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Valencian Community Leads Spain in Tourism Employment Growth

Valencian Community / 8 March 2026

The Valencian Community has once again emerged as Spain’s leading region for tourism employment growth, according to new figures released for February.

Marián Cano, Minister of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, welcomed the latest data, describing it as “very positive” and highlighting the continued strength of the region’s tourism sector.

Figures published by Turespaña show that employment across hotels, travel agencies and tour operators in the Valencian Community increased by 7,489 workers compared with February last year—representing a 3.8% rise, the highest growth rate of any autonomous community in Spain.

In total, the sector now employs 206,678 people across the region, including 165,730 salaried workers and 40,948 self-employed. Salaried employment saw particularly strong growth, rising by 4.4% year-on-year, while self-employment increased by 1.1%.

The strong performance is being driven in part by the continued popularity of the Costa Blanca, with resorts such as Benidorm playing a key role. Known for its year-round sunshine, beaches and vibrant nightlife, Benidorm remains a major draw for UK and international visitors, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, entertainment and travel services. Recent large-scale events, including St Patrick’s Day celebrations, have further highlighted the resort’s ability to attract high visitor numbers outside the traditional peak summer season.

Cano said the figures underline the “dynamism of the tourism sector” and its vital role in driving regional economic growth. She added that the data reinforces the Valencian Community’s position as a highly competitive destination capable of generating sustained employment.

“The growth of tourism employment demonstrates the strength of our sector and its significant contribution to the wider economy,” she said.

The minister also reaffirmed the regional government’s commitment to supporting tourism through policies focused on competitiveness, innovation and sustainability, with the aim of continuing to create jobs and long-term prosperity.

The latest figures build on strong performance earlier in the year, with the Valencian Community also leading Spain in relative tourism employment growth in January.

🌴 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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Valencian Community Leads Spain in Tourism Employment Growth

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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