BIG BUSINESS

VALENTIN E’S DAY and the Benidorm Fest gave the sector a boost this month, allowing it to face spring with good prospects. Forecasts for the second fortnight are already above 65 per cent in almost the entire Valencian region.

Spring is just around the corner, and the pleasant, stable, sunny weather we are enjoying is leading to a significant increase in hotel reservations in all destinations in the Valencian Community, both nationally and internationally.

More than half of the tourists in the Valencian Community who stay in ho­ tels come from abroad, up to 60 per cent in the case of the Costa Blanca. Even in Castellón, international tourism is also taking off and already accounts for a 25 per cent market share.

Among the strengths, there is expansion of the markets of origin. Although the British are still important in the Benidorm area (36 per cent), there is an additional 15 per cent dis ­ tributed among other nationalities that are gradually growing. This expanded portfolio of markets is very significant both in Alicante and on the Costa Blanca and Valencia