A "satisfactory" year for Marbella

3 January 2014

This year has been classified as “quite satisfactory” regarding tourism according to Marbella’s town council. The year ends with an increase of 6% in number of tourists to Marbella. José Luis Hernández pointed out that the tourism policies of the town, together with the efforts of the private sector, have helped increase the overall figures and enhance the overall brand reputation of the town. The municipal delegate of Tourism, José Luis Hernández, has described the year ending tomorrow as "satisfactory". The number of tourists arriving in Marbella has grown by 6% and by 8% in overnight stays. Hernandez has highlighted the growth in all international markets which has offset "by far" the decrease in numbers of Spanish tourists, which has been significant in the whole of the country’s destinations.

The increases range between 6% of tourists from Belgium, 7% from Britain, 8% from Germany, 10% from Norse countries, 12% from Arab destinations and 50% from Russia. He has also pointed out that the peak season has lasted up to November from March “when during previous years, peak season started to dwindle down in October”. In addition, the tourism market was shared 50-50 between national and international tourists during previous years, but this year the international tourist market figures have transferred to up to 75%. In regards to brand reputation, the councilman has stressed that there is a continual “strengthening”, not only in the international media such as Hello, Sunday Times or Paris Match but also in Spanish newspapers and television. On the other hand, during 2013, steps have been taken to begin developing the Chinese tourism market, which is forecasted to be “very important for our town of Marbella”. Hernández said that contacts were opened during the last edition of Fitur and that press and tourism professionals from Hong Kong and Canton have arrived as part of a travel familiarization transfer process. Malaga airport remains the gateway to Marbella.