Hotel Occupancy in Valencia Region Rises Despite Iran Conflict

Valencian Community / 20 March 2026

Hotel occupancy across the Valencian Community has remained robust in the first half of March, exceeding 2025 figures, despite ongoing Iran conflict. Averaging 76.4%, the sector’s performance highlights the region’s resilience and the strategic role of tourism in the economy. International visitors account for over 60% of guests, underscoring the Valencian Community’s global appeal.

Key Markets and Destinations:

Valencia City: North Americans remain the leading international market, with 7.9% of hotel guests, reflecting the city’s strength in attracting global visitors even amid geopolitical tensions. The approach of the Fallas festival has further boosted demand, raising city-wide occupancy to 79.7%.

Benidorm: British tourists dominate, representing over 50% of guests, while the domestic market has declined to 30%. Irish tourism has grown significantly, surpassing traditional markets like Belgium and the Netherlands. Overall occupancy in the first half of March reached 77.9%, with four- and three-star hotels performing strongly.

Costa Blanca (excluding Benidorm): Achieved 74% occupancy, supported by a diversified international market led by the UK, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. While domestic demand has dipped slightly, bookings remain solid.

Castellón: The province continues to attract loyal Spanish visitors, with a first-half occupancy of 74.9%, and is seeing growth in international arrivals, increasing its share from 15% in 2025 to 22% in 2026.

Market Trends:

Four-star hotels across the region generally maintained high occupancy, while three-star establishments saw modest gains, reflecting stable demand.

Forecasts for the second half of March remain positive, with confirmed bookings averaging 74%, ahead of Holy Week and local festivals.

Statements from HOSBEC:
Nuria Montes, Secretary General of HOSBEC, said:
"Our latest data confirms that international confidence in the Valencian Community is strong. The region continues to attract visitors from key markets, ensuring a solid start to the tourist season despite global uncertainties."

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