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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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🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Hotel Occupancy in Valencia Region Rises Despite Iran Conflict

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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