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The Valencian Community overcomes the challenges of 2024 and faces 2025 with tourist optimism

The city of Valencia closes 2024 with 79.7% occupancy, marked by the impact of the DANA in recent months
Benidorm slightly increases its annual occupancy and advances in deseasonalization
The Costa Blanca registers a 4.7 percentage point increase in its hotel occupancy during 2024
Castellón is close to 71% hotel occupancy and is growing in the months of February and March

After collecting data from the last fortnight of December, the BigdataHOSBEC department presents the balance of hotel tourism activity in the different points and areas of the Valencian Community during 2024.

Tourism in the Valencian Community has experienced a year marked by great contrasts. While destinations such as Benidorm consolidated their international leadership, the DANA in October was a specific challenge, impacting the perception and tourist activity in certain areas.

Despite these challenges, the sector has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience. The rapid response to adversity, coupled with the continued support of international markets, has allowed the Valencian Community to maintain its attractiveness as a competitive and resilient destination.

Thus, the province of Valencia closes 2024 with 81.5% hotel occupancy, matching the figures of the previous year despite the impact of the DANA in recent months. Until November, the monthly data showed sustained growth compared to 2023; however, the weather phenomenon interrupted this positive trend. Even so, the province of Valencia has managed to maintain itself as a solid destination, operating nearly 400 establishments and with an average offer of 38,000 available places.

In Valencia city, the Fallas marked an exceptional start to the year, with occupancy levels above 80% that remained stable until late autumn. However, the DANA was a hard setback, with a drop of 16 percentage points in November compared to the same month of the previous year, dragging the negative trend into December. Thus, the city closed the year with 79.7% occupancy, a decrease of 1.6 points compared to 2023. However, the international market partially offset this impact with 64.7% representation of the total, with the United States (8%), the United Kingdom (7.8%) and Italy (7%) standing out as the main issuers.

As for the Costa Blanca, 2024 has shone brightly , recording an annual occupancy of 77.6% and leading the increase in hotel occupancy with 4.7 percentage points more than in 2023. From May to October, occupancy exceeded 80%, reaching an impressive peak of 90.1% in August. Destinations such as Calpe have demonstrated their potential, achieving an annual occupancy of 81.2% thanks to its unique combination of beach, nature and cultural offering.

Furthermore, the Costa Blanca has maintained a balance in the influx of national and international visitors, with the British market representing 13.4% of international arrivals.

For its part, Benidorm has reaffirmed its position as a leading tourist icon, closing the year with an occupancy rate of 81.1%, exceeding the 80.4% of the previous year. This destination has demonstrated its ability to diversify its offer beyond the traditional “sun and beach”, with outstanding figures outside the summer months.

In September, it reached 90% occupancy , while October and the first quarter of the year also recorded notable dynamism. A clear example was the month of February, in which the destination exceeded the 2023 records by 5 points, achieving 76% occupancy and consolidating itself as an attractive destination even in winter.

In the province of Castellón, the deseasonalisation strategy has continued to be key. With a vibrant calendar that includes festivals, food fairs and sporting events, Castellón closed the year with an occupancy rate of 71%. The months of February and March were particularly notable, with increases of between 4 and 6 percentage points compared to last year.

In addition, it should be noted that despite the closures that are concentrated between November and February due to seasonality, the province maintains more than 19,000 active places, a figure that is increasing compared to 2023. The national market remains the main driver of tourism in Castellón, representing 80.2% of visitors, while the international market, led by France (4.5%), the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, continues to grow.

Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the outlook for tourism in the Valencian Community is encouraging. Early bookings haveseen a notable growth in the last few months of 2024, reflecting a change in mentality among travellers, who are looking to plan further in advance to ensure the best conditions. This phenomenon highlights the growing interest in destinations such as the Valencian Community, which are positioned as favourites both nationally and internationally.

Furthermore, the tourism promotion campaigns launched throughout the region, especially after the impact of the DANA, seek to consolidate the Valencian Community as a preferred destination. These actions not only reinforce the image of the region, but also seek to boost its economic recovery through tourism, highlighting its diverse offering adapted to all times of the year.

With these strategies in place, together with the renewed interest of travellers in planning ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for tourism in the Valencian Community, consolidating its position as one of the most attractive destinations due to the variety of its offerings.

🌴

🌴 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. 🌴🌞🌒