Another record breaker! Spanish tourism levels hit new heights
- Tourist spending up 6.5% to €63 billion in 2014 (PM Rajoy)
- Booming tourism benefits construction, particularly on the Costa Blanca (Taylor Wimpey España)
- Tourism now accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP (PM Rajoy)
Spain is celebrating a record year of tourism, having welcomed nearly 65 million foreign visitors in 2014. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that between them visitors spent an impressive €63 billion, up 6.5% on the previous year.
Tourism accounts for 10.9% of Spain’s GDP, according to the PM, generating 1 in every 9 jobs. Prime Minister Rajoy has stressed the area’s importance, saying it is, “a strategic sector for both the present and the future of our economy.”
The impact of the record-breaking year has been felt far and wide across Spain, with the country’s tourism minister recognising it as, “one of the key sectors in Spain’s economic recovery.”
Executive Vice president of Exceltur, José Luis Zoreda, comments,
“Tourism is leading the generation of net employment, closing 2014 with 53,213 enrolled in Social Security, 4.1% more than in 2013.”
He adds that tourism has given a boost to several related sectors, including commerce and construction. It is something that Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has observed as well. He comments,
“Rising visitor numbers are great news for Spain’s construction sector. Certainly here at Taylor Wimpey España we have noticed strong demand for luxury holiday properties from buyers hailing from a wide range of countries. Spain has such an enchanting effect on so many people that they want to come back again and again, so buying a second home here is the perfect solution.”
The Costa Blanca is one of the areas to have benefited from Spain’s booming tourism trade. The Mayor of Calpe, César Sánchez, has highlighted the area’s cuisine and beaches as two of the leading reasons for its success and Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard is certainly in agreement.
“We selected Calpe as one of the most beautiful and desirable areas of the Costa Blanca and our influx of buyers have shown that it was the right choice. Our charming Calpesol development, where three bedroom houses are for sale from €179,500, has only two properties left available. Our other Calpe site, Montesol, has proven equally popular, with just three townhouses left, priced from €249,000. The area’s blend of excellent food, good wine, stunning scenery and family friendly beach is a truly winning combination.”
Though it is early in 2015 to be predicting another record year for Spanish tourism, indications are that the figures should once more be good. Ryanair has reflected its confidence in the Spanish market by confirming that it will offer a total of 26 routes into and out of Valencia this summer, totalling 121 flights per week from that airport alone.
With its winning combination of sun, sand and sangria, Spain is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but it seems that the powers that be are not taking anything for granted and are working hard to ensure that the Spanish experience is one that delights visitors from across the world.
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.