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Toni Pérez highlights golf tourism as a major economic driver at Costa Blanca assembly

Altea / 12 May 2026

Toni Pérez has underlined the growing importance of golf tourism to the Costa Blanca economy during the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Association of Golf Course Entrepreneurs of the Costa Blanca and Valencian Community (ACGCBCV) held at Altea Golf Club.

The event brought together tourism officials, golf industry representatives and regional authorities to discuss the continued expansion of golf tourism across the Valencian Community.

Golf tourism worth €918 million annually

During his address, Toni Pérez described golf as one of the Costa Blanca’s most strategic tourism sectors due to its ability to attract international visitors throughout the year and reduce tourism seasonality.

According to figures presented during the assembly, golf tourism currently generates:

€918 million annually in the Valencian Community
More than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs
Around 500,000 hotel overnight stays each year

Officials highlighted the sector’s contribution to hotels, restaurants, transport, commerce, real estate and leisure businesses throughout the region.

International recognition for Costa Blanca golf

The ACGCBCV, founded in 1992, is recognised as Spain’s oldest golf course association and currently represents 25 golf courses, over 60 accommodation partners and more than 120 tourism-related businesses.

The organisation has helped position the Costa Blanca as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations, particularly among British, Scandinavian and northern European visitors seeking year-round sunshine and sporting tourism.

The association previously received international recognition as “Best Golf Destination Europe” from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Salvador Lucas re-elected president

During the assembly, Salvador Lucas was re-elected as president of the association, reinforcing continuity within the organisation as it continues promoting golf tourism internationally.

The event was also attended by regional tourism secretary José Manuel Camarero, tourism director Israel Martínez and representatives from the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and Altea City Council.

Growing role in Costa Blanca tourism strategy

Golf tourism has become increasingly important for Mediterranean destinations seeking to extend visitor activity beyond the peak summer season.

Industry representatives noted that golf travellers typically generate higher-than-average tourism spending while supporting year-round employment across accommodation, hospitality and tourism services.

The Costa Blanca currently remains one of Spain’s strongest golf tourism markets due to its climate, infrastructure, airport connectivity and concentration of internationally recognised golf courses.

🌴 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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