Spain boost as more visit, stay longer and spend more
By Kevin Barnett, 26 Oct 2011
Spain is heading for a return to tourism domination as the 2011 visitor figures soar towards a record 57 million, boosted by higher numbers of independent travellers staying in rented accommodation along their favourite Costas.
80% of tourists now book their own flights and accommodation. Average stay in owned apartments or rented villas is now 15 days – twice that of hotels, who have had record occupancy in 2011. Average stay rose two percent and more people came from the UK than any other country.
There are now 370,000 Brits living full-time officially in Spain, drawn by the California climate, cheap food and drink, fiesta lifestyle and above average life expectancy. 1,000s more are planning to join them after Britain came bottom in a survey to find the best place to live. The summer city riots have influenced 1,00s more to quit the UK.
A Lloyds TSB survey found 67% of Brits living in Spain “had no plans to return to Britain” and 74% claimed quality of life was better. The survey found 87% of Brits felt safer in Spain “which is a better place to bring up kids”.
Commenting on the latest official survey, a spokesman for the Spanish Government said: “We could end this year with 57 million tourists visiting our country. The figures so far show an increase of 8.5%.”
Holidaymakers stay an average of 11 days and spend EUR 90 a day, with more than half going on transport, excursions and eating out.
Many northern Europeans combine property viewing trips with a few days on the beach or golf course, according to Spanish bank specialist PropertyInSpain.Net as a well planned itinerary allows time for both. A spokesman said: “One buyer chose the property, completed the sale 10 days later and moved in for a longer stay.”
Tourism investment in Spain is at record levels with EUR 2 billion being spent on a Paramount Hollywood theme park, rail links and five new hotels in Costa Calida, where a new international airport opens next year. A EUR 400M super marina is planned for the Costa del Sol and a Seaside Railway could link beach resorts to Malaga Airport.
IMAGE: Spain, a good place to live for families
Spanish Property News from PropertyInSpain.Net