The Costa del Sol is planing to re shape its future as a top tourist destination to compete with the ever changing faces of the world tourism market.
The Internet has created a more "self service traveler " , cheap flights, and a move away from the package holiday has prompted the Costa del Sol and Spain in general to rethink its strategy for the future.
The Junta de Andalucia ( The Andalucian Government )plans to invest some 335 Millions Euros over the next four years to renovate the different tourism sectors such as improving the environment, modernise tourism companies, work towards sustainable tourism and recuperate the cultural identities of various tourist destinations.
There where some 8.5 Million visitors to the Costa del Sol in 2003, this figure is now around 9.2 Million and rising, the income amount for the year 2006 was estimated at 8.058 Million Euros.
The principle entry point of most tourists to the Costa del Sol is through Malaga airport, in 2006 there where a total of 6.5 million visitors as apposed to 5.7 in 2003. Passengers from the UK are still in the majority with a figure of some 2.5 million last year alone.
The Costa del Sol as an international destination has lost some ground, although the loss has been replaced in part by the rise in National tourism. One of the big changes we can all see has been the renovation of the hotel sector. The Costa del Sol now offers some 435 Hotels with over 145.000 beds, the quality of the hotel has undoubtedly increased with this major renovation.
Although there was in fact a small drop in the number of Hotel occupancy rates due to the increase in residential tourism it has in now gained some ground as the do it yourself property rental market is slowing down.
People come to Spain for the climate, to relax and enjoy themselves, the beaches and its culture and staying one step ahead of market trends and investing wisely by the local and regional authorities will undoubtedly improve the infrastructure and image of the Costa del Sol for both tourists and residents alike and keep it as one of Europe's favourite tourist destination for many years to come.
Gary
