by sectors
Real estate saw a surge as the post-quarantine market opened doors wide. The wave of home buying and selling created space for 600 new establishments and related firms, bringing the total in the province to 12,669. The rise extended to sanitary facilities with nearly 230 additional venues, reaching 6,412; and personal services — including hairdressers and beauty salons — grew to 7,166 stores, a gain of 397.
Tourism, once hit hardest by restrictions, shows a strong rebound. The sector has rebuilt and now hosts more open venues than in 2020, with 14,687 eateries and food and beverage spots operating today, reflecting growth in opening hours and seasonal demand. The Alicante Restaurant Association notes a robust summer and weekend scene, while acknowledging ongoing fragility during weekdays and colder seasons due to higher operating costs and shifting consumer patterns.
Entrepreneurs have expanded beyond individual shops. Over the past two years, more franchise models have emerged, drawn by industry liquidity and investment opportunities. This trend offers an alternative path amid rising e-commerce pressures that challenge traditional street retail.
Thus, compared with other sectors, shopping centers began 2022 with numbers still below pre-pandemic levels. The directory shows retail businesses at 24,869 in 2022, down slightly from 25,152 in 2020, a figure that has not improved much despite broader economic recovery.
Industry groups point to overall costs and external shocks. They highlight the need for targeted support as energy prices and other expenses squeeze operations, especially for high-consumption businesses like bakeries and butchers. Some associations advocate for direct relief and liquidity options to help firms cope with the current environment.
The province also demonstrates a capacity to diversify production and attract innovative companies. This entrepreneurial energy is seen as a counterbalance to gaps in public investment, helping to keep the regional economy vibrant and interconnected with neighboring markets.
Tourism remains a key driver, with the state of Alicante reaching a new milestone by surpassing 812,800 employed individuals for the first time. This achievement underlines the sector’s resilience and its vital role in sustaining regional growth amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Bar and pub terraces in Alicante’s Plaza de Luceros.
In summary, while some segments faced persistent pressure, the overall economic fabric of Alicante shows strength through real estate activity, a growing services landscape, and a resilient tourism sector that continues to attract investment and entrepreneurial activity across the province.