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The Valencian Community registers its historical maximum in international tourism in 2023 with 10.4 million arrivals

The Valencian Community received 21.8% more foreign tourists who spent 12,575 million euros, 24.5% more compared to 2022

Nuria Montes positively values these results, highlighting that 2023 has been the best tourist year and adds that the forecasts for 2024 indicate that “we will be at these figures or even higher.”
The Valencian Community has registered its historical maximum in international tourism in 2023, as shown by the surveys published this Friday by the INE regarding Tourist Movements on the Border (Frontur) and the Tourist Expenditure Survey (Egatur).

Surveys show that international tourists who visited the Valencian Community in 2023 exceeded 10.4 million (10,491,985), with an increase of 21.8% year-on-year, above the average for Spain, which is 18.7 % and spent 12,575 million euros, which represents an increase of 24.5% compared to 2022.

The Egatur survey shows that in 2023 the average expenditure per tourist amounts to 1,199 euros, increasing by 2.2% year-on-year, and the average daily expenditure in 2023 stands at 124 euros, 5% higher than that recorded in 2022.

The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nuria Montes, has assessed these results as very positive, since these figures corroborate that 2023 has been the best tourist year and confirm that “it has been the year of the true recovery of tourism for the Valencian Community”.

For Councilor Nuria Montes, “not only is the increase in tourists important, what is truly important is the increase in spending, which is still above the growth in tourists.” Furthermore, she explained that “international tourists are the ones who spend the most because they stay much longer than national tourists.”

The head of Tourism recalled that "the trends, as we advanced in the past Fitur, indicate that in 2024 the Valencian Community will be at these figures or even higher, because the sales rate is being very important."

December results

In addition, surveys show that the best number of international tourists in history was recorded in the month of December, with a total of 714,043 arrivals, 39% more than in December 2022.

Regarding spending, in December an expense of 837 million was recorded, 41.2% more, according to the latest data published this Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

Furthermore, the Egatur survey shows that, compared to December 2022, average spending per trip has increased by 1.6%, and average daily spending has increased by 5.6%.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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The Valencian Community registers its historical maximum in international tourism in 2023 with 10.4 million arrivals

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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