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Nuria Montes leads a trade mission with businessmen to strengthen relations with the United Kingdom in the field of innovation and tourism

The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism will travel to London and Edinburgh from October 11 to 13, accompanied by a delegation of businessmen from the Valencian Community
Montes: “This official visit includes an intense agenda of events and business meetings in both sectors, innovation and tourism”
In addition, the Valencian Community will star in Hispanic Heritage Day in London, with a destination presentation where gastronomy will be promoted by chef Quique Dacosta
The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nuria Montes, seeks to strengthen relations with the United Kingdom in the field of tourism and innovation, with the aim of 'reactivating' the British market in the Valencian Community.

Montes, aware of the recent loss of seats by some airlines regarding the Edinburgh-Alicante connection, advocates "relaunching this route again", since, in his opinion, "there is a lot of stagnant demand, which can be very important during this winter,” he added.

For this reason, the head of Turisme will travel to Great Britain this week, specifically from October 11 to 13, together with the regional Secretary of Industry, Felipe Carrasco; the Councilor for Tourism of the Valencia City Council, Paula Llobet; representatives of the Council of Chambers of the Valencian Community, accompanied by a wide representation of businessmen and tourism entities of the Valencian Community, such as APHA, Hosbec and Visit Benidorm, among others.

Nuria Montes wanted to highlight that the department she directs has prepared “an intense agenda of events and business meetings with innovation agents, and with tour operators and travel agents in London and Edinburgh.” Furthermore, she has announced that “the Valencian Community is going to be the protagonist of Hispanic Heritage Day in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the October 12 Festival.”

Likewise, the Minister has indicated that “we will finish this promotional mission in Scotland, with a specific action in Edinburgh”; where a meeting of the Valencian delegation with the main tour operators in the area is planned, and a street marketing promotional action that will recreate a beach in one of the largest tourist centers in the city.

The United Kingdom is the main source market for foreign tourism for the Valencian Community, and during this year, it has accumulated an increase of 16.5% compared to the previous year, with the notable arrival of more than 1.43 million English people from January to July 2023, according to the latest published Frontur data. Furthermore, the British have spent a total of 1.45 million euros on our destination during the first seven months of the year.

Presentation of the destination in London

The objective of this institutional trip is to attract more visitors from the United Kingdom to the Valencian Community, for this Turisme has organized, together with the Chamber of Commerce of Alicante and Turespaña, a destination presentation of the Valencian Community that will gather on Thursday, October 12 , at the Spanish Embassy in London, to nearly 600 British professionals and media.

In this way, the Valencian Community will star in the celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Festival in the British capital, where the best of Valencian gastronomy will be promoted by the three Michelin Star chef, Quique Dacosta, who will prepare paella and seafood rice through of a showcooking.

During this event, special emphasis will be placed on the promotion of L'Exquisit Mediterrani with the participation of professors from the Network of Tourism Centers of the Valencian Community (CdT). Thus, Valencian wines will be served, horchata with fartons, oil tastings will be carried out and typical desserts from our land will be made made with Xixona nougat and Valencian citrus fruits.

On Friday, October 13, the group of this trade mission headed by the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, will travel to Edinburgh.

Meetings with British companies and tour operators

Throughout the three days of this business tourism mission, Nuria Montes has planned meetings with the most important tour operators in the United Kingdom, such as ABTA (Association of British Tour Operators), as well as meetings with directors of companies such as Innovate UK or the Green Hydrogen Alliance. , among other.

In addition, the head of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Consell will visit designer furniture companies from the Valencian Community that have a permanent showroom in the city of London such as Actiu, Andreu Worlds, or Porcelanosa in the Clerkenwell area.

The Minister's agenda also includes a meeting with the director of the organizing company of 'The Fifty Best', as well as with the president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in London, Eduardo Barrachina, and the Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Embassy of Spain in London, Álvaro Nadal.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 17th–23rd August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking

🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island

🪂 Parasailing

🌊 Jet ski experiences

🏐 Beach volleyball

🏖️ Family beach activities

🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Summer Entertainment

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.

🎬 Cine en la Playa

The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.

It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.

🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night

Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.

🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.

🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.

🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities

The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.

Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.

📅 Monday 17 August

The celebrations continue with:

🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town

⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing

⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa

🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage

🎺 1.00pm – Band entry

🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces

🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor

The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.

📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day

The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.

The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.

🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer

Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week

The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle

🏛️ Historic museums

⛰️ Mountain viewpoints

🌿 Walking routes

☕ Traditional cafés

🛍️ Local shops and crafts

August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.

For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.

The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.

🎶 Friday 21 August

Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.

The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.

🌊 FINESTRAT

🎭 Patron Saint Festivities

Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.

This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.

⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football

Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.

CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.

🎨 ALTEA

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.

The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.

🎨 Summer Art

Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.

The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.

🌉 Evening Altea

Visitors can enjoy:

🎨 Art galleries

🛍️ Artisan shopping

🍷 Old-town restaurants

🎶 Summer music

🌅 Sunset walks

📸 Views from the church square

🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA

Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.

🏖️ Beaches and coves

🚤 Boat trips

🏄 Water sports

🎢 Theme parks

💦 Water parks

🎿 Cable Ski

🚲 Cycling and coastal walks

🌅 Sunset cruises

🎶 Live music and nightlife

August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm

🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía

🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm

🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm

🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa

🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm

🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm

🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season

🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing

🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale

🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía

⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat

🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue

🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm

🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa

🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday

♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer

🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular

🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.

AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.

Visitors should:

💧 Drink plenty of water

🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen

🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities

🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours

🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening

🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk

If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.

The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉