With the 2016 data yet to be released, Eurostat suggests that 259.6 million nights were spent at tourist accommodation establishments in 2014 – a figure that establishes Spain as Europe’s most popular tourist destination. This is good news for Spain and tourist boards can expect to see a year-on-year visitor increase of 25% – according to the Association of British Travel Agents – and seal its place as the leading tourist destination for Western Europe.
The Spanish government claim that over 9.6m tourists arrived in July alone, which is an 11% increase on 2015. The regions to most benefit from this surge were Barcelona, famed for its architecture and fierce Catalan culture, the Balearics, the Costa Del Sol and the Canaries. It is reported that nearly 2.5m of visitors to Spain came from Britain in July.
Ibiza is one destination that seems to increase in popularity each year. Aside from changes to yacht charter regulations, which makes sailing through the Balearic Islands easier, the destination is increasing touristic infrastructure to accommodate for increasing demand. A runway increase of 80,000m2 has recently been approved to cater for up to 120 private jet landing per day.Between July 2014 and July 2015, approximately 8.5 millions passengers passed through Gatwick Airport on their way to Spain, a rise of roughly 12.2%.
The result of this increased demand is that many luxury Ibiza villa rentals are completely booked up well into late September and into October.
Three villas that are still available in 2016:
- Villa Cardona – sleeps 14. Price: POA.
- Villa Lomas – sleeps 8. Price: from €6,500/week.
- Villa Acai – sleeps 8. Price: from €10,400.
Many Spanish resorts are preparing for a much longer summer season with booking for October also hitting record highs. Many beach resorts that normally close during the Autumn when the weather starts to get cooler are now staying open. This also offers tourists the opportunity to experience much more of Spanish culture than simply enjoying cocktails on a beach.
To book one of our luxury villas in Ibiza, please contact a member of our highly trained staff and we will do all we can to ensure you see Spain in a new light.