Hoteliers and restauranteurs along the Costa del Sol have been busy appraising the figures for Semana Santa and the overall verdict is ‘not very good’.The average hotel occupancy along the Costa del Sol was around 67% with peaks of 80% on the major procession days. In view of recent tourist trends, the figures are ‘more than expected’ but ‘less than wanted’.
The weather is thought to have had an impact on the number of visitors to the area as has the fact that, as Easter was fairly early this year, many people chose snow and skiing over sand and sunbathing.
The general economic situation has also been a major factor. Even where the influx of tourists has been high, spending has been a lot lower than in the past. Restaurant owners in Málaga say that this is the worst Easter for ten years as far as business goes.
National tourism continues to increase but, as is happening everywhere these days, the economic situation is having its effect. People generally have less disposable income and habits are changing in order to adapt to the new reality. In the past, the Spanish tourist would tend to eat out all the time, but not any more, they just can’t afford it.
In Nerja, the hoteliers have reported an overall 97% occupancy rate during the holiday week, figures which seem to buck the general trend.