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Hotels in Valencia reach pre-DANA occupancy levels for the first time

Profitability is still below 2024 levels (-7%) as the average reference price has not been recovered
The first half of February closes with the same figure as 2024 (71.3%) and confirmed reservations for the second half are already growing 4 points above last year

Tourism activity is once again driving the Valencian economy, as reflected in the hotel occupancy data for the first half of February that we have made public today. And this activity has an undoubted focus: the city of Valencia and the province, which were severely hit by the DANA of October last year.

For the first time since the DANA, hotel occupancy figures have equalled or even surpassed those of 2024. The city of Valencia has recorded a 71.3% occupancy rate, equalling the figure for the same fortnight in 2024 , and the province has pulled strongly with 73%, exceeding last year's figures by more than 3 points.

The positive news is not limited to past figures, but the forecast and confirmed bookings for the second half of February consolidate this recovery: confirmed bookings are now 3 to 4 points above last year.

There is only one negative aspect left to recover and that is profitability: average prices are currently 10% below the levels of profitability that would be normal , so there is still a lot of work to do to achieve that longed-for tourist 'normality'. The recovery of advance reservations and the reduction of cancellation rates are two aspects of the operation that must be improved in the coming months.

The sector encourages the various administrations to continue investing in tourism promotion and in the image of the destination so that these levels can be normalised as soon as possible.

The rest of the destinations in the Valencian Community are beginning to wake up from the low season with occupancy boosted by Valentine's Day and good weather.

In the province of Alicante, hotels in the south stand out (we are incorporating a new indicator) with an average of 82.5% , followed by Benidorm with 74.2% . The Costa Blanca as a whole has registered an average of 71% .

Castellón also recorded data significantly higher than those of 2024 (72.1% +8 points), a trend that is also maintained in the forecast and reservations made for the second half of the month.

Access detailed data for the first half of February segmented by areas and tourist spots in the Valencian Community by clicking on the following report: Click Here

🌴 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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Hotels in Valencia reach pre-DANA occupancy levels for the first time

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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