Alicante’s State Labor Union, known as Uepal, has aligned with the Generalitat’s plan to prioritize the El Altet airport. This move is part of a broader effort to secure a direct link with the Valencian Community and to elevate the region as a gateway for travel to the United States. The initiative gains momentum as the Autonomous Administration undertakes a mission to New York this week, aiming to position the Valencian Community as a preferred tourism destination for American visitors.
The proposal is supported by Cesar Quintanilla, who represents the Provincial Supporters Association (Provia). He views this step as a strategic component of the sector’s internationalization goals, designed to boost cross-border commerce and tourism ties.
Quintanilla emphasized that the Alicante-Elche airport serves not only hotel-based tourism but also residential tourism. He noted a growing interest from U.S. travelers who seek a combined experience of living and vacationing in the region. This trend is expected to strengthen connectivity between the state and Europe, while simultaneously benefiting other sectors of the Valencian economy through improved mobility and tourism demand.
In this context, Provia argues that El Altet is the best option for capitalizing on residential tourism from the United States and for leveraging its strong links with other European destinations. The airport currently offers more than one hundred direct routes to major European cities, reinforcing its role as a hub for international travel in the area.
Geared toward a broader market, the message from Uepal and local governments is to unite efforts and enable policymakers to pursue this alternative. The aim is to open the Costa Blanca to American visitors, acknowledging rising interest among U.S. citizens to explore the region and enjoy its natural and cultural assets. This expanded access is also expected to enhance the Valencian Community’s competitive position in the U.S. market for the industrial sector, according to the head of cooperation.
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During the latest meeting with the president of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Baño, Uepal pressed for collaboration on preparing a report that supports the request. The objective is to confirm that the Elche-Alicante airport best serves the target destinations and could prove beneficial for the Valencian Community as a whole.
From Quintanilla’s perspective, multiple industrial sectors in the region rely on the United States as a primary driver. This reliance helps justify ongoing ties with that market and reinforces the strategic importance of connecting air travel to regional economic activity.
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Quintanilla also noted that establishing direct links to North America would be a plus for the region’s internationalization policies. He argued that the Valencian Community is already a European reference point, and stronger connections to North America would amplify its visibility and appeal to international investors and travelers alike.