-Century Mobility Strategy for the Valencian Community

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