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Valencian Government Hails Benidorm Fest as Major Boost for Tourism and Economic Growth

Valencia / 15 February 2026

The Valencian Government has reaffirmed its strong backing for Benidorm Fest, highlighting the event’s growing importance as a driver of tourism, economic activity and international visibility for both Benidorm and the wider Valencian Community.

Marián Cano, Regional Minister for Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, attended the grand final of Benidorm Fest 2026 and described the competition as a “strategic opportunity to showcase the organisational, creative and tourism strength of the Valencian Community to the world.”

Driving Tourism Beyond Peak Season

Minister Cano stressed that Benidorm Fest has evolved far beyond a televised music competition.

“The festival is firmly establishing itself as an event that stimulates local activity, attracts visitors, enhances the image of the Valencian Community and helps diversify our tourism offer,” she said.

She underlined that the event delivers particular value during the off-season, significantly increasing visitor numbers and generating tangible returns for hotels, restaurants, retailers and service providers.

The Minister added that the regional government remains committed to initiatives that successfully combine culture, leisure and tourism promotion, helping to build a sustainable model based on diversification and year-round experiences linked to entertainment and the creative industries.

National Music Showcase

Cano also highlighted the festival’s role as a leading platform within Spain’s music and audiovisual industries.

“Benidorm Fest places the Valencian Community at the centre of the national music scene during the week of the event,” she said, pointing to the significant media exposure generated through RTVE’s live broadcasts.

Beyond the televised galas, the city-wide programming has further strengthened the festival’s impact. Concerts, DJ sessions and open-air activities have created a vibrant atmosphere across Benidorm, broadening engagement and ensuring the entire municipality benefits from the event.

A City-Wide Celebration

Benidorm Fest 2026 featured 18 competing artists and appearances from major names including Paloma San Basilio, Luz Casal and Abraham Mateo, alongside previous winners Melody, Chanel, Blanca Paloma and Nebulossa.

Meanwhile, the popular Fan Zone hosted performances and activities for all ages, reinforcing the festival’s position as a cultural event that actively involves the city while enhancing its national and international projection.

With growing attendance, extensive media coverage and clear economic impact, the Valencian Government has positioned Benidorm Fest as a cornerstone of its strategy to strengthen tourism and cultural promotion across the region.

🌴 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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Valencian Government Hails Benidorm Fest as Major Boost for Tourism and Economic Growth

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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