Questions linger about a potential link between Benidorm Fest and the San Remo Festival. The Generalitat has begun exploratory discussions to explore cooperation avenues that could connect the Benidorm event with the Italian festival. A delegation from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, along with Benidorm City Council led by Mayor Toni Pérez and RTVE, is currently in Italy to conduct multiple meetings with festival organizers.
Following the successful third edition of Benidorm Fest, which yielded strong impact data, the focus has shifted to studying how the Italian festival operates and identifying opportunities for collaboration that could amplify the reach and effect of both events. The Generalitat has made clear its aim to boost the festival’s visibility on the international stage and to showcase the Valencian Community as a premier tourist destination.
In fact, Nuria Montes, the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, confirmed in a recent briefing the government’s continued support for Benidorm Fest and the potential incorporation of a distinctive branding strategy to further promote Benidorm and the wider Valencian Community. The overarching objective is to elevate the event’s profile by possibly partnering with a festival that already commands substantial international attention, such as the Sanremo Song Festival.
Italian representative selection
The delegation’s visit aligns with the festival schedule. The Italian process begins at the Ariston Theatre on a Wednesday and culminates with Italy’s Eurovision entrant being chosen on the following Saturday. The Italian format shares notable similarities with Benidorm Fest, including three premiere rounds and audience participation through television, with live coverage available on RTVE Play during these days.
Live Gala
The Valencian delegation will tour the Ariston Theatre on Thursday to gain an in-depth understanding of the gala’s organization. The second gala will feature performances by 15 artists, while technical discussions will continue with the festival team to explore future cooperative possibilities that could extend to other events.
Recent audience data underline the festival’s impact: 1.97 million viewers watched the Benidorm Fest final on TVE last Saturday, accounting for a 16.6% share. Compared with 2023, the final saw 90,000 more viewers. The event reached audiences in 25 countries, and the final premiere generated 187,932 social posts on Twitter, with audiences engaging across multiple platforms. These outcomes are powered by the collaboration agreement between the Generalitat and RTVE through Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, which supports ongoing promotion of the festival and the region.