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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

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 10th–16th August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another huge week of summer, with beaches busy, nightlife in full swing and a packed programme of festivals, sport, culture and family entertainment across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The big talking point this week is the 12 August solar eclipse, with Benidorm and the surrounding coastline preparing for an extraordinary evening as the Moon covers almost the entire face of the Sun.

Hotels are also enjoying strong August demand. Latest regional forecasts put Benidorm's August hotel occupancy at around 92%, underlining the strength of the peak summer season.

☀️ 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 continue to provide one of the city's newest photo opportunities, with the installation made from recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean.

🎿 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.

🎶 Entertainment & Nightlife

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.

On Friday 14 August, BRESH takes over SkyFest Benidorm, bringing its mix of pop, reggaeton and commercial music to the city.

Sunday night also brings La Casita de Lo Perreo to KU Benidorm, with reggaeton, DJs and poolside summer entertainment.

🌞 THE BIG EVENT – 12 AUGUST SOLAR ECLIPSE

Wednesday 12 August is set to be one of the most unusual evenings of the summer.

In Benidorm, the eclipse will be partial but exceptionally deep, with approximately 99.5–99.6% of the Sun covered at maximum eclipse around 8.34pm. The Sun will remain very low above the western horizon and will set while the eclipse is still in progress.

This means the Costa Blanca will not experience totality in Benidorm itself, but the dramatic near-total eclipse should still create a striking change in the evening light.

Special eclipse experiences are being organised locally, including an e-bike tour through Benidorm, Albir and Altea, with an evening stop in Altea for eclipse viewing.

For those wanting to experience totality, specialist excursions are also being offered from the Costa Blanca towards areas where the eclipse is total.

⚠️ Never look directly at the Sun without proper certified eclipse protection.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

The Albir coastline remains a favourite for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Benidorm.

🚶 Monday Healthy Walk

Tonight, Monday 10 August, l’Alfàs del Pi continues its weekly healthy walking programme.

The walk begins at 8.00pm from the Anchor at Racó de l’Albir beach, with Costa Blanca Balla coordinating the August routes.

No booking is required and the activity is designed to encourage exercise, wellbeing and social interaction.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues until the end of September, offering adapted equipment and assistance for people with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the famous Albir Lighthouse Trail, coastal cycling, outdoor activities, restaurants and evening entertainment.

🏰 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

The municipality is also continuing its work towards becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability and smarter tourism management.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer programme with culture and entertainment for residents and visitors.

Highlights include the historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and the Valor Chocolate Museum, alongside summer cultural activities.

On Friday 14 August, the town hosts “Manouche Melodies”, a jazz performance by Le Jazz Hot at the Auditori La Barbera dels Aragonés.

On Saturday 15 August, an outdoor screening of Imaginary Friends is scheduled at the same venue.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations gets underway this week as Les Festes d’Agost de La Nucía run from 14–18 August.

The programme combines traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks, family activities and late-night entertainment.

Friday 14 August

The festivities officially get underway with a packed programme of traditional and family activities, followed by evening entertainment.

Saturday 15 August

The programme includes:

⛪ Mass for the Feast of the Assumption
🎺 Procession
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎶 Live music including Arre-Ak and Malifeta
🎉 Late-night festivities

Sunday 16 August

The celebrations continue with:

🎺 Despertà
⛪ Mass for San Roque
🌸 Floral offering
💃 Traditional dances
🎶 Los Manolos live
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎮 Free gaming and family activities

The official programme confirms that the festivities continue through 18 August.

🌅 FINESTRAT

🏐 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament – 15 August

One of the Costa Blanca's great sporting traditions returns to La Cala de Finestrat on Saturday 15 August.

The 49th edition of the tournament will feature men's and women's 4x4 beach volleyball, bringing together high-level players, amateur competitors and spectators.

The tournament has become a major fixture of the summer sporting calendar and is expected to attract large crowds to La Cala.

🎭 Summer Culture

Finestrat's summer cultural programme also continues, with concerts and performances taking place around the historic village and Auditori del Castell.

On Friday 14 August, the Auditori del Castell hosts a concert by Rondalla Cordes i Veus Font del Molí and La Dolça Parranda de Tibi.

The town is also preparing for its major Patron Saint celebrations, which begin on 15 August and continue until 24 August.

🎭 ALTEA

Following the huge Castell de l’Olla fireworks spectacular last weekend, Altea returns to its summer rhythm of art, culture, music and tourism.

The historic old town remains a major attraction, with its whitewashed streets, galleries, restaurants and famous church square.

Visitors can also enjoy:

🎨 Balconades – outdoor art displayed around the old town
🛍️ Evening artisan market
🎶 Summer concerts
🍷 Waterfront dining
🌅 Sunset walks

The Balconades exhibition continues to turn balconies and façades in the old town into an open-air art gallery through August.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

With visitor numbers at their seasonal peak, enhanced policing and emergency arrangements remain in place across major tourist areas.

Following the recent fireworks incident at Castell de l’Olla, visitors are also reminded to follow official safety advice at large public events and to rely on information from local authorities and emergency services.

The high summer wildfire risk also remains an important consideration. Visitors should follow local restrictions, avoid fires or barbecues in prohibited areas and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🌞 10 Aug – Monday healthy walk, Racó de l’Albir
🌒 12 Aug – Near-total solar eclipse visible from Benidorm
🚴 12 Aug – Special eclipse experiences around Albir/Altea
🎶 14 Aug – BRESH at SkyFest Benidorm
🎭 14 Aug – Manouche Melodies, Villajoyosa
🎉 14–18 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía
🎭 14 Aug – Rondalla Cordes i Veus, Finestrat
🏐 15 Aug – 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament
🎬 15 Aug – Imaginary Friends, Villajoyosa
🎶 16 Aug – Los Manolos, La Nucía
🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across Benidorm

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season
🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing
🌞 Near-total eclipse on 12 August
🧜 Summer attractions continue across Benidorm
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues until September
🏐 La Cala hosts its 49th beach volleyball tournament
🎉 La Nucía's major August fiestas begin
🎨 Altea's summer art and cultural programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The Costa Blanca remains firmly in summer mode, with hot Mediterranean conditions expected.

Visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the afternoon and take particular care during outdoor activities.

For the eclipse, certified solar viewing protection is essential. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for looking at the Sun. In Benidorm, the eclipse will remain partial, despite the exceptionally high level of coverage.

The message for the week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night – and on Wednesday, look to the sky. 🌴🌞🌒